Libsyn Directory

Exhibiting the Best of the Smithsonian with Jennifer Collins and Nicole Webster

Release Date: 03/05/2025

The History of the American Railroad with Albert Churella

AMSEcast

Railroads have shaped America’s growth, technology, and daily life for nearly two centuries. In this episode of AMSEcast, Alan talks with Dr. Albert Churella of Kennesaw State University about how innovations such as the automatic knuckle coupler, Westinghouse’s air brake, and the move from steam to diesel transformed safety and efficiency. Dr. Churella explains how signaling, centralized traffic control, and GPS-based Positive Train Control modernized operations. While U.S. passenger service lags Europe, its freight rail system leads the world in ton-miles, fuel efficiency, and low...

ASME Science Report with Marc Wortman

AMSEcast

AMSE Science Report with Marc Wortman

AMSEcast

AMSE Science Report with Richard Ellis

AMSEcast

Author Richard Ellis speaks about his latest book The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn. A breakdown of the earliest moments of our celestial cosmic soup.

When the River Ran Backward with Jay Feldman

AMSEcast

Author and historian Jay Feldman joins host Alan Lowe to discuss When the Mississippi Ran Backwards, his gripping account of the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes. Alan and Feldman explore the quakes’ massive impact, including over 2,000 tremors felt across 1.5 million square miles, and the deep historical context behind them. He explains the ancient origins of the Reelfoot Rift, Tecumseh’s eerie quake prophecy, and how early steamboat travel intersected with disaster. Feldman also recounts a horrific crime against an enslaved teenager, exposed by the quakes, and touches on ongoing...

AMSEcast with guest Norm Augustine

AMSEcast

In this episode, Mr. Lowe interviews Mr. Augustine. They discuss a variety of fascinating roles that Mr. Augustine has served in over the course of his career. At Princeton he was advised to consider geological engineering but would go on to change his major to aeronautical engineering as he was advised by a peer “that is where the future was.” The range of topics they discuss include American competitiveness, the challenge of putting people on the moon, international travel, the importance of individual talent and the drive to achieve. Undertaking work in the sciences in the context of...

AMSE Science Report with guest Jack Kelly

AMSEcast

In this excerpt from our podcast, AMSEcast, Jack Kelly, author of Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive that Changed the World. Discusses one of the most innovative and compounds ever manufactured.

STEM of History with Dr. Todd Braje

AMSEcast

Dr. Todd Braje, the Executive Director of the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, discusses his book, Understanding Imperiled Earth. He shows how analyzing data from many disciplines, such as archaeology and history, can help address some of the environmental challenges we face today.

STEM of History The Science of Archives

AMSEcast

We have a great conversation with Lorraine Daston editor of Science in the Archives: Pasts, Presents, Futures.

Connecting Cultures and Cosmos with Ed Krupp

AMSEcast

Dr. E.C. “Ed” Krupp joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the Griffith Observatory and his role as its longtime director. Now in its 90th year, the observatory remains a hub for public astronomy, drawing over 1.6 million visitors annually. Ed shares its educational mission, including a fifth-grade program and immersive exhibits like “Water is Life.” He also discusses archaeoastronomy, the cross-disciplinary study of ancient skywatching, and how visiting historical sites deepens our understanding of past cultures. From the Hopi village of Walpi to upcoming lunar livestreams...

More Episodes

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 programs, and the invaluable roles of interns and volunteers. Listen now to learn about the important role of education and outreach, both in-person and virtual, in inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Guest Bios

Jennifer Collins is the Learning Experience Manager, Exhibits and Initiatives at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As the lead of the museum’s Science Liaison program, she helps foster communication and collaboration between education and the different science departments in service of our audiences. Jennifer also provides training to volunteers, educators, and youth in a suite of content and skill areas, with a particular expertise in the process and nature of science.

Nicole Webster is the Manager of School and Teacher Programs at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Since 2011, Nicole has worked with the Smithsonian in various educational roles. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education at George Washington University.

Show Highlights

(1:38) The story of the National Museum of Natural History
(3:46) What are the most popular pieces in the Museum’s collections
(6:20) How Smithsonian staff learn from the collections
(7:34) How does the National Museum of Natural History curate its exhibits?
(9:26) The importance of the Museum’s education initiative
(13:51) Breaking down the Museum’s scientific liaison program
(15:23) Internships with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
(18:23) The role of volunteers at the Museum

Links Referenced

AMSEcast: https://amsecast.libsyn.com/
Natural History Museum: https://naturalhistory.si.edu

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