The History of Spies with Andrew Hammond
AMSEcast
AMSEcast celebrates 250 years of American innovation with Dr. Andrew Hammond, historian and curator at the International Spy Museum. Hammond explores the evolution of intelligence and espionage, from trial-and-error codebreaking by pioneers like the Friedmans to today’s cutting-edge technology. He highlights cryptographic breakthroughs, spy tools, and covert communication methods like one-time pads and suitcase radios. The conversation traces the U.S.’s rise as a global intelligence leader, fueled by Cold War innovation and British collaboration. Stories like the CIA’s Glomar Explorer...
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Inside the U.S. Mint with Don Bennett
AMSEcast
We continue to celebrate 250 years of American innovation with Don Bennett, Deputy Associate Director of the U.S. Mint’s Manufacturing Directorate. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to talk about the Mint’s history, operations, and cutting-edge advancements. With facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, West Point, and San Francisco, the Mint produces coins using robotics, high-speed presses, and laser die processing. Don discusses the importance of physical currency, the American Innovation Dollar Coin Program, and upcoming designs for the nation’s 250th anniversary. This episode is...
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The Presidents and Science
AMSEcast
What you didn't know about the Presidents and the scientific process is on exhibit at AMSE.
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AMSE Science Report with Mark Miodownik
AMSEcast
Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. Today we speak with Mark Miodownik about his terrific book, It’s a Gas: The Magnificent and Elusive Elements that Expand Our World. A fascinating conversation began by asking a very basic question – what is a gas?
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Marie Curie’s Legacy with Dava Sobel
AMSEcast
Award-winning science writer Dava Sobel returns to AMSEcast to discuss her latest book, The Elements of Marie Curie. She and host Alan explore Curie’s groundbreaking research, her struggles against societal barriers, and her enduring impact on science and women in STEM. From her discovery of polonium and radium to mentoring future pioneers like Ellen Gleditsch and Marguerite Perey, Curie’s legacy shaped cancer treatment and scientific research. Sobel also highlights Curie’s daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, and her Nobel-winning work on artificial radioisotopes. Tune in for a fascinating...
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Innovation & Policy with Sudip Parikh
AMSEcast
With support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, AMSEcast is celebrating 250 years of American innovation with expert interviews. CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and executive publisher of Science, Dr. Sudip Parikh joins Alan on this episode to explore the forces shaping scientific progress. He highlights interdisciplinary collaboration, the impact of immigration on innovation, and the need for clear communication in securing research funding. Dr. Parikh also discusses the evolution of U.S. science policy, the role of private investment, and the...
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Taking Risks and Innovating Along the Way with Al Romig
AMSEcast
Executive Officer of the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Al Romig joins this special edition of AMSEcast, recorded at the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington. Dr. Romig has led a distinguished career including leadership roles at Sandia National Lab, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, and now as Executive Officer of the National Academy of Engineering. He and Alan discuss key innovations from national laboratories and the Skunk Works. He also discusses the importance of risk-taking to foster innovation and why he’s skeptical about the future of American innovation. It’s...
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The World of Uranium with Tom Zoellner
AMSEcast
Tom Zoellner, award-winning writer and Chapman University professor, joins AMSEcast to discuss his book Uranium: War, Energy and the Rock that Shaped the World. He and Alan discuss the discovery of uranium, its radioactive nature, and its historical impact. Once dismissed as worthless by miners, uranium became vital to energy and warfare. The U.S. uranium rush peaked in the 1950s but has since declined. Today, uranium enrichment is expanding in the U.S., with major players like Orano investing in Oak Ridge. Guest Bio Tom Zoellner is an award-winning writer and the author of nine...
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Exhibiting the Best of the Smithsonian with Jennifer Collins and Nicole Webster
AMSEcast
Alan takes a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to speak with Nicole Webster, the Manager of School and Teacher Programs, and Jennifer Collins, Learning Experience Manager for Exhibits and Initiatives. Broadcasting from the museum itself, the discussion revolves around its fascinating history, impressive collections, and impactful educational initiatives. With over 4 million annual visitors on-site and 10 million online, the museum is a hub of scientific knowledge and public engagement. Nicole and Jennifer explain the intricacies of the museum's exhibits, educational...
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Materials and All Matters of Science with Mark Miodownik
AMSEcast
Materials scientist and BBC presenter Dr. Mark Miodownik joins AMSEcast to discuss his latest book, It’s a Gas. He explores the hidden world of gases, from steam’s role in electricity production to methane’s surprising history. The conversation spans George Washington’s scientific curiosity, oxygen’s life-saving importance, and the chemistry of scent. Mark also unpacks the science of hot air and hydrogen balloons, noble gases, and carbon capture technology’s potential to combat climate change. Looking ahead, he envisions a future of sustainable materials and repairable goods....
info_outlineRita Colwell is a Distinguished University Professor with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies.
Colwell is one of the world’s leading researchers of cholera—a waterborne disease estimated by the World Health Organization to strike three to five million people annually, many of them young children. Her efforts to track and predict cholera outbreaks are multi-faceted, combining bioinformatics with the pioneering use of satellite imaging. She was one of the first scientists to employ remote sensing for disease prediction, as well as recognize the impact of climate change on the waterborne microbial world.
Show Notes
- (0:35) About Dr. Rita Colwell
- (1:52) Dr. Colwell’s irritation at people saying we need to interest more women in science
- (2:49) How Rita dealt with overt sexism and still found the determination to keep moving forward
- (3:56) What lead Dr. Colwell to marine biology and focus on Vibrio
- (6:20) How she ended up at the University of Maryland
- (9:31) Rita’s groundbreaking work on cholera and obstacles in getting her findings accepted
- (15:03) How long it took the professional world for her findings to be accepted
- (18:49) Dr. Colwell’s work as the director of the National Science Foundation
- (21:39) The role she played in the response to the 2001 anthrax attacks
- (26:03) The prospects for women in the business world
- (28:58) The cost of persistent sexism
- (30:41) Rita’s thoughts on how to advance women in the science and business worlds
- (33:40) What’s next for Dr. Colwell
Links Referenced
- A Lab of One’s Own: One Woman’s Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science: https://www.amazon.com/Lab-Ones-Own-Personal-Journey/dp/1501181270