Rust Belt Science

Join us as we explore the science and art of coffee with Tyler Sutch, owner of Revenant Coffee. Discover the intricate processes behind sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee, and learn how science influences flavor profiles and quality. In this engaging conversation, our expert explores the science of coffee brewing, the importance of community spaces, and the future of coffee cultivation amidst...

In this conversation, Dr. Sean Decatur, president of the American Museum of Natural History, discusses the museum's history, its educational programs, and the importance of engaging the public in science. He emphasizes the role of museums in combating misinformation, fostering curiosity, and bridging indigenous knowledge with scientific inquiry. Dr. Decatur also reflects on his transition from a s...

Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of science, art, and communication with Holden Thorpe, editor in chief of Science Magazine. Discover insights into scientific publishing, the role of art in life, and strategies to combat misinformation. key topics Science publishing and impact The role of art and music in personal development Challenges in science communication and misinformation...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk speaks with Dr. Nick Pulliam, a cancer researcher and science communicator. They discuss Nick's journey to obtaining a PhD in cancer biology, the importance of embracing challenges in science, and the impact of cancer research on patients. Nick shares insights into the mechanisms of cancer, the role of science communication, a...

In this conversation, Dr. Eric Hegg discusses the complexities of biofuels, particularly focusing on the role of lignin and cellulose in biofuel production. He explains the challenges of breaking down lignin, the balance between nature and chemistry in creating sustainable biofuels, and the potential products that can be derived from these materials. The discussion also touches on environmental ch...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, host Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk speak with Michelle Jewell, a science communicator and shark researcher at the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. They discuss Michelle's journey from growing up in Flint, Michigan, to her passion for marine biology and sharks. The conversation delves into the anatomy and behavior of sharks, common misconceptions abou...

In this conversation, Mike Dennin, a professor at UC Irvine, discusses his multifaceted roles in academia, the evolution of UC Irvine, and the challenges faced by students in the current educational landscape. He emphasizes the importance of holistic education, particularly for science students, and the need for effective science communication. Dennin also shares insights on engaging with conspira...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Josh Shrout shares his journey from engineering to microbiology, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, research methodologies, and the fascinating behaviors of bacteria, particularly in biofilms. He discusses his unique approach to lab work, the social behaviors of bacteria, and the concept of altruism within microbial communities. The conversation also touch...

In this episode, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Risk kick off Season Two of Rust Belt Science, discussing their transition to a new recording location at Indiana University South Bend. They share personal updates, including their current reading materials and teaching experiences, while reflecting on the challenges and excitement of the new academic year. The conversation also touches on the upcomin...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science , hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk talk with Dr. Adam Jaffee , a biochemist whose work explores the invisible forces that power life — from the movement of electrons to the moments of insight that spark scientific discovery. Dr. Jaffee shares his journey through the world of bioenergetics, reflecting on how chemistry and creativity intersect in the lab and in...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science , we sit down with Dr. Lee Haines to explore the fascinating world of malaria research. Dr. Haines walks us through her recent paper on repurposing existing drugs to combat malaria—an approach that could fast-track new treatments in the face of rising resistance. We also dive into her unexpected fieldwork with monkey populations and what primate behavior can te...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science , we sit down with Dr. Louis Muglia—physician-scientist, visionary leader, and passionate advocate for interdisciplinary research. Together, we explore how the spirit of Renaissance thinking—where science, art, philosophy, and curiosity intersect—can help reignite wonder and push the boundaries of modern discovery. Dr. Muglia shares insights from his own cross-...

What if the future of life could be written—not in words, but in proteins? In this episode of Rust Belt Science , authors Shahir Rizk and Maggie Fink talk about their new book, The Color of North: The Molecular Language of Proteins and the Future of Life . Together, they unpack how proteins act as a hidden code shaping everything from the cells in our bodies to the possibilities of synthetic biolo...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science , we journey into the deep cosmos with astronomer Roman Gerasimov to explore how ancient stars hold the secrets of the universe's past. Gerasimov, whose work focuses on the chemical composition of some of the oldest known stars, explains how these stellar relics act like time capsules—preserving the fingerprints of cosmic events from billions of years ago. We d...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science , we tackle a topic that hits close to home for many in the scientific community: impostor syndrome. From graduate students to seasoned researchers, feelings of self-doubt and the fear of being “found out” are surprisingly common in science. We explore the psychological roots of impostor syndrome, how it manifests in academic and research environments, and what...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science , we sit down with Dr. Bill Sullivan — scientist, author, and professor — to explore the strange and fascinating world of parasites, including the infamous Toxoplasma gondii , and how it may influence behavior in humans and animals alike. Dr. Sullivan sheds light on the complex relationship between science, storytelling, and public understanding. We discuss how...

.In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we embark on the first part of a deep dive into the psychology and science behind why people believe in conspiracy theories. Our focus spans some of the most iconic and enduring theories: the Moon landing, the life and death of Elvis Presley, and the beliefs of Flat Earthers. We explore how psychological predispositions, societal influences, and historical co...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we delve into the eerie and thought-provoking world of "The Last of Us," exploring whether the events depicted in this popular video game and TV series could transition from fiction to reality. Joining us is Dr. Felipe Santiago-Tirado, an expert in fungal pathogens and Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Santiago-Tir...

In this episode of Rust Belt Science, we embark on the first part of a deep dive into the psychology and science behind why people believe in conspiracy theories. Our focus spans some of the most iconic and enduring theories: the Moon landing, the life and death of Elvis Presley, and the beliefs of Flat Earthers. We explore how psychological predispositions, societal influences, and historical con...

.In this episode of Rust Belt Science , we sit down with Dr. Ligia Coelho, an esteemed astrobiologist from Cornell University, to explore the search for life beyond our planet. Dr. Coelho shares her expertise on the extreme environments of Earth that serve as models for extraterrestrial habitability, the latest findings from Mars and icy moons like Europa, and the technologies helping us detect bi...

Poetry • Symmetry • Chance and entropy • The art of the unseen world of chemistry • Why scientists need art

We talk to Dr. Michelle Thaller, former Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to discuss the life cycle of stars, the miracle of being human, and the need for better science communication.

False data • Retractions • A fall from grace • The pressure to do bad science

How to fold into your own shape • AI solving a 100 year old problem • Making proteins that nature has never before seen

Bugs navigating by the stars • Cicada (butt) fungus • Fireflies (or lightning bugs) • Sleeping sickness • Seeing through the eyes of the blind • The strongest creature in the world