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Invention and Exploration at the Smithsonian Institution

AMSEcast

Release Date: 10/15/2025

How Chemistry Shapes Us and Our World: AMSEcast with Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu show art How Chemistry Shapes Us and Our World: AMSEcast with Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and executive director of the American Museum of Science and Energy Alan Lowe sits with Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu to discuss her new book "Chain Reaction" and how it involves every single one of us, even you! Get a fascinating glimpse at her life leading up to what has become a fruitful career of research, science, and passion on this week's episode of AMSEcast. 

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The Story Of Rapa Nui: AMSEcast with Mike Pitts  show art The Story Of Rapa Nui: AMSEcast with Mike Pitts

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Mike Pitts to discuss the history of Rapa Nui, commonly referred to as Easter Island. Although not everything can be discerned about the story of this complex and history-rich island, much of the picture can be painted!

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How Life Works: AMSEcast with Philip Ball show art How Life Works: AMSEcast with Philip Ball

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of life with Philip Ball, taking an in-depth dive into Ball's newest book, How Life Works: A User's Guide to the New Biology.

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The History of Trademark: AMSEcast with Jason Clark show art The History of Trademark: AMSEcast with Jason Clark

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Jason Clark of the USPTO to discuss the history and the relevance of trademarks, patents, and copyrights for inventions in America to celebrate America's big 250th birthday!

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Discussing The Warhead: AMSEcast with Jeffrey Stern show art Discussing The Warhead: AMSEcast with Jeffrey Stern

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy Executive Director Alan Lowe sits down with award-winning journalist Jeffrey Stern to discuss his widely successful book, "The Warhead: The Quest to Build the Perfect Weapon in the Age of Modern Warfare."

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Creating The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Paul Cantonwine  show art Creating The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Paul Cantonwine

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits to chat with Paul Cantonwine, author of "The Never-Ending Challenge of Engineering: Admiral H.G. Rickover in His Own Words" to discuss the creation of the nuclear navy through the eyes of H.G. Rickover, and what his mentality might be like in today's ever-changing world.

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The Science of Presidency: AMSEcast with Andrew Busch  show art The Science of Presidency: AMSEcast with Andrew Busch

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and AMSE executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of a presidency with Andrew Busch, the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The episode goes in depth to analyze the behaviors of not only the American political system, but also its presidents, and how they have operated throughout different political climates and times in history. 

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The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Lawrence Townsend show art The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Lawrence Townsend

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe sat down with Lawrence Townsend to discuss the past, present, and future of America's nuclear navy, including what our advancements in technology throughout the country might mean going forward. 

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Less Weapons, More Energy: AMSEcast With Charles Oppenheimer show art Less Weapons, More Energy: AMSEcast With Charles Oppenheimer

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe welcomes Charles Oppenheimer, entrepreneur and grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, for a wide-ranging conversation on nuclear energy, global security, and the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential scientists. Oppenheimer discusses the mission of the Oppenheimer Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing his grandfather’s values through increased international cooperation on nuclear technology. He explains the organization’s dual focus: expanding the beneficial uses of nuclear fission (especially clean energy) and reducing the...

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AMSEcast Geoff deBeauclair show art AMSEcast Geoff deBeauclair

AMSEcast

AMSEcast launches a new series exploring America’s nuclear navy and Oak Ridge’s vital role in its history and future. From helping shape the legacy of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to supplying nuclear fuel for today’s fleet, Oak Ridge has long stood at the center of U.S. naval nuclear power. As the American Museum of Science and Energy prepares a new exhibit at the Wilcox K-25 Interpretive Center, this episode sets the stage. Our inaugural guest, Geoffrey deBeauclair, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 30-year Navy veteran who commanded a ballistic missile submarine and...

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More Episodes
Host Alan Lowe continues AMSEcast’s exploration of 250 years of American innovation with Smithsonian experts Harold Wallace Jr., Dr. Eric Hintz, and Tim Pula. Together, they trace invention from Benjamin Franklin’s experiments to modern breakthroughs, highlighting the Smithsonian’s exhibitions, collections, and hands-on learning at Spark!Lab. The discussion spans collaboration with the Library of Congress, the role of failure in creativity, and how patents shape (but don’t define) innovation. The guests also reflect on nuclear technology’s history and social impact, and share how listeners can connect with the Lemelson Center and its nationwide Spark!Lab network inspiring inventors of all ages.
 
Guest Bio
Harold Wallace Jr., curator of the electricity collections, holds an MA and a PhD from the University of Maryland and specializes in the history of electric light and power. Dr. Eric Hintz, acting director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, earned his MA and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and curates exhibits on invention and creativity. Tim Pula, interpretive exhibits inventor for Spark!Lab, designs hands-on activities that inspire visitors of all ages to explore the process and spirit of invention.
 
Show Highlights
  • (3:13) How the Smithsonian shares Franklin’s contributions for the understanding of electricity and innovation
  • (6:24) How the Lemelson Center uses examples of American inventors as part of their work and research
  • (7:57) The back-and-forth of learning from shared collections
  • (9:55) The inventions and ideas explored at Spark!Lab
  • (11:08) The artifacts used to tell the Edison story
  • (14:58) How failure factors into the discussion of innovation at the Lemelson Center
  • (17:42) The processes inventors followed to become innovative in their fields
  • (22:42) Patent models in the electrical collection of the Smithsonian Institute
  • (26:11) How the Lemelson Center and Spark!Lab approaches the patent process
  • (30:33) How the evolution of nuclear technology is represented
  • (35:20) How to learn more about the offerings from the Smithsonian, Lemelson Center, and Spark! Lab
 
Links Referenced