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The Rad Lab

by Dr. David Dan

Chemistry Physics

Season 1

Mechanochemistry, writing, and making changes with Dr. Jennifer Lasser

In this episode of The Rad Lab Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Laaser from the University of Minnesota for a wide-ranging conversation about her career path, professional experiences, and their current research. During our conversation, Jennifer shares her journey into chemistry, how she built her research program, and what excites her most about studying complex materials at the molecular level. We also discuss the role of modern spectroscopy in answering challenging questions in materials chemistry, as well as the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of research in this space. The conversation also touches on mentorship, career development, and advice for students and early-career professionals navigating paths in academia and research. It’s an engaging discussion about the people behind the work and the many ways universities contribute to advancing knowledge and supporting the next generation of scholars. Check out the work mentioned in this podcast below: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.macromol.4c02626 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02475

Grant Writing and Tenure Update with Dr. Kyle Murphy

In this second conversation with Dr. Kyle Murphy, we dive deep into the realities of academic grant writing and reflect on where we are in the tenure-track journey. We discuss strategies for developing competitive proposals, lessons learned from recent submissions, and how grant activity fits into a broader tenure progress narrative. The episode also serves as a candid tenure update—what’s going well, what’s been challenging, and how our priorities are evolving as our research programs mature.

Radical Candor, DnD, and Student Agency with Dr, Jessica Lamb

Dr. Lamb's research operates at the intersection of physical organic, catalysis, and polymer chemistry. Her current projects focus on developing new switchable N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysts with advanced control, designing sustainable routes to non-isocyanate polyurethanes for high-temperature applications, and combining different polymerization mechanisms into a single material. Beyond her research, Dr. Lamb is dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and outreach. She has helped develop and implement Organic Learning Sessions for Organic Chemistry II, serves as the Vice Chair of the Midwest Chapter of Empowering Women in Organic Chemistry (EWOC), and is one of the faculty presenters for Energy and U. Links: Papers Mentioned https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscatal.0c03492 https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/sc/d4sc02511c Dr. Jessica Lamb's website https://lamb.chem.umn.edu/ Radical Candor https://www.radicalcandor.com/ Twitter @TheLambLab

Imposter syndrome, empowering students, and persistence with Dr. Amanda Carroll

In this episode of Rad Lab Podcast, we are thrilled to host Dr. Amanda Carroll, an Assistant Professor in Chemistry at Tennessee Tech University. With a focus on chemical education, Dr. Carroll brings a wealth of experience in both teaching and curriculum development. She works actively with students, supporting a range of chemistry programs from general chemistry to more specialized courses. As an advocate for hands-on learning, Dr. Carroll has been instrumental in integrating practical lab experiences into the academic curriculum, making chemistry more engaging for students. Tune in to hear her insights on teaching chemistry in the digital age, the future of lab education, and her journey as an educator.

Finding Passion in Chemistry with Dr. Benjamin Stein

In this special episode of The Rad Lab, we delve into the fascinating world of actinide chemistry and spectroscopy with none other than Benjamin Stein, a distinguished Staff Scientist and Deputy Group Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Join us as we explore the cutting-edge research that Ben has been pioneering since he first joined LANL in 2015 as a Seaborg Postdoctoral Fellow. As well as what find out what drives him and what he looks forward to day in and day out.

Untold Stories of Women in the Manhattan Project

Welcome to "Untold Stories of Women in the Manhattan Project"! Join us on an enlightening journey as we shine a spotlight on the incredible but often overlooked contributions of women during one of history's most pivotal scientific endeavors. We delve into the lives, achievements, and challenges faced by the remarkable women who played key roles in the development of the atomic bomb. From physicists and mathematicians to technicians and support staff, these unsung heroes made invaluable contributions that shaped the course of modern history. Discover the stories of women who defied societal norms, overcame obstacles, and left an indelible mark on the Manhattan Project and beyond. From the brilliant minds behind the scenes to the often hidden figures in the lab, The Rad Lab celebrates the diversity, resilience, and intellect of these pioneering women. Join us as we illuminate their stories and honor their legacy, showcasing the power of perseverance, passion, and intellect in the pursuit of scientific progress. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a science buff, or simply curious about untold narratives, this podcast is your gateway to uncovering the hidden history of women in the Manhattan Project. Tune in to and explore the untold stories that shaped our world.

NASA, Nuclear Propulsion, and Exploring the Cosmos with Dr. Michael Houts

🎙️ Rad Lab Podcast Episode: Exploring the Cosmos with Dr. Michael Houts In this captivating episode of the Rad Lab Podcast, join us on a cosmic journey as we sit down with the distinguished Dr. Michael Houts. With over two decades of expertise in nuclear engineering, specializing in space nuclear power and propulsion, Dr. Houts brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. Hosted by Dr. David Dan, this episode delves into Dr. Houts' remarkable career, from his early days at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology to his pivotal roles at Los Alamos National Laboratory and his current position at NASA. Discover the fascinating world of space exploration as Dr. Houts shares insights into his groundbreaking research on space nuclear power and propulsion, actinide transmutation, tritium production, and radiation shielding. Explore the challenges and advancements in the field, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical role nuclear engineering plays in shaping the future of space technology. Tune in to this stellar episode of the Rad Lab Podcast for an enlightening exploration of the cosmos with one of the leading minds in nuclear engineering, Dr. Michael Houts.

The Curie's: A Legacy of Radiance - Part 2

Welcome back to Part 2 of "The Curie's: A Legacy of Radiance" in The Rad Lab Podcast. In this continued exploration of the groundbreaking contributions of Marie and Pierre Curie, we delve further into their remarkable journey through the world of radioactivity.Join us as we unravel the compelling narrative of these two pioneering scientists, their tireless pursuit of knowledge, and their groundbreaking discoveries. Part 2 will take you on a deeper dive into their enduring legacy and the profound impact of their work on the field of radiochemistry.Discover how the Curies' relentless dedication paved the way for an understanding of radioactivity that continues to influence scientific research, medicine, and technology to this day. This episode is a testament to the indomitable spirit of two of history's most iconic scientists and the profound influence they have had on the world.If you're intrigued by the history of scientific innovation, the incredible legacy of the Curies, or the captivating world of radiochemistry, this episode is an enlightening continuation of a truly remarkable story. Join us as we journey through the radiant history of "The Curie's: A Legacy of Radiance."

Atomic Reels: Radiochemists Review Oppenheimer

Welcome back to another thrilling episode of "The Rad Lab"! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the riveting Oppenheimer movie to dissect the science and history behind one of the most pivotal moments in the 20th century.As radiochemists, we can't help but be drawn to the atomic themes depicted in the film. From the initial stages of nuclear research to the top-secret Manhattan Project, we'll explore how the movie portrays the scientific breakthroughs that shaped the world forever.Join us as we analyze the accuracy of the movie's portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer. We'll examine his complex character and the personal struggles that haunted him during his quest to harness the power of the atom.But that's not all! We'll also take you on a behind-the-scenes journey into the world of filmmaking. Our radiochemists' eyes will be keenly focused on the sets, props, and visuals to spot any intriguing scientific details or any artistic liberties taken for dramatic effect.Throughout the episode, we'll share fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts about Oppenheimer's life, offering a unique blend of science and history that will captivate both movie enthusiasts and history buffs alike.As we wrap up this enthralling episode, we'll conclude with our final thoughts on the film's overall accuracy and its impact on how society perceives one of the most brilliant yet controversial figures in scientific history.So grab your lab notebooks, tune in, and get ready to be immersed in the world of atomic cinema with "The Rad Lab." Stay curious, stay tuned, and let the power of science and cinema collide!

The Extraordinary Journey of Marie Curie and Pierre Curie Part 1: Radiochemistry Series

In this captivating episode of The Rad Lab, we delve into the extraordinary lives of renowned scientist Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie. Join us as we uncover the remarkable achievements, groundbreaking research, and enduring legacy of this power couple in the realm of science and beyond.Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist, shattered barriers and defied societal norms in her relentless pursuit of knowledge. From her early struggles as a young Polish student to becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to science inspire generations.Pierre Curie, an exceptional physicist and Nobel laureate in his own right, played an instrumental role in Marie's scientific journey. Together, they formed an exceptional partnership, sharing a profound love for science and a commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.As we unravel their personal and professional lives, we uncover the challenges they faced, the breakthroughs they achieved, and the profound impact their discoveries had on the world. From their groundbreaking research on radioactivity to the discovery of new elements, their contributions revolutionized the field of science and paved the way for future advancements.However, their journey was not without its hardships. We explore the sacrifices they made, the discrimination they endured, and the tragic loss that forever altered Marie's life.Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Marie Curie and Pierre Curie, two luminaries who forever changed the scientific landscape. Through their tenacity, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to knowledge, they continue to inspire and empower future generations of scientists.Tune in to this enlightening episode of The Rad Lab as we delve into the captivating story of Marie Curie and her husband, Pierre Curie, and discover the profound impact they had on the world of science and beyond.

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