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The show that uncovers why materials science will change the world.
Episodes
Monday Aug 09, 2021
Monday Aug 09, 2021
Few materials in our world gather so much interest and excitement from the scientific community as carbon nanotubes. Their simple structure, yet wide range of mechanical and electrical properties, make them useful in biomedicine, the internet of things, and even quantum computing. While CNTs have already revolutionized materials science, their true potential is yet to be discovered.
Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our MSE-themed merchandise if you want to support us or simply show off your love of materials science!
Today’s guest is Dr. Mark Hersam, a Materials Science and Engineering professor at Northwestern University. In this episode, he dives into the world of carbon nanotubes.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- The manufacturing of carbon nanotubes
- Using carbon nanotubes in biochemical processes
- The cost and waste in CNT manufacturing
- Carbon nanotubes in fiber optics
- How can CNTs improve energy storage?
- Carbon nanotubes in the Internet of Things
- Will CNTs lead to personal quantum computing?
Special thanks to Matmatch for sponsoring this episode! Visit their website at www.matmatch.com
Also, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday Jul 19, 2021
Monday Jul 19, 2021
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are buzzwords that have infiltrated the materials science space, as many believe these tools will change the field as we know it. We’ve seen previous guests strongly recommend learning about ML models in order to become more efficient materials scientists, but with that, we have to realize the limitations of ML and AI as well.
Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Today’s guest is Chris Borg, Research Scientist at Citrine Informatics. In this episode, he explains materials informatics and applications of machine learning in MSE.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- What is materials informatics?
- The limitations of machine learning and artificial intelligence
- How ML can facilitate improved materials selection
- Will machine learning ever fully replace materials scientists?
- The challenge of differentiating “good” and “bad” data points
- The process of using AI in MSE-related applications
- Machine learning advice for future materials engineers
Reach out to Chris:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckborg/
Special thanks to Matmatch for sponsoring this episode! Visit their website at www.matmatch.com.
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday Jul 12, 2021
Monday Jul 12, 2021
As more people around the world get vaccinated against the COVID-19, we can fully appreciate the people working in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Developing such a remedy in this short amount of time, while maintaining high-quality standards, would have been impossible a few decades ago. And with more advances in this field, we can expect even faster, more reliable, and customizable products.
Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Johnson Matthey! Check out their biocatalyst products for pharmaceuticals: https://matthey.com/en/products-and-services/pharmaceutical-and-medical/catalysts/biocatalysts?q=
Today’s guest is Dr. Sally Kline, Head of Materials Science at Genentech. In this episode, she talks materials in the biotechnology field.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- The recycling and breakdown of biodegradable materials (6:36)
- The development process of a drug (10:48)
- Materials of the pharmaceutical world (17:38)
- Challenges of high quality mass production (23:56)
- How A.I. is helping biotechnology (31:53)
- The skills necessary to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry (39:07)
- Polymer innovation in biotechnology (42:15)
Reach out to Dr. Sally Kline:
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday Jul 05, 2021
Monday Jul 05, 2021
Being an astronaut has been the dream of a generation of scientists and engineers. The International Space Station is home to remarkable experiments that could never be done on Earth. Understanding the behavior of materials under microgravity will determine the successes and failures of future space explorations.
Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Today’s guest is Dr. Sandy Magnus, a former NASA astronaut and now a Professor of the Practice at Georgia Tech. In this episode, she discusses her experiences in space and how material properties differ in a microgravity environment vs. on Earth.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- Astronaut training and what space is like (5:23)
- The routine of a scientist in space (9:02)
- How fluids behave drastically different in zero gravity (11:30)
- Food in space: the danger of potato chips (15:17)
- The design and materials of a space shuttle (19:26)
- The Columbia accident (25:24)
- Powering the International Space Station (30:06)
- Roadblocks on the way to Mars (36:21)
- 3D-printing in microgravity (44:25)
Reach out to Dr. Magnus:
Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Matmatch! Check out their vast database: www.matmatch.com
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday Jun 28, 2021
Monday Jun 28, 2021
As old as civilization itself, sports are an essential part of our lives. Through the centuries it has been greatly affected by technology, and every major scientific breakthrough meant new records being made. Companies use the best materials available to improve casual and professional athletes’ performance, pushing boundaries in the heavily regulated industry that is sports competition. But can innovation ever be too good?
Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Today’s guest is Dr. Kim B. Blair, Vice President of Re:Build Manufacturing. In this episode, he explains the ups and downs of sports innovation.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- Baseball: innovating a classic (2:00)
- Carbon fiber: from aerospace to sports (3:55)
- How Golf leads innovation (9:57)
- Can innovation be too good? (19:42)
- How Apolo Ohno’s fame put him at a disadvantage (23:04)
- The incorporation of wearables in sports (30:34)
- Collaboration between industry and sports companies (41:00)
Reach out to Dr. Blair:
- https://www.sportsengineering.org/
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday Jun 21, 2021
Monday Jun 21, 2021
Because of advances in medicine, life expectancy increased by 30 years on average over the last 70 years. As treatments get more complex and incisive, the materials we choose to put inside our bodies are very important in the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Nitinol is one of those incredible materials. With its shape memory and superelasticity properties, it can be applied in as many places as our creativity goes!
Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Today’s guest is Dr. Jerald Redmond, Sr. Engineering Program Manager at Medtronic Spine & Biologics. In this episode, he goes in-depth about the science behind Nitinol and its applications.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- Nitinol in cardiovascular stents (4:48)
- Shape memory and superelasticity (10:30)
- The history of Materials science and Nitinol (15:01)
- Principles of biocompatibility (20:54)
- Bone Staples (30:50)
- Challenges of Nitinol in future applications (39:24)
Reach out to Jerald Redmond:
Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Johnson Matthey! To check out their latest news, visit www.matthey.com.
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Soft robotics, due to their adaptability and restorative properties, have the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetic limbs. The use of elastomers creates an element of versatility, which is why these organic robots are also used for space exploration and long-distance underwater exploration!
Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Today’s guest is Dr. Rob Shepherd, a professor at Cornell University and co-founder of the Organic Robotics Corporation. In this episode, he goes in depth about the materials science principles behind soft robots and discusses their many applications.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- The polymer science behind organic robots
- Why soft robots are being incorporated into prosthetic limbs
- The comparison between elastomers and shape memory alloys
- Challenges that the organic robots field is currently facing
- Future underwater exploration on Jupiter’s moon, Europa
- Advice for MSEs who wants to do research in soft robotics
Reach out to Dr. Shepherd:
Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Matmatch! To check out their vast database, visit www.matmatch.com.
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Materials engineers can often take inspiration from nature to develop the next generation of materials. For instance, spider silk’s mechanical properties are so exceptional that many scientists have attempted to create a synthetic equivalent, but few have succeeded. Our guest today explains the difficulty behind creating bio-inspired materials while also discussing his vast array of product development experiences.
Before we introduce our guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Today’s guest is Mitch Heinrich, a seasoned designer that worked for Google, Bolt Threads and is now at Checkerspot. In this episode, he talks about his experiences in design and innovation, and how to make new ideas become a reality.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- The innovator mindset (4:29)
- Innovations in wind turbine technology (5:33)
- The difficulty of manufacturing synthetic spider silk (11:13)
- Making tough decisions during the innovation process (16:26)
- Materials behind the Google Smart Contact Lens for diabetes patients (23:35)
- The materials science of Google’s Self Driving Car (36:22)
- Innovating sustainable materials and its public appeal (40:09)
- Advice for any MSE entering the product development space (48:22)
Reach out to Mitch:
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday May 31, 2021
Monday May 31, 2021
In a not-so-distant future, every car, building and screen will be what we now consider science fiction technology. Smart glasses are very real, innovating car designs, window technology, and affecting more than just lighting conditions. Their applications will impact the environment and society by better controlling temperature, saving energy and even reducing the incidence of skin cancer.
Before we introduce our guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
Today’s guest is Joe Harary, CEO of Research Frontiers, Inc. In this episode, he explains what makes a smart glass, its development, challenges in manufacturing, and why it will impact the future of humankind.
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- What is a smart glass? (2:38)
- What makes the SPD glass unique (5:58)
- The benefits of smart glass (8:09)
- The smart future of architecture (16:42)
- Costs and challenges of smart glass (19:41)
- The science and development of SPD glass (23:55)
- Future applications of smart glass (29:40)
Reach out to Research Frontiers:
- https://www.smartglass.com/
- info@smartglass.com
Special thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Johnson Matthey! Be sure to check out their fascinating innovations in the glass space.
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
In politics, warfare, and the environment, nuclear materials generate great impact in our lives. The public fears nuclear technology, but nuclear energy is one of the most reliable sources of clean power, and it will lead the transition towards the sustainable energy future of humankind.
Today’s guest is Dr. Liz Kautz, a Materials Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. In this episode, Dr. Kautz guides us through the fundamentals of nuclear energy, the materials that make it happen, how to manage nuclear waste and much more!
In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:
- What are nuclear materials? (1:02)
- The purpose of cladding materials in nuclear reactors (2:51)
- Fusion and fission nuclear reactions (5:21)
- What makes an alloy a Nuclear alloy? (9:12)
- The bad reputation of nuclear power (11:39)
- Why are Uranium fuels special? (16:00)
- The impact of nuclear on society (24:00)
- The future of nuclear reactors (29:05)
Reach out to Dr. Liz Kautz:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kautz-69992214
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.