In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore how K–12 robotics programs are igniting a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by giving students hands-on opportunities to design, build, and problem-solve in real time. 

This conversation with Colleen Shaver, the director of the Robotics Resource Center at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, highlights how the university supports this growing pipeline—from mentoring elementary through high school teams and providing in-person and virtual resources to creating a natural next step for students drawn to robotics and innovation. 

Aimed at prospective college students and parents, this episode breaks down why robotics is such a powerful gateway to future careers and how WPI helps students turn early curiosity into real-world impact.

Related Links:

Robotics Resource Center

OpenSTEM

Robotics Competitions and Awards

 

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we celebrate 100 years since the “Father of Modern Rocketry,” Robert Goddard (Class of 1908), conducted the first successful launch of a liquid-fueled rocket, a development that opened the door to space exploration. 

Nikolaos Gatsonis, professor and head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, and John Blandino, professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, explain why Goddard’s 1926 launch in Auburn, Mass., was so groundbreaking. They discuss how Goddard also laid the groundwork for the future development of another form of propulsion, electric propulsion for spacecraft. 

Gatsonis and Blandino describe how electric propulsion is used widely by vehicles in space today and how WPI faculty and students are conducting research and working on projects that seek to further advance electric propulsion technology, which is one way Goddard’s legacy lives on at WPI. 

Related Links:

WPI Digital Exhibit: Where the Space Age Began: Robert H. Goddard's WPI Student Days

Department of Aerospace Engineering

NASA Dawn Mission

NASA EO-1 (Earth Observing-1 Mission)

NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative

Step inside engineering education in action with Dean on the Scene, featuring Daniel Linzell, the Bernard M. Gordon Dean of Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Instead of a traditional studio interview, this episode takes listeners on a walking tour across campus—through labs, collaborative spaces, and student project environments—offering a firsthand look at how ideas become real-world solutions. Along the way, Dean Linzell shares his journey from nationally recognized structural engineer and National Science Foundation leader to his new role at WPI, reflecting on innovation, experiential learning, and the future of engineering education.

 

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore NASCAR racing from an engineer’s perspective. 

Phil Surgen, director of technology for Trackhouse Racing, former crew chief for NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, and a 2004 Worcester Polytechnic Institute mechanical engineering graduate, discusses the role of engineering, technology, and teamwork in competing at the highest level of stock car racing. 

Surgen talks about how data and simulators inform his team’s efforts, career opportunities for engineers in NASCAR, how his work as a student on WPI’s long-running Formula SAE race car program provided him with valuable experience, and what it’s like to work on a race team with three cars competing in NASCAR.

This episode is part one of a two-part feature on Surgen. You can read more about the WPI alum’s work in auto racing in the spring 2026 issue of WPI Journal.

Related links:

WPI Formula SAE 

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Major Qualifying Projects

 

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore the role of engineering in safe skiing and ski racing, and design improvements in athletic equipment that could help prevent ACL injuries, which are common in skiing and other sports. 

Christopher Brown, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, director of WPI’s sports engineering laboratory, former collegiate All-American ski racer, and former collegiate and youth ski coach, discusses the research he does with students to develop patented sports equipment designed to reduce loads that can lead to injuries like torn ACLs.  

He also shares his insight on how sports science institutes leverage research and technology in the quest for success in international skiing competitions like the Olympics. 

Related links: 

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering 

Major Qualifying Project 

Interactive Qualifying Project 

Sports Engineering, Inc. 

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore the launch of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence—why the demand for specialized AI talent is accelerating, what makes WPI’s approach distinctive, and how the program prepares students to apply AI across disciplines and industries. Featuring faculty leaders behind the degree’s design, the conversation highlights WPI’s project-based learning model, strong industry connections, and the integration of responsible AI practices throughout the curriculum as the university prepares the next generation of AI innovators.

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore why sticking with your money goals is harder than it seems.

Alexander Smith, associate professor in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, explains how personal finance is deeply influenced by behavioral economics, or the psychology of decision-making. He describes how emotions and a focus on short-term goals can make it hard to follow a long-term financial plan, and how commitment devices and tapping into motivation can help.

Smith outlines six essential rules for building wealth and shares why financial self-awareness is just as important as financial literacy.

Aedan Bingham, a student majoring in robotics engineering and economics, also shares his findings from a research project that surveyed college students about what they know and want to know about personal finance. 

The pair discusses how this research is helping to empower students with knowledge about topics including saving, investing, taxes, and credit.

 

Related links:

Alexander Smith’s personal finance website, Follow The 6

“What WPI Students Know about Personal Finance,” by Aedan Bingham

Smith discusses the impact of buy-now-pay-later financing on financial planning in the New York Times

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, Purvi Shah, associate professor in The Business School, explains the marketing strategies behind what you’re seeing in stores and online during the holidays.

From advertising and early-season deals to nostalgia and artificial intelligence, the holidays provide a master class in marketing. Understanding it all can make you an empowered shopper with knowledge to tackle gift buying with ease.

The conversation explores trends including AI tools shoppers can use to save time and money, the role of influencers, and the emotional pull of nostalgia that influences what we buy.

This holiday-themed episode is the second of two during the 2025 season designed to help you shop with confidence. Our previous episode focused on the research behind gift giving.

Related links:

The Business School

Shah explains AI tools to empower shoppers on NBC Boston

Shah explains nostalgic brand love in Food Navigator USA

Have you ever wondered if a gift you gave someone was something they wanted and actually would use? Have you felt the joy of receiving a gift that showed the giver really cares about and knows you? There’s a lot of emotion around gift giving and, thankfully, there’s research about it as well.

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, Farnoush Reshadi, assistant professor in The Business School, discusses her research on consumer behavior and how people make gift-giving decisions. The discussion explores the research that helps explain why gift givers and gift recipients are sometimes on different pages. 

This holiday-themed episode is the first of two during the 2025 holiday season to empower you when you give and when you shop. Our next episode will explore holiday marketing and the strategies you see in stores and online retail sites.

Related links:

The Business School

Reshadi discusses gift giving research in USA Today

Reshadi discusses wealth and gift giving in Yahoo!Finance

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore how a group of Worcester Polytechnic Institute students are making a global impact and connections with a community in Ecuador. As part of a multiple-year project, WPI’s student chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA spent a week in May 2025 working with residents in Shungubug Grande to upgrade their aging water system and address water quality challenges. 

Sophia Gross writes about the experience for an article in WPI Journal, the university’s magazine. Gross and Sarah Gardner, both members of the student organization, join the podcast to reflect on their time in South America, the extracurricular project that allowed them to exercise their engineering and problem-solving skills for the enhancement of society, the lasting memories they made with community members, and what it was like to document the trip for the magazine in writing and photos. 

Also, Kris O’Reilly, editor of WPI Journal, shares a preview of other stories you’ll find in the Fall/Winter 2025 issue of the magazine.

 

Related links:

WPI Student Chapter, Engineers Without Borders USA

Instagram: WPI Student Chapter, Engineers Without Borders USA

WPI Journal, “Engineering a Cultural Connection,” by Sophia Gross 

WPI Journal Fall/Winter 2025 issue 

The Global Lab