Episode 45: Dr. Joe Schwarcz on Separating Sense from Nonsense

Dr. Gaurav “Gino” Giri, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia, is pioneering research in crystallization and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). On this exciting episode of Let's Talk Chemistry, hosts Erin and Aanya discuss their interview with Dr. Giri about his groundbreaking work in MOF-based air filtration masks, drug delivery systems, and carbon capture technology. From his innovative startup tackling air pollution to his insights on balancing academic research with entrepreneurship, Dr. Giri shares his journey and vision for using chemistry to solve global challenges. We hope you enjoy!

Dr. Tashica Amirgholizadeh is a patent litigator at Gilead Sciences who combines her passion for chemistry with the law. She obtained her PhD in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology and her JD at the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She shares her unique career journey and her responsibilities at Gilead. We hope you enjoy!

Dr. Benjamin Hsiao, Professor of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, is a renowned scientist in the fields of polymer science, materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Emma Stewart, hosts Erin Suh and Elizabeth Li discuss our interview with Dr. Benjamin Hsiao. He shares his career journey, passion for global energy solutions, and more. We hope you enjoy!

Dr. Adina Paytan, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz, is an ocean chemist who works on various topics—including earth materials and biogeochemical processes. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Presley Vu, hosts John Strojny and Jasmine Winter discuss our interview with Dr. Adina Paytan. She shares her career journey and passion for climate science. We hope you enjoy!

Dr. Mark Tuckerman, Professor of Chemistry and Mathematics at New York University, is a theoretical chemist who works on various topics—including nuclear quantum effects, fuel cells, and crystal structure prediction. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Presley Vu, hosts Erin Suh and Elizabeth Li discuss our interview with Dr. Mark Tuckerman. He shares his current research interests, machine learning in chemistry, and more. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Tuckerman, you can reach him by email at [email protected].

Dr. Christopher Hendon, Professor of Computational Materials Chemistry at the University of Oregon, is an expert in both computational chemistry and the science of coffee. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Presley Vu, hosts Jason Lu and Neel Youts discuss our interview with Dr. Christopher Hendon. He shares his tips on merging his diverse interests, in the art of espresso, and the electrical properties of coffee extracts. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Decker, you can reach him by email at [email protected]. 

Have you thought about the chemistry that goes into the food you eat? What are the scientific processes that govern our ingredients and delectable meals? Dr. Eric Decker, Professor of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is an expert in lipid oxidation and food chemistry. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Emma Stewart, hosts Yeongseo Son and Erin Suh talk about our interview with Dr. Eric Decker. He shares his tips on food preservation, the science behind lipid oxidations, and his exciting work with the FDA. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Decker, you can reach him by email at [email protected].

What are heavy elements? What is a neutron flux? Dr. Thomas Albrecht-Shoenzart, Professor of Chemistry at the Colorado School of Mines, is an expert in radiochemistry and transuranium elements. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Presley Vu, hosts Jason Lu and Neel Youts talk about our interview with Dr. Thomas Albrecht-Shoenzart. He tells us about the Valley of Death, applications of radiochemistry, and advice to future chemists. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Thomas Albrecht-Shoenzart, you can reach him by email at [email protected]. 

Science should be an unbiased agent of good. It is rigorous, methodical, and systematic. Yet, it still brings controversy and mystery; Misinformation can spread like wildfire; Scientists can be ignored. Dr. Joe Schwarcz, the Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, is an expert in separating sense from nonsense. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Emma Stewart, hosts Jasmine Winter and John Strojny talk about our interview with Dr. Schwarcz. He touches upon vaccine hesitancy, fact-checking, and effective scientific communication. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Joe Schwarcz, you can reach him by email at [email protected]

With great powers comes great responsibility. Gene editing is a powerful tool in the realm of biomedical advances. On this exciting episode of Let’s Talk Chemistry edited by Presley Vu, hosts Erin Suh and Alexander Seo talk about their interview with Dr. Bomyi Lim, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Her lab studies the regulation of chemical kinetics in biological systems. We hope you enjoy! If you would like to know more about Dr. Bomyi Lim, you can check out her research here or reach her by email at [email protected]