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  • Engineering a Nation with Guru Madhavan

    Engineering a Nation with Guru Madhavan
    2025/04/23
    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: https://www.amazon.com/Applied-Minds-how-Engineers-Think/dp/039335301X
    • Wicked Problems: How to Engineer a Better World: https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Problems-Engineer-Better-World/dp/0393651460
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    52 分
  • The History of Spies with Andrew Hammond

    The History of Spies with Andrew Hammond
    2025/04/16
    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: https://www.amazon.com/Struggles-Freedom-Afghanistan-Foreign-Policy/dp/1474405460
    • SpyCast: https://www.spymuseum.org/podcast/
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    47 分
  • Inside the U.S. Mint with Don Bennett

    Inside the U.S. Mint with Don Bennett
    2025/04/09
    We continue to celebrate 250 years of American innovation with Don Bennett, Deputy Associate Director of the U.S. Mint’s Manufacturing Directorate. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to talk about the Mint’s history, operations, and cutting-edge advancements. With facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, West Point, and San Francisco, the Mint produces coins using robotics, high-speed presses, and laser die processing. Don discusses the importance of physical currency, the American Innovation Dollar Coin Program, and upcoming designs for the nation’s 250th anniversary. This episode is made possible with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Guest Bio Don Bennett is the Deputy Associate Director of the U.S. Mint’s Manufacturing Directorate, bringing over 30 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, and process improvement. Before joining the Mint in 2008, he held key roles at Oasis Corporation and Pinnacle Data Systems. At the Mint, Don helps oversee coin production across multiple facilities, ensuring efficiency and innovation in minting processes. His expertise spans high-speed manufacturing, precision engineering, and operational strategy. Passionate about both the art and science of coin production, Don plays a vital role in shaping the future of U.S. currency while preserving its rich history. Show Highlights
    • (1:21) Where the U.S. Mint fits in the organization of the government and its components
    • (3:24) How the U.S. Mint relates to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
    • (3:40) How often new coins are created and old ones revised
    • (4:42) The major innovations in how the U.S. has produced coins over time
    • (6:21) The U.S. Mint’s American Innovation Dollar Program
    • (8:44) How the U.S. Mint is commemorating the 250th birthday of America
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    12 分
  • The Presidents and Science

    The Presidents and Science
    2025/04/07

    What you didn't know about the Presidents and the scientific process is on exhibit at AMSE.
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    4 分
  • AMSE Science Report with Mark Miodownik

    AMSE Science Report with Mark Miodownik
    2025/04/06

    Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. Today we speak with Mark Miodownik about his terrific book, It’s a Gas: The Magnificent and Elusive Elements that Expand Our World. A fascinating conversation began by asking a very basic question – what is a gas?
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    4 分
  • Marie Curie’s Legacy with Dava Sobel

    Marie Curie’s Legacy with Dava Sobel
    2025/04/02
    Award-winning science writer Dava Sobel returns to AMSEcast to discuss her latest book, The Elements of Marie Curie. She and host Alan explore Curie’s groundbreaking research, her struggles against societal barriers, and her enduring impact on science and women in STEM. From her discovery of polonium and radium to mentoring future pioneers like Ellen Gleditsch and Marguerite Perey, Curie’s legacy shaped cancer treatment and scientific research. Sobel also highlights Curie’s daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, and her Nobel-winning work on artificial radioisotopes. Tune in for a fascinating look at one of history’s greatest scientific minds. Guest Bio Dava Sobel is an award-winning science writer known for bringing history and scientific discovery to life. She has authored acclaimed books including Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, The Glass Universe, A More Perfect Heaven, as well as the play And the Sun Stood Still. In her latest work, The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science, Sobel explores Curie’s groundbreaking research, resilience, and lasting impact on women in STEM. Returning to AMSEcast, she joins host Alan to discuss Curie’s legacy and the challenges she overcame in pursuit of scientific discovery. Show Highlights
    • (1:25) What led Marie Curie to a life of science
    • (6:28) Marie Curie’s Nobel Prizes
    • (11:47) Her role in creating a radium standard and why that’s important
    • (13:31) Madame Curie’s pioneering role in the use of radiation for medical therapies
    • (15:00) Her role as mentor and teacher to other to other women in science
    • (20:54) Curie’s reception in the United States
    • (22:04) Her daughter’s scientific legacy
    • (28:23) What’s next for Dava Sobel

    Links

    • The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science: https://groveatlantic.com/book/the-elements-of-marie-curie/
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    31 分
  • Innovation & Policy with Sudip Parikh

    Innovation & Policy with Sudip Parikh
    2025/03/26
    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
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    26 分
  • Taking Risks and Innovating Along the Way with Al Romig

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