Superheroes of Science

Today we chatted with John Rajchert about the application of using far UVC technology to make indoor environments healthier. Rajchert is a native of Sydney Australia with an impressive background in electrical engineering.  He has worked for years making buildings safe and efficient. Today he is a Co-founder and CEO of Lit Thinking and discusses what Far-UVC technology is and how it works. 

We wanted to know a few things about Quantum materials. Who better to ask than Erica W. Carlson, Ph.D., a Professor of Physics at Purdue University. Prof. Carlson holds a BS in Physics from the California Institute of Technology (1994), as well as a Ph.D. in Physics from UCLA (2000). A theoretical physicist at the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, Prof. Carlson researches electronic phase transitions in quantum materials. In 2015, she was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society "for theoretical insights into the critical role of electron nematicity, disorder, and noise in novel phases of strongly correlated electron systems and predicting unique characteristics." Prof. Carlson has been on the faculty at Purdue University since 2003, where she was recently named a "150th Anniversary Professor" in recognition of teaching excellence.  She is a founding member of Innovation in Quantum Pedagogy and its Relation to Culture (IQ-PARC).  Her latest work popularizing science can be found at youtube.com/@TheQuantumAge .

Briony Horgan, Associate Professor of Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, is working to determine whether we are alone in the Universe, or if life once existed on other planets such as Mars. She explains what the Perseverance Rover is doing on Mars, (like looking for ancient microbial life!), and talks about the samples and data that Perseverance is collecting. Briony also discusses a future NASA mission that will focus on returning samples to Earth (Mars Sample Return). 

Dr. Lindsay Weinberg is a clinical assistant professor in the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University, and the Director of the Tech Justice Lab. Her research and teaching are at the intersection of science and technology studies, media studies, and feminist studies, with an emphasis on the social and ethical impacts of digital technology.  

From “writing code” without knowing code to training models, Professor Tianyi Zhang discusses how Machine Learning and A.I. models work and what they are. He is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University researching Human and Computer Interaction.

In an era of increasing cyber threats, Eugene H. Spafford forges our future in the area of cybersecurity.  Dr. Spafford is a Professor of Computer Science in Purdue University’s College of Science. He explains ethical hacking, social engineering, and the role of cybersecurity professionals in our lives.

From how nuclear power works to safety in the industry, Dr. Hitesh Bindra explains nuclear energy.  Hitesh is an Associate Professor at Purdue University’s School of Nuclear Engineering.

Raymond Yeh is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Sciences at Purdue University. His research is at the intersection of machine learning and computer vision. Specifically, his research focuses on developing algorithms to learn effective and explainable models ranging across several domains including audio, vision, language, and multi-agent systems. 

Andres Bejarano began his career wanting to make video games. Today Andres is a computer scientist who is an Assistant Professor of Practice. He researches making natural looking A.I. images and teaches classes at Purdue University.  Automated Algorithm Analysis serves as a powerful tool that enhances the efficiency of computer programs, benefiting humanity in multifaceted ways. At its core, it acts as a digital detective, scrutinizing the inner workings of software to determine how quickly tasks can be accomplished. This vital capability ensures that programs run swiftly and effectively, saving time and resources. The significance of Automated Algorithm Analysis is felt across numerous domains, from healthcare, where it accelerates diagnostic processes, to finance, where it streamlines complex transactions. It aids developers in crafting more efficient software and empowers educators to instill critical problem-solving skills in future computer scientists. Ultimately, this technology plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, making the digital world more responsive, intelligent, and beneficial for all.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Matt Huber, the Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Future. Join us as we delve into the inner workings of this influential institute, exploring its crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. As we navigate the landscape of academia, our conversation takes an intriguing turn toward understanding the tenure process for professors. Dr. Huber sheds light on the intricate journey of how a professor attains tenure, unraveling the criteria, challenges, and significance of this milestone in an academic career.