Finding Genius Podcast

Returning to the podcast to discuss water desalination is Mark Holtzapple. Mark is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University where he researches technologies that improve sustainability. With close to 30 years of experience as a researcher, Mark is constantly finding new ways to turn waste into useful products. So what's his take on obtaining fresh water from saltwater?  In this...

Have you ever wondered how alcohol contributed to the origins of our civilization? Well, look no further. In this episode, we explore how our ancestors used alcohol and other intoxicants – and why humans have been innately drawn to drunkenness throughout history… Joining us to address this topic and others like it is Edward "Ted" Slingerland. Ted is a professor at the University of British Columbi...

Joining us in this episode is physicist and astrophysicist Marco Castellano. Marco is a researcher at Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma-INAF, where he investigates galaxy formation – specifically looking at the early galaxies that formed right after the Big Bang.  Our universe is estimated to be 13.7 billion years old, and the James Webb Space Telescope has been using infrared technology to explore...

In this episode, we sit down with two expert agriculturalists: Jim Kamas and Jacy L. Lewis. Both Jim and Jacy reside in Texas, where they lend their horticultural insight to Texas A&M University and various other education programs. Jim is an Assistant Professor and Extension Fruit Specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, and is stationed in Fredericksburg, TX. He works as a farm ad...

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...

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, wh...

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...

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 m...

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 con...

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, home...

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 rec...

In this episode, we chat with Devin Burke, the Founder of Sleep Science Academy. Brian wears many hats – he is a bestselling author, Youtuber, TedX speaker, and sleep coach that was named "One of the Top 25 Health Coaches in America." Sleep is a very complex and captivating subject to consider, and Devin joins us today to educate us on just how important it is to overall health and wellness… Tune...

In this episode, we discuss all things fungi with Jordan Jent from Texas Fungus. Jordan is a farmer that supplies local restaurants and markets with gourmet artisan mushrooms – from Shiitake to Lions Mane and Oyster varieties. In 2018, Jordan realized his passion for mushroom growing, and with a background in culinary work, he decided to pursue his love for farming and food from an entrepreneurial...

Joining us today is John Virdin, the Director of the Ocean and Coastal Policy Program at Duke University. He joins us today to discuss marine conservation, and how humans affect ocean environments. John has over twenty years of experience advising and analyzing government policies that regulate human use of the oceans – with a particular interest in ocean policy that reduces poverty. Combining his...

Where is your seafood coming from, and why does it matter? Find out the answer to this question and so many more with aquaculture and marine science expert Laura Tiu. You'll explore: What percentage of seafood in the U.S. is imported The difference between aquaculture and aquaponics What an aquaculture setup looks like in the ocean The fastest-growing marine aquaculture right now Efforts to educat...

Today we connect with Dr. Noelle Patno, a microbiome scientific educator that has cultivated a distinct approach to nutritional research. Dr. Patno has a Ph. D. in Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, and a Master's in Translational Science from the University of Chicago. Utilizing her years of education and experience, she is on a mission to "advance effective and safe therapies for patients facin...

There's not one sector of our economy that isn't completely dependent upon a secure, natural rubber supply. But 100% of natural rubber is produced outside of the U.S., putting us at risk of running out due to supply chain disruptions. Over 40 million metric tons of natural rubber are made annually – almost 50% of all the rubber used globally, synthetic included. What would things look like without...

Joining us today to discuss his horticultural work is Daniel Wells. Daniel is an Associate Professor in Auburn University's Department of Horticulture where he teaches and focuses his research on "improving controlled environment agriculture in the southeast."   Daniel grew up on an agricultural research station, where he was exposed to this field at a young age. Since then, he has been delving in...

One of the world's leading experts in tree fruit horticulture extension joins the podcast today: Desmond Lane. Desmond is the Department Head and Professor at Auburn University Horticulture, where he draws from more than 30 years of experience to inform his role as a research administrator.  Desmond joins us to discuss his work with orchards and address how he has contributed to positively impacti...

Sean M. Smukler joins the podcast today to discuss soil health and sustainable agriculture. Sean is the Principal Investigator of the SAL lab, and Associate Professor and Chair of Agriculture and Environment in Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia. Sean realized at an early age that he thoroughly enjoyed working with plants and soil. After studying ecology at UC Davis and th...

Today we uncover human culture with forensic archaeologist Kimberlee Sue Moran. Kimberlee is the Founder of Forensic Outreach and the Director of Forensics at Rutgers University. Currently, she is working on excavating the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia Cemetery – and in this episode, she reveals the methods she uses to make intriguing historical discoveries… Kimberlee has been a forensic co...

In this episode, we are joined by Rich Marini, a Professor of Horticulture at Pennsylvania State University. Rich specializes in tree and small fruit physiology, data analysis, and fruit production systems. He sits down with us today to discuss his extensive research in horticulture.  Rich was exposed to horticulture at a young age, and he has stuck with it all of his life. With decades of experie...

In this episode, we connect with Dr. Osler Ortez. Dr. Ortez is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, where he specializes in corn and emerging crops.  Dr. Ortez was born and raised in northern Nicaragua, where he was exposed to agriculture at an early age on his family's coffee farm. Now, he is focused on "developing and distributing science-based information concerning efficient, p...

In this episode, we connect with Gabe Brown, a regenerative agriculture expert with a commitment to natural resources and healthy living. Gabe runs Brown's Ranch, where he participates in "no-till farming" – a farming method that improves soil health.  Not only does Gabe run a successful agricultural operation, but he also has a platform where he demonstrates his practices. People around the world...

Today we sit down with Anthony Siccardi, an Assistant Professor in the Biology department at Georgia Southern University. Anthony is an expert in aquaponics systems, and he joins us in this episode to discuss his research interests and educate us on a distinctive approach to fish and plant production. Aquaponics is on the rise in the food production industry, as it utilizes both fish and plant res...