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Lab Coat Optional

Lab Coat Optional

by Arizona State University

Education Science

Season 2

Building "large Earth models" with Hannah Kerner

ASU computer scientist Hannah Kerner explains how the combination of machine learning and satellite data help map farms, monitor disasters and understand climate impacts — turning decades of Earth observation data into tools. Further listening and reading: Listen to Hannah on the Satellite and Deep Learning podcast with Robin Cole Check out Applied Geospatial by Christopher Ren Read Empire of AI by Karen Hao Learn more about the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Reporting from Kelly DeVos and Gary Werner was foundational to this episode Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

What sound SOUNDS like with Lindsey Reymore

What does sound feel like? Music theorist Lindsey Reymore explores timbre — the “color” of sound — and why the way we describe music might be more shared than subjective. Further reading and listening: Learn more about the ACTOR project at McGill University and the Timbre and Orchestration Resource Listen to Peter and the Wolf! Learn more about: The School of Music, Dance and Theatre at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. The Institute for Social Science Research at ASU, which is funding Lindsey’s upcoming timbre study in different languages. Special thanks to the Ocotillo Winds from ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Bass clarinet: Assistant Professor Jeff Anderle Flute: Professor Elizabeth Buck Alto saxophone: Professor Christopher Creviston Oboe: Assistant Professor Jonathan Davis Clarinet: Associate Professor Josh Gardner Bassoon: Professor Albie Micklich Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber Edited by Alexander Chapin and Patrick Cheung Music composed by Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

The surveillance network you consented to with Rakibul Hasan

We trade data for convenience every day. But at what cost? Rakibul Hasan breaks down how everyday tech became a surveillance network that determines what we see, what we pay — and maybe even what we think. Resources Try Brave or Duck Duck Go as a browser Try the Start Page search engine Further reading and watching: Privacy Is Power by Carissa Veliz LOST GENERATION The Social Dilemma from Netflix Learn more about the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Special thanks to our No. 1 fan Meg Hebing for her cameo Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclosure: Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

Coding the cosmos with Skylar Grayson

Astrophysicist Skylar Grayson explains how she uses supercomputer simulations to study black holes, how scientists can piece together a picture of phenomena billions of light years away and why communicating science clearly matters just as much as discovering it. Find Skylar on: YouTube Tiktok Instagram Further reading: Read The End of Everything by Katie Mack Check out Starts with a Bang by Ethan Siegal Learn more about the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Support our friends! Check out AskABiologist wherever you get your podcasts! Special thanks to Kaden Ryback for suggesting this episode! Do you have an idea for an episode, or just want to torture the host with facts about dark matter? Get in touch at ke.podcast@asu.edu! Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Tackling plastic pollution from coast to coast with Charlie Rolsky

Plastic is everywhere. The same material that makes modern life easier has also become a persistent environmental pollutant. Charlie Rolsky — ASU alumnus and executive director of the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, Maine — explores how microplastics move through our environment and into our bodies, what we do and don’t know about their impacts, and why “biodegradable” often doesn’t mean what we think. He also reflects on his journey from ASU to Maine — and how scientists balance urgency with responsible communication. Learn more about The Shaw Institute (and their free touch tank!) Dirigo Sea Farm Further listening Listen to Science Vs! Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Please give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! It helps other listeners find us. Got an idea for us? Get in touch at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclosure: Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

Staying human in the age of AI with Andrew Maynard

As AI and emerging technologies reshape daily life, Andrew Maynard — scientist, author and professor in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures — discusses how we navigate disruptive innovation responsibly — and how we can hold onto our humanity in a rapidly changing world. Further reading: Andrew’s Substack AI and the Art of Being Human Future Rising Listen to Andrew’s show, Modem Futura wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about Andrew’s Future of Being Human Initiative, and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, part of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at ASU. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Our rising energy demand, explained, with Kelly Barr and Gary Dirks

Energy demand is surging. To understand what’s driving it and how we’re going to meet it, I’m joined by energy veterans Kelly Barr and Gary Dirks from the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. They explain the complicated nature of energy planning, why nuclear energy is getting another look and why when it comes to navigating our energy future — reliability is king. Further reading: Analysis from the International Energy Agency Reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration RMI research and analysis EPRI California Burning by Katherine Blunt Learn more about Energy Forward, a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Social media by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Clips The growing environmental impact of AI data centers’ energy demands — PBS News Hour How AI is driving a sharp rise in electricity bills — PBS News Hour NBC 5 Responds: Soaring energy bills — NBC 5 Chicago POWER CRISIS: Electricity demand SURGES as AI takes over — Fox Business Inside the numbers: How data centers are increasing energy use — ABC15 Arizona

The hidden side of national security — and not stealth planes! with Nadya Bliss

Nadya Bliss — executive director of the Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute — explains how national security is more than tanks and battleships. She breaks down the vital role university research plays behind the scenes to anticipate emerging needs, strengthen infrastructure, accelerate innovation and quietly prevent conflict. Further reading: Listen to Sources & Methods, NPR’s nat sec podcast Check out Phantom Orbit: A Thriller, by David Ignatius Learn more about the Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute at Arizona State University. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Alexander Chapin Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Editorial support from Diane Boudreau Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclosure: Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

Why 2026 will decide the future of water in the West, with Rhett Larson

Water law expert Rhett Larson explains why 2026 is a make-or-break year for the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River for drinking water, power, agriculture and so much more. What happens if states can’t agree on how to share this resource going forward, and what do we have to give up to ensure a sustainable future for us all? Further reading Explore the Kyl Center’s Arizona Water Blueprint to find out the source of your water: azwaterblueprint.asu.edu Read Rhett’s book, Just Add Water: Solving the World's Problems Using its Most Precious Resource. Look out for Rhett’s next book, Day Zero, a comparative legal analysis of the water crises faced in recent years by Cape Town, Chennai, and Mexico City, and draws water policy lessons from those crises for other cities. Learn more about the Kyl Center for Water Policy and the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at ASU. Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot by Alexander Chapin Edited by Quinton Kendall and Alexander Chapin Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson Disclaimer: Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

The future of medical research with NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya [BONUS]

Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Jay Bhattacharya joins the show to discuss his priorities for the agency, building trust with Tribal communities, his advice to young researchers — and some of his favorite board games. Jay's board game recs: Azul Castles of Burgundy Anything by Vital Lacerda!Specifically: On Mars or Vinhos Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu. Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice! Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu. Episode credits Executive produced by Kate Howells Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin Original music from Patrick Cheung Motion graphics by Andy Ramos Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

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