Finding Genius Podcast

Our planet provides everything for us, and it’s our job to ensure that it is appropriately taken care of. By coming together and creating technology that supports this effort, we will be able to enjoy the resources Earth provides for generations to come.  Manik Suri is the Founder and CEO of Therma , a technology startup with a mission to help preserve our planet, food, and health. Therma fulfills this vision by building “safety and sustainability tools to eliminate food waste, improve energy efficiency, and reduce refrigerant emissions.” Protecting consumers and battling climate change is Manik’s calling – and in this episode, we explore all he is doing to accomplish this goal… Click play to learn about: Why refrigeration is a critical area of infrastructure that is often overlooked, and how Therma is making it more intelligent.  How wireless sensors are making refrigeration more efficient. The importance of refining refrigeration technology, and how it impacts food an...

As technology continues to advance, so does our ability to understand astronomical wonders. With the ongoing innovation of state-of-the-art telescopes, you wouldn’t believe what researchers are discovering…  Chima McGruder joins the podcast today to discuss his fascinating work surrounding planetary science. Chima is a fifth-year graduate student at Harvard University’s Center for Astrophysics, where he examines exoplanet atmospheres. Join us now to hear Chima talk about: The exoplanets that the James Webb Space Telescope has been able to observe. What atmospheric composition can tell us about planetary formation. Theories that exist surrounding planetary formation, and other possible life. Exciting observations on the horizon from the James Webb Space Telescope. What can these discoveries tell us about our universe and the possibility of other life? Researchers like Chima McGruder are on track to finding out! To connect with Chima’s work for yourself, click here and her...

In this episode, we chat with expert astronomer Ori Fox. Ori is a Scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) where he works on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The JWST was launched recently and has already made a plethora of fascinating discoveries using resourceful infrared technology. The JWST images are baffling researchers with fascinating planetary information, and this is only the beginning… Tune in now to uncover: What makes the JWST so special. Where the JWST needs to be positioned so it can collect infrared information.  Analogies that depict the expansive nature of our universe. Exciting missions that the astronomical community is moving toward. Using infrared technology is proving to be an extremely useful way to observe the cosmos. Wondering what scientists are uncovering? Join us now to find out! Click here to find out more about Ori Fox and his work with the James Webb Space Telescope, and get live Twitter updates by following his p...

What are some innovative and creative ways to reduce the negative impacts of human activity on the environment and marine life? This is a question at the center of Juan José Bonello’s work as an environmental scientist and lecturer at Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST) in the central Mediterranean. Tune in to explore: How and why Project IMPACT seeks to identify and characterize microplastics in Maltese waters The cultural, economic, and social importance of the marine environment on the island of Malta Which types of microplastics are most heavily concentrated in Maltese waters How microplastics act as vectors and why this is incredibly problematic Whether areas of high human activity are always associated with high levels of microplastics Techniques for conducting chemical analyses on microplastics Tune in to hear the whole conversation, and visit https://www.projectimpact.mt/ to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple....

In this episode, we sit down with Natalie M. Mahowald, an Earth scientist who is the Irving Porter Church Professor of Engineering at Cornell University. She joins us today to discuss her work surrounding microplastic deposition and the atmospheric transport of biogeochemically-relevant species.   Natalie is interested in exploring how humans impact the environment. With the new issues arising concerning microplastics, she has focused her research on where they come from, and how they are transported throughout the world. In this episode, you will discover: What modeling microplastics can tell us about their source and how they move. The contributing factors of microplastic contamination. How big microplastic particles actually are, and how their size affects their environmental transport. This is the only Earth we have, and if we don’t take proactive steps to take care of it, the damage caused could be irreversible. Fortunately, with the dedication of experts like N...

Gardening is a skill that is both fulfilling and useful, especially in today’s world. Whether you are new to food cultivation or have been doing it for years, it is always important to consider the guidance of fellow gardeners – and in this episode, we do just that…  Kareen Erbe joins us today to discuss her work as the Founder of Broken Ground Permaculture. Kareen is a permaculture educator, homesteader, food farmer, garden designer, and soil-builder. Her mission is to help people living in colder climates cultivate their own food to live healthier and more sustainably. In this conversation, we explore: The types of people that Kareen educates. How to get your own garden started. Why outdoor growing allows people to have larger and more fruitful gardens. Want to get gardening tips from Kareen for yourself? Visit brokengroundpermaculture.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

Andy Booth joins the podcast today to discuss the ongoing problem of microplastics. Andy is an environmental chemist that serves as the Chief Scientist at SINTEF Ocean, where he contributes his knowledge to matters surrounding microplastics, nanoplastics, nanoparticles, and organic pollutants. With a background in     chemistry, Andy devotes his time to researching emerging pollutants – and in recent years, he has honed his focus on plastic-related issues… In this episode, you will discover: What SINTEF is doing in the oceanic research field.  How plastic degrades and changes over time. The role chemicals play in plastic production. How human activity affects plastic degradation. Pollution is a problem that is continuing to reveal itself, especially in the world of microplastics. What are scientists doing to make headway on this topic of growing concern? Join the conversation to find out! Click here to learn more about Andy and his work with SINTEF. Ep...