AI Bias and Ethical Concerns
Superheroes of Science
Dr. Lindsay Weinberg is a clinical assistant professor in the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University, and the Director of the Tech Justice Lab. Her research and teaching are at the intersection of science and technology studies, media studies, and feminist studies, with an emphasis on the social and ethical impacts of digital technology.
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How Machine Learning and A.I. Models Work
Superheroes of Science
From “writing code” without knowing code to training models, Professor Tianyi Zhang discusses how Machine Learning and A.I. models work and what they are. He is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University researching Human and Computer Interaction.
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Who should study Cybersecurity?
Superheroes of Science
In an era of increasing cyber threats, Eugene H. Spafford forges our future in the area of cybersecurity. Dr. Spafford is a Professor of Computer Science in Purdue University’s College of Science. He explains ethical hacking, social engineering, and the role of cybersecurity professionals in our lives.
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Understanding nuclear power.
Superheroes of Science
From how nuclear power works to safety in the industry, Dr. Hitesh Bindra explains nuclear energy. Hitesh is an Associate Professor at Purdue University’s School of Nuclear Engineering.
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Understanding AI and Computer Vision with Raymond Yeh
Superheroes of Science
Raymond Yeh is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Sciences at Purdue University. His research is at the intersection of machine learning and computer vision. Specifically, his research focuses on developing algorithms to learn effective and explainable models ranging across several domains including audio, vision, language, and multi-agent systems.
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Being Curious Leads a Computer Scientist to Automated Algorithm Analysis
Superheroes of Science
Andres Bejarano began his career wanting to make video games. Today Andres is a computer scientist who is an Assistant Professor of Practice. He researches making natural looking A.I. images and teaches classes at Purdue University. Automated Algorithm Analysis serves as a powerful tool that enhances the efficiency of computer programs, benefiting humanity in multifaceted ways. At its core, it acts as a digital detective, scrutinizing the inner workings of software to determine how quickly tasks can be accomplished. This vital capability ensures that programs run swiftly and effectively,...
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Fostering Collaborations: Institutes Driving Interdisciplinary Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Superheroes of Science
We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Matt Huber, the Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Future. Join us as we delve into the inner workings of this influential institute, exploring its crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. As we navigate the landscape of academia, our conversation takes an intriguing turn toward understanding the tenure process for professors. Dr. Huber sheds light on the intricate journey of how a professor attains tenure, unraveling the criteria, challenges, and significance of this milestone in an academic career.
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Harnessing the Power of Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Stormwater Management
Superheroes of Science
Nicole Chavas (President + Chief Operating Officer) and Lucy Kopchak (Associate Engineer) join us to discuss green infrastructure and sustainable engineering. Due to climate change, cities are seeing an increase in stronger storms with heavier rainfalls. Traditional infrastructure (gray infrastructure) is not equipped to handle significant increases in stormwater, and new, innovative ways to manage stormwater are needed. Greenprint Partners
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How do architects design science laboratories?
Superheroes of Science
Specializing in designing science laboratories, Marilee is a registered architect and Senior Laboratory Planner at , one of the oldest and largest architecture and engineering firms in the country.
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What is Data Science and How is it Used?
Superheroes of Science
Ever wonder where some A.I. programs their data? Farhan Shaikh (VP of Data and Digital Solutions at Jacobs) discusses Data Science. Jacobs is an international company working to make the world smarter, more connected, and more sustainable. Farhan explains what kind of data Jacobs and others collect and how that data is used. We discuss types of data being collected, why data is being collected, what a person would need to know if they go into data science.
info_outlineDan Cziczo, Professor of Atmospheric Science and head of the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. His group specializes in the study of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. Aerosol particles act as the seeds on which water, clouds, and ice crystals form within the atmosphere. The presence of these particles in the atmosphere scatter sunlight and cause hazy atmospheric conditions. Aerosols also influence the outgoing radiation from Earth to space, thereby making them a complex player in the energy balance of the Earth. One of the instruments used by Cziczo is a single particle mass spectrometer. His group has deployed this instrument on various NASA research aircraft and several years ago they were able to collect data from a base in Florida that was scheduled to fly through a Saharan dust storm. From this mission, Cziczo’s group was able to collect and analyze the chemical fingerprints of dust particles within that storm. Cziczo explains that Saharan dust storms are very common and have happened frequently for thousands of years during the summer. They are part of the trade winds and occur when material gets picked up off the arid regions of the Sahara and moves from east to west, where it ends up over either the Caribbean or Amazon. Occasionally, these storms will make their way over the continental United States. The most recent dust storm (Summer 2020) was a larger than normal storm and one that Cziczo classifies as a 50 year event. Small bits of this recent storm made it as far north as Minnesota and Canada. Cziczo mentions that aerosol particles can circle the globe several times before finally settling and he provides links (below) for listeners to be able to look up satellite imagery of these particles. While air quality (hazy conditions, pollution, pathogen transport) can be negatively impacted by the particles transported during dust storm events, they can also have a positive impact such as providing fertilization for the Caribbean islands, coral reefs, and even the Amazon rainforest. Cziczo mentions that ultimately, these dust storms
are an important part of our global system.
Links:
NASA MODIS / Dust Storms https://earthdata.nasa.gov/earth-observation-data/near-real-time/hazards-and-disasters/dust-storms
NOAA https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/content/it%E2%80%99s-dusty-world-noaa-satellites-help-us-keep-track-it
NASA Earth Observatory on this dust storm : https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/146913/a-dust-plume-to-remember