AMSEcast

Produced from the American Museum of Science and Energy, AMSEcast invites guests from the world of science, literature, and technology to share unique perspectives from the realm of the highly trained and curiously minded.

Sailing the High Seas of History with Peter Armstrong 05/07/2025

The Legacy of George Washington Carver with Curtis Gregory 04/30/2025

The Legacy of George Washington Carver with Curtis Gregory AMSEcast continues celebrating 250 years of American innovation with Curtis Gregory. A park ranger at the George Washington Carver National Monument, Curtis sits down with Alan to share Carver’s inspiring journey from enslavement to becoming a pioneering scientist and educator who transformed Southern agriculture. Known for promoting peanuts and sweet potatoes as sustainable crops, Carver created hundreds of uses for them! Beyond his lab, he educated rural farmers through lectures, pamphlets, and the innovative Jesup Wagon. His legacy endures in food security and agricultural education. Visitors can explore his story at the Carver Monument in Diamond, Missouri. Guest Bio Curtis Gregory is a longtime park ranger at the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, where he has shared Carver’s legacy with visitors for nearly 20 years. With deep knowledge and passion, Curtis brings to life the story of George Washington Carver—scientist, educator, and agricultural innovator—highlighting his contributions to sustainability, food security, and education. As a dedicated steward of this historic site, Curtis helps connect the past to the present, inspiring new generations through Carver’s enduring impact. We’re thrilled to have Curtis join us on AMSEcast to celebrate the remarkable life and innovations of one of America’s greatest minds. Show Highlights (2:00) How George Washington Carve went from being born a slave to a professor by 30 (6:53) The state of agriculture in the South when Carver arrived at Tuskegee (8:25) What led him to the peanut in the first place (10:45) George Washington Carver’s innovations with the sweet potato (15:51) His impact on agriculture in the South and nationwide (17:12) What to expect at the George Washington Carver National Monument Links Referenced Facebook: X: Website: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/36362005

Engineering a Nation with Guru Madhavan 04/23/2025

Engineering a Nation with Guru Madhavan Alan speaks with Dr. Guru Madhavan at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, as we continue our series marking 250 years of American innovation. Guru, a leader at the National Academy of Engineering, explores the Academy’s Civil War origins, its lasting role in advising the U.S. government, and its influence on everything from compass design to pandemic response. He discusses how innovation must balance bold ideas with long-term systems like sanitation and maintenance. Calling for a “deep time” perspective, Guru urges us to value resilience, inclusivity, and the often-unseen foundations that truly sustain progress. Guest Bio Dr. Guru Madhavan is the Norman Augustine Senior Scholar and Senior Director of Programs at the National Academy of Engineering. With a background in biomedical engineering (MS, PhD) and an MBA from the State University of New York, he previously led innovations in the medical device industry before turning his focus to national science and engineering policy. He is the acclaimed author of Applied Minds: How Engineers Think and Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World. A valued member of AMSE’s National Advisory Committee, Guru was honored with the 2024 AMSE Foundation National Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions. Show Highlights (1:54) An introduction to the National Academy of Sciences (7:59) Lincoln’s impact on the sciences in the United States (11:06) How Vannevar Bush’s principles from Science: The Endless Frontier are implemented (19:30) The impact the arts are having on STEM (20:13) How the National Academies have supported and encouraged innovation (24:10) Guru’s list of most important American innovations (30:23) The frameworks and institutions that have supported America’s innovations (37:51) The United States and the ideology of innovation (43:27) Using deep time to gain perspective on innovation Links Referenced Applied Minds: How Engineers Think: Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/36181570

The History of Spies with Andrew Hammond 04/16/2025

The History of Spies with Andrew Hammond 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 mission illustrate the secrecy and complexity of spycraft. Hammond also hosts SpyCast, sharing these stories with a global audience. Guest Bio Dr. Andrew Hammond is the historian and curator at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. He has held teaching positions and fellowships at esteemed institutions, including the British Library, the Library of Congress, and the 9/11 Memorial Museum. A veteran of the Royal Air Force with assignments to the British Army and Royal Navy, he brings deep expertise in intelligence and national security. Dr. Hammond is also a fellow at the Global National Security Institute and the author of the upcoming book Struggles for Freedom: Afghanistan and US Foreign Policy Since 1979. Show Highlights (1:52) About the International Spy Museum (5:01) How the U.S. has found information about adversaries in the past (10:54) Tools that can be found in the museum (14:03) The difference between a spy and an agent (17:04) Popular examples of field weapons and how the museum documents them (19:17) Sabotage tools developed in the U.S. and used by American spies (25:53) How the Enigma machine helped crack German and Japanese codes in WWII (29:05) How men and women are represented at the museum (36:22) Spycraft innovations that have made it into public life (43:31) SpyCast, the museum's official podcast Links Referenced Struggles for Freedom: Afghanistan and US Foreign Policy Since 1979: SpyCast: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/36181425

Inside the U.S. Mint with Don Bennett 04/09/2025

The Presidents and Science 04/07/2025

AMSE Science Report with Mark Miodownik 04/06/2025

Marie Curie’s Legacy with Dava Sobel 04/02/2025

Innovation & Policy with Sudip Parikh 03/26/2025

Innovation & Policy with Sudip Parikh 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 importance of modernizing dissemination methods. He stresses inspiring future scientists and reducing financial barriers in STEM to sustain American leadership in research and discovery. Guest Bio Dr. Sudip Parikh is the 19th CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the Science family of journals, a role he assumed in January 2020. With a background in journalism and materials science from the University of North Carolina and a PhD in macromolecular structure and chemistry from the Scripps Research Institute, Dr. Parikh has built a distinguished career at the intersection of science and policy. He has served as a science advisor to the Senate Appropriations Committee, vice president at Battelle, and senior VP at DIA Global, shaping science policy and innovation. Show Highlights (2:01) What Dr. Parikh thinks are the primary instigators of innovation and the primary obstacles (6:20) The role of immigration in bringing new ideas to the United States (8:20) Sudip’s experience gathering support for scientific innovation when working in Washington, D.C. (12:55) Specific policies from Washington that helped spur innovation (16:06) How to strike a balance between disruptive innovations while maintaining our infrastructure and systems (17:43) Dr. Parikh’s role as the publisher of the Science family of journals in bringing new ideas to the table versus making small changes (20:18) What processes will have to change for Science and other journals moving forward (22:15) The best ways to inspire that next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/35858770

Taking Risks and Innovating Along the Way with Al Romig 03/19/2025

Taking Risks and Innovating Along the Way with Al Romig 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 not a totally negative outlook. Dr. Roming still thinks the U.S. can thrive by emphasizing talent cultivation, investment in R&D, and a culture that embraces failure as part of success. Guest Bio As executive officer of the National Academy of Engineering, Al Romig is the chief operating officer responsible for the program, financial, and membership operations of the Academy, reporting to the president. Before joining the Academy, he was vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Advanced Development Programs, better known as the Skunk Works®. Dr. Romig spent most of his career at Sandia National Laboratories, operated by the Lockheed Martin Corporation. He joined Sandia as a member of the technical staff in 1979 and moved through a succession of R&D management positions before his appointment as executive vice president in 2005. He served as deputy laboratories director and chief operating officer until 2010, when he transferred to the Skunk Works. Dr. Romig is a fellow of ASM International, TMS, IEEE, AIAA, and AAAS, and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2003 and the Council of Foreign Relations in 2008. He was awarded the ASM Silver Medal for Materials Research in 1988. He earned BS (1975), MS (1977), and PhD (1979) degrees in materials science and engineering from Lehigh University. Show Highlights (1:59) The innovations that Al saw during his time with Sandia (9:04) How to inspire a culture of innovation at a lab (10:27) The history of Skunk Works (18:29) Explaining Al's role at the National Academy of Engineering (23:27) The challenges American innovation will face in the future (27:22) Where Al thinks we'll see the most innovation in the coming years /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/35751240

The World of Uranium with Tom Zoellner 03/12/2025

Exhibiting the Best of the Smithsonian with Jennifer Collins and Nicole Webster 03/05/2025

Exhibiting the Best of the Smithsonian with Jennifer Collins and Nicole Webster 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: Natural History Museum: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/35529260

Materials and All Matters of Science with Mark Miodownik 02/26/2025

Materials and All Matters of Science with Mark Miodownik 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. Guest Bio Dr. Mark Miodownik is a professor of materials and society at University College London where he directs the Institute of Making and founded the Plastic Waste Innovation Hub. With a PhD from Oxford in turbine jet engine alloys, he has worked as a materials engineer across the UK, US, and Ireland. A passionate science communicator, Mark presents BBC programs and podcasts, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Awarded an MBE for his contributions to materials science and broadcasting, he’s also the bestselling author of Stuff Matters, Liquid Rules, and his latest book, It’s a Gas. Show Highlights (2:57) Why steam gas is still important for life in the 21st century (4:24) What natural gas is and how it was eventually harnessed (8:28) George Washington’s experiments with natural gas (10:02) The importance of oxygen and how it’s produced and distributed (14:32) How oxygen is distributed in hospitals (17:47) How scented gases are created, captured and distributed as perfumes (23:38) How hot air ballooning got started and how it works (29:05) The role noble gases play in our daily lives and how they were discovered (32:33) Strategies for capturing carbon dioxide (38:36) Which form of gas technology Mark thinks has had the biggest effect on civilization (41:16) What Dr. Mark Miodownik is working on next Links Referenced Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape Our Man-Made World: Liquid Rules: The Delightful and Dangerous Substances that Flow Through Our Lives: It’s a Gas: The Sublime and Elusive Elements that Expand Our World: Mark's website: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/35431915

AMSE Science Report with guest Keith Houston 02/17/2025

AMSE Science Report with guest Saul David 02/14/2025

Nuclear Safety Innovation with Ashley Stowe 02/12/2025

Nuclear Safety Innovation with Ashley Stowe Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, and he joins AMSEcast to discuss his career and the mission of Y-12. With a PhD in chemistry and an MBA, Dr. Stowe leads efforts to support nuclear deterrence, fuel the nuclear navy, and advance global security. Opened in 2023, ORETTC trains first responders using cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to simulate nuclear scenarios. Upcoming projects include a second facility with advanced capabilities and tools like immersive LED volumes and holographic tables, ensuring effective training, workforce development, and leadership in global nuclear security. Guest Bio Dr. Ashley Stowe is the director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) at Y-12 National Security Complex, a role he has held since 2021. Joining Y-12 in 2007, Dr. Stowe has served in various leadership positions, including senior development chemist, Googin Fellow, and director of the Nuclear Forensics and Detection Initiative. He also led CNS’s university and minority-serving institution partnership programs. Dr. Stowe holds a PhD in chemistry from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. An accomplished researcher and adjunct professor, he is widely recognized for his contributions to nuclear science. Show Highlights (0:35) Introducing Dr. Ashley Stowe (1:40) How Ashley began his journey to Y-12 (3:49) Y-12’s overall mission and how it’s operated (7:22) How people who receive ORETTC training are chosen and where they find trainers (9:54) The technology used during training at ORETTC (11:00) The types of facilities ORETTC is training to address during emergencies (14:23) How Ashley evaluates the effectiveness of training (20:15) Steps students and others can take to follow in Ashley’s footsteps (25:12) What’s next for ORETTC (28:58) ORETTC’s LED volume Link Referenced Ashley Stowe email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/35238720

AMSE Science Report with Katie McKissick 02/02/2025

Building the Empire of the Sum with Keith Houston 01/29/2025

AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush 01/15/2025

AMSEcast Conversations: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush Alan Lowe, Executive Director of the American Museum of Science and Energy, launches AMSEcast Conversations with a compelling discussion on Jay Hakes’ book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush. The panel, featuring Hakes alongside energy experts David McCollum and Charles Sims, traces the origins of modern climate science to the 1950s work of Roger Revelle and Dave Keeling. The panel explores the evolution of climate science, the challenges of political resistance, and the growing urgency of action in the face of today’s visible climate impacts. Their discussion emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and persistence in addressing global climate challenges. Guest Bio Jay Hakes is an accomplished author and energy policy expert whose latest book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush, explores the intersection of science and leadership. Previously, Jay authored Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s. He served for 13 years as Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta and was Administrator of the Energy Information Administration during the Clinton administration. Jay also worked under President Obama as Director of Research and Policy for the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission, bringing deep expertise to critical energy challenges. David McCollum is a leading expert in energy and environmental policy, serving as part of the distinguished R&D staff in the Mobility and Energy Transitions Analysis Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He also holds a joint faculty appointment at the University of Tennessee’s Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs in Knoxville. David’s work focuses on the critical intersections of energy systems, transportation, and sustainability, bringing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon future. His expertise bridges research and policy, making him a key voice in addressing global energy and climate issues. Charles Sims is an expert in energy and environmental policy, currently serving as the director of the Center for Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Policy at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. He holds the TVA Distinguished Professorship of Energy and Environmental Policy at UT's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is also an associate professor in the Department of Economics. Charles' work focuses on the economic and policy implications of energy systems and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between energy, transportation, and sustainable development. Show Highlights (2:49) When scientists realized that climate was changing and human activities were the major cause (4:35) The Keeling Curve (7:18) Why the public’s perception of climate change has shifted over the years (17:14) Eisenhower’s introduction to climate change and its impact on Atoms for Peace (20:49) JFK’s awareness of the climate change issue (26:38) How climate change factored into decisions made during LBJ’s Great Society (31:20) President Nixon and climate change (38:23) The failed marriage between climate science and nuclear power (41:36) Facing climate change on an international scale (48:42) How to test sources on climate change and the importance of good communication (54:16) Are there any positive outlooks on climate change at this point in time? Links Referenced The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush: Energy Crises: Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/34856215

A Theory of Everyone with Michael Muthukrishna 01/02/2025

A Theory of Everyone with Michael Muthukrishna Dr. Michael Muthukrishna, Associate Professor at LSE, joins Alan to explore his book, A Theory of Everyone. It reveals how cultural evolution—our “software” of beliefs, language, and logic—shaped humanity's unique trajectory. He explains the "laws" of energy and innovation: energy abundance fuels cooperation and progress, while innovations like the steam engine drive efficiency and competition. Michael highlights the "paradox of diversity," where fresh ideas thrive amid aligned communication and norms. He links societal challenges like division and inequality to resource scarcity and calls for leveraging technologies like AI and startup cities to foster collaboration, sustainable innovation, and global progress. Guest Bio Dr. Michael Muthukrishna is an Associate Professor of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics, with a unique academic foundation in software engineering and psychology from the University of Queensland, and advanced degrees from the University of British Columbia. He has held prestigious roles at Harvard, Yale, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Recognized for his groundbreaking work, Michael has received accolades like the 2024 Excellence in Quantitative Methods Research Award and a John Templeton Foundation grant. He is the author of the acclaimed book, A Theory of Everyone, which redefines how we understand human evolution and progress. Show Highlights (2:24) What A Theory of Everyone entails (12:14) The fundamental “law” of energy (20:31) The “law” of innovation (22:47) COMPASS - the seven secrets of innovation (26:22) The paradox of diversity (30:20) How humans’ big heads have affected our evolution (38:11) The next level of human cultural evolution (46:25) The necessary steps to the next stage of tying societies back together (52:10) How to protect the engine of growth amidst negative circumstances (54:23) What’s next for Michael Muthukrisha Links Referenced A Theory of Everyone: The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/34666605

AMSE Science Report The Physics of Santa 12/21/2024

The Hidden Lives of Ants with Susanne Foitzik 12/18/2024

The Hidden Lives of Ants with Susanne Foitzik Alan, an ant enthusiast since childhood, is joined by Susanne Foitzik, author of Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors. She explains that while queens start colonies and lay eggs, they don’t control the colony. Worker ants take on specialized roles like brood care and foraging, with older ants handling riskier tasks. Ants communicate through pheromones and use impressive navigation skills. Some species, like the Argentine and fire ants, thrive in new environments due to human transport, forming super colonies. Susanne’s current research focuses on how ants regulate labor division and how parasites impact their behavior and longevity. Guest Bio Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a professor of evolutionary biology, Vice Dean of the biology faculty, and Acting Director of the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. She has held academic positions at Ludwig Maximilian University, the University of Regensburg, and as a postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University. With a doctoral degree in biology and a habilitation in zoology, Susanne is widely published and the author of Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors, a captivating exploration of ant behavior and ecology. Show Notes (2:12) How many species of ants there are (3:46) The role of ant queens and how they’re made (5:55) The different functions ants take on in the colony (9:01) How nests are created (11:02) How ants communicate and navigate (16:01) How certain ants have developed the ability to maintain livestock and how they do it (19:01) Ants’ more aggressive behaviors (22:34) What turns ants into “zombies” (25:34) The social immune system of ants (28:42) Invasive species of ants (32:39) Understanding ant-tink (34:31) What Susanne is working on now Links Referenced Empire of Ants: The Hidden Worlds and Extraordinary Lives of Earth’s Tiny Conquerors: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/34490935

AMSE Science Report with guest Eric Jay Dolin 12/14/2024

A reflection of the year 2000 12/14/2024

Finding a Lab of One’s Own with Dr. Rita Colwell 12/04/2024

Finding a Lab of One’s Own with Dr. Rita Colwell Dr. Rita Colwell is a pioneering scientist and professor at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins who has made groundbreaking contributions to microbiology and public health. She joins AMSEcast to discuss her experiences being the first woman to lead the National Science Foundation as well as her advanced research on Vibrio bacteria and cholera while founding CosmosID to improve rapid pathogen detection. During the 2001 anthrax attacks, she led a cross-agency effort to identify the spores, revolutionizing DNA sequencing techniques. Overcoming sexism early in her career, Dr. Colwell's achievements are detailed in A Lab of One’s Own. Guest Bio Rita 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: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/34265770

AMSE Science Report with guest Camper English 12/03/2024

The Wonders of Psychological Science with Joel Levy 12/03/2024

AMSE Science Report with guest Sam Kean Author of the Bastard Brigade 12/03/2024

AMSE Science Report with Carl Zimmer 12/03/2024

Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand 11/20/2024

Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand Dr. Michele Gelfand is a cultural psychologist and author of Rule Makers, Rule Breakers. She joins us to discusses how “tight” and “loose” cultures shape societies. Tight cultures, like Japan’s, respond to threats with strict rules and order, while looser ones, like the U.S., allow greater flexibility. Gelfand suggests a balanced “Goldilocks” approach, adjusting strictness and flexibility to suit each environment's needs, from families to organizations. She also explores online accountability, recommending "nudges" to promote civility, and sees AI as a potential tool for managing biases and promoting understanding. Guest Bio Michele Gelfand is a Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Professor of Psychology by Courtesy at Stanford University. Gelfand uses field, experimental, computational, and neuroscience methods to understand the evolution of culture--as well as its multilevel consequences for human groups. Her work has been cited over 20,000 times and has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Voice of America, Fox News, NBC News, ABC News, The Economist, De Standard, among other outlets. Gelfand has published her work in many scientific outlets such as Science, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Psychological Science, Nature Scientific Reports, PLOS 1, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, Research in Organizational Behavior, Journal of Applied Psychology, Annual Review of Psychology, American Psychologist, Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Current Opinion in Psychology, among others. She has received over 13 million dollars in research funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and the FBI. As a native New Yorker, Michele is now a California transplant. She is married to Todd Betke and has two daughters, Jeanette and Hannah, two birds (Bonnie and Theo) and a Portuguese water dog, Pepper. Show Notes (1:47) What is culture? (4:08) The age that we start learning norms (10:01) What makes a person or nation a tight versus a loose culture (15:12) How the movement of people affect looseness and tightness dynamics (17:57) How changes in attitudes occur (20:59) Tightness doesn’t mean a lack of creativity (24:26) The Goldilocks Approach (30:49) Avoiding becoming too tight or too loose (32:55) Applying the Goldilocks Approach on social media (35:56) The disrupting force technology can have on loose and tight cultures (38:19) AI’s ability to understand culture (41:11) What’s next for Dr. Michele Gelfand (45:00) How to follow Michele’s work Links Referenced Values, Political Action, and Change in the Middle East and the Arab Spring: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World: Personal website: /episode/index/show/amsecast/id/34021087

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