2024 Episodes of the Curious Conversations Podcast

In this episode the guests discuss neurodiversity during the holidays, exploring how traditions and social expectations affect differently wired minds.

Yan Chen discusses how AI can improve peer instruction and classroom discussions, using tools to help instructors monitor and support student engagement.

Carrie Fearer joins “Curious Conversations” to discuss forest health after natural disasters and ways to restore ecosystems.

Tina Dura talks about subduction zones, particularly the Cascadia Subduction Zone, earthquakes and tsunamis.

James Harder explores how emerging technologies fuel entrepreneurship and shape the future of startups in this Curious Conversations episode.

In this episode, Shalini Misra examines how artificial intelligence could support emergency management - from disaster planning to ethical use concerns.

In this episode, Feras Batarseh discusses the intersection of water systems and technology, specifically focusing on aspects of artificial intelligence.

In this episode, Meagan Brem talks about the intersection of alcohol use and intimate partner violence and the causal relationship between the two.

Read Montague explores how dopamine and serotonin shape decision-making, memory, mood, and motivation - the intersection of brain chemistry and neuroeconomics.

Lingjia Liu joins the "Curious Conversations" podcast to talk about the future of wireless networks.

In this episode, Ozzie Abaye notes her work using the mung bean to diversify the cropping system, empower farmers, and reduce hunger in Senegal, Africa.

In this episode, Jacob Barney talks about invasive species, their impact on native species, and the challenges of managing them.

In this episode, Richard Hanowski talks about harnessing research to help make motorcycle riding safer in low- and middle-income countries.

In this episode, Karen Hult discusses the history and evolution of polling, modern polling methods, and how to interpret poll results.

In this episode Rosanna Breaux discusses back-to-school emotions and strategies for students, parents, and educators.

Ryan Pollyea discusses geologic carbon sequestration, how it stores CO₂ underground and its role in climate change in this Curious Conversations episode.

Jason Higgins joins the "Curious Conversations" podcast to highlight the intersection of United States military veterans and mass incarceration.

In this episode Hosein Foroutan explores microplastics in the ocean and atmosphere - their sources, impacts, and what science can do about them.

In this episode Louis Hickman discusses how artificial intelligence could influence hiring — from screening and bias to improving recruitment outcomes.

Courtney Sexton joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast to talk about the unique relationship between humans and dogs.

Ben Gill joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to chat about piecing together Earth history through a combination of geology and chemistry.

Jennifer Russell joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” podcast to talk about the concept of a circular economy.

In this Curious Conversations episode, Stefan Duma recounts the history of Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab and its impact on head-injury research and safety.

Anna Zeide joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the history of food waste in America and its impact on society and the environment.

In this episode Audrey Ruple discusses the Dog Aging Project, exploring canine aging, health patterns, and what dogs can teach us about longevity.

Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertz joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about air pollution and its misconceptions.

Daniel Hoek joined ⁠Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”⁠ to talk about the recent discovery he made related to Newton's first law of motion.

Manoochehr Shirzaei discusses land subsidence, its role in climate change, and how satellite data creates maps to guide local decisions.

Zheng "Phil" Xiang joins the "Curious Conversations" podcast to talk about the intersection of technology and tourism.

Andrew Katz explores how artificial intelligence could transform education, impacting teaching, feedback, and learning in this episode.

In this Curious Conversations episode, Rose Wesche explores warm-fuzzy feelings and the science of relationships, from attachment to emotional connection.

In this episode, Luiz DaSilva talks about wireless networks and Commonwealth Cyber Initiative's test beds.

Ashley Dayer explores how bird feeding benefits human well-being and shares insights from a new project at the intersection of birds and people.