Superheroes of Science

Superheroes of Science

By Purdue College of ScienceScienceEducation
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Superheroes of Science episodes

  • Going green from the roof down: Green Roof install

    Green roofs are utilized to create habitat, promote health and well-being, reduce stormwater runoff, protect buildings, and conserve energy! John Aleck from LiveRoof joins us to discuss the installation process for green roofs and explain how green roofs are evolving to become more sustainable.

    15 min
  • Designing the Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure of the Future

    Wastewater has become a commodity and it's being used in many different ways around the globe! Most wastewater infrastructure throughout the United States is nearing the end of its life and communities are looking at rebuilding systems that have been in place for decades. Leisha Pica is with Jacobs Engineering where she serves as both a Global Technology Leader for Wastewater Technology, and a licensed professional civil engineer. Pica works on many projects that seek to transform aging wastewater treatment plants into new, useful, innovative, and cost effective facilities of the future!

    36 min
  • YOU are Wired to Learn Through Stories

    Studies have shown that when students are connected with their peers, the process of learning new things becomes easier. Collaborative opportunities within a classroom tend to help students learn better than when the classroom emphasis is based on a competition model. Curtis Kelly, Professor at Kansai University in Japan, is passionate about using research and trends in brain science to help his students unlock their potential as learners.

    48 min
  • Ancient Pollen, Dinosaur Tracks, Volcanic Ash Beds: Clues to the Past for Geophysicists

    Ken Ridgway tells us that in order to understand how the world works, we have to be able to study sedimentary rocks, and looking at an active area now helps us see what might have happened in the past. He sets up camp in active earthquake areas of Alaska and intensively researches the sedimentary rocks to discover clues to the past and make connections to today's world. Ken Ridgway is a researcher and Professor of Geology and Geophysics in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University.

    23 min
  • Understanding and Preventing Invasive Species

    Do your favorite pastimes involve water? Boaters, anglers, water gardeners, even classroom aquariums carry the potential to spread invasive species. Greg Hitzroth is an Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Specialist with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and Illinois Natural History Survey. Greg helps us to better understand the meaning behind invasive species, and provides many best practice guidelines for preventing the spread of invasive species while still enjoying the water.

    Prevention campaigns: http://www.transportzero.org/

    Promotes both Be A Hero – Transport Zero (boaters and anglers) and Be A Hero - Release Zero (aquariums, water gardens, classrooms, etc.)

    Water garden, classroom and aquarium resources: http://takeaim.org/

    Aquarium brochures:

    http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Aquarium_Animal_Brochure.pdf

    http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Aquarium_Plant_Wallet_Card.pdf

    Water garden brochures: http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Water_Garden_Animal_Brochure.pdf

    http://takeaim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Whats_In_Your_Water_Garden_Plant_Wallet_Card.pdf

    44 min
  • Respectfully Blending Indigenous Knowledge with Western Science
    How do we blend Indigenous knowledge with Western science in a respectful way, and ensure that members of Indigenous communities are included in the decision making, classroom teaching, and current policies at the University level? Traditionally, many underrepresented groups have been left out of the US educational system. Purdue University has been very proactive in reaching out to Native American students and their communities in order to build partnership, trust, and make positive connections. Dr. Ken Ridgway is a Professor of Geology and Geophysics in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. Dr. Ridgway's research group meets with members of Native communities to find out what their needs are, asking questions like "What's important for your community and how can we accomplish this in a respectful way?" When done in a mindful and respectful way, scientific research can help to preserve the culture of these communities. Dr. Ridgway explains that as Native American graduate students succeed and find careers at the University level, this is how we slowly change American Universities to better represent all of society.
    30 min
  • What's up with microplastics, pharmaceuticals in the water, and where are they coming from?
    Microplastics are small plastics that end up in our environment. But how do they get there and what kind of issues do they create? Sarah Zack is a Pollution Prevention Extension Specialist at the University of Illinois and with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant program. Sarah joins up to discuss and explain what science currently understands about microplastics. We also discussed pharmaceuticals in the water and ways to reduce our impact on environmental issues.
    42 min
  • What is the Richter Scale and how a logarithmic scale works

    Dr. Nowack returns to help us understand just how a logarithmic scale works. In today's episode, we discussed the Richter Scale, Powers of Ten, and How Babies Count. Dr. Robert Nowack is a Professor of Geophysics in the Dept. of Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University.

    45 min
  • Avoiding Injury: Is it just soreness or something more serious?

    The start of a new year can be an exciting time for setting goals related to personal health and fitness. These goals may include starting, or possibly continuing, an exercise or fitness routine. Scott Lawrance, Clinical Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology and Director of Athletic Training Education at Purdue University, cautions us to be wary of programs that promise everything and reminds us that building sustainable habits requires a long-term commitment. One of the biggest benefits to establishing a routine that works for you? Maintaining that routine requires much less effort than what was needed at the beginning!

    40 min
  • Top Tips from Purdue Registered Dietitian for Positive Nutrition Changes

    Looking to make a change in your health? We found an expert and discussed nutrition, goals, diets, and advice for safely making changes to your daily routine that can lead to long-term positive habits. Adam Huffield is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength, and Conditioning Specialist, and a Senior Lecturer in the Departments of Nutrition Science and Health and Kinesiology at Purdue University.

    43 min

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