Today’s interview is with not one, but TWO researchers from the Tufts Geohazards Research group! I host Maggie Roberts and Ellie Meyer, PhD students learning about how Earthquake shaking waves affect structures at the surface.
Maggie and Ellie discuss methodologies using HVSR measurements, the limitations of traditional VS 30 models, and human-reported seismic data.
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00:00 Welcome Back
04:44 Ground motion Geohazards Research
07:43 Challenges and Progress in Earthquake Research
23:45 HVSR pros and cons
31:34 Human Data in Earthquake Studies
36:43 Future Goals for HVSR Models
40:22 Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Benefits
Music: 368 by Dyalla
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I reunite with a grad school colleague, Jeremy Salerno! We talk about Jeremy's research on earthquake waves and site response during our time In the Geohazards Research Lab at Tufts University. I worked in the lab for 2 years, where I also overlapped with prior Rocks for Jocks guests, Christina Sanon and Marshall Pontrelli!
Jeremy and I talk about detecting seismic activity, monitoring nuclear weapons testing, and his roles working with different companies and defense projects.
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00:00 Intro
03:57 Field Work and Data Collection
06:21 Nuclear Monitoring and Seismic Sensors
12:30 Earthquake Waves, Resonance, and Site Response
20:08 Using data for Earthquake Engineering
23:01 Ambient Noise & Soil Vibration Analysis
23:31 Unexpected Earthquakes and Thesis work
29:08 AI in Coding and Professional Use
33:31 Classes and their Impact
Music: 368 by Dyalla
This week, I host Sydney DeMets, PhD candidate at the University of Washington, to talk about her research on podcast networks! We chat about the polarization within podcasting spaces, the influence of moderate shows on bridging political divides, and the gender disparity in podcast hosts and guests. My favorite part was Sydney highlighting how guests spread across different shows in a similar way to the diffusion of viruses!
Sydney also gives some podcast recommendations and reflects on potential future research directions. If like this episode, please send it to a friend, and rate it 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!
00:00 Intro
04:11 The Influence of Podcasts on Public Opinion
07:28 Methodology and Findings
16:13 Challenges and Surprising Discoveries
36:20 Concerns About Information Veracity
41:26 Future of Podcast Moderation
46:34 Podcast Recommendations
This week, I had the privilege to interview Professor Roger Fu from Harvard's Earth and Planetary Sciences department. We cover planet formation in our early solar system, harvesting samples from meteorites, tectonic plate motion, paleoclimate research, and science funding in Boston! Professor Fu has a really unique perspective from his time studying astronomy in Chile and also leading research projects in university settings.
If you like the episode, please subscribe and rate the episode wherever you're listening, and send it to a friend!
00:00 Intro
01:57 Astronomy in Chile
12:38 Planetary Formation
15:21 Meteorites and Magnetic Fields
20:34 Paleoclimate Research
33:04 NASA’s Influence
35:29 Engaging Students and the Public
Music: 368 by Dyalla
I host David Zabner, 4th year PhD Candidate at Tufts University to tell me all about his research — improving Computer Science education! I start with an intro about why this subject specifically can be so challenging to teach and learn, then David tells me about his background and different research projects he’s done to improve education at different levels. He emphasizes the importance of interactive and practical learning, comparing it to learning a second language.
Enjoy, thanks for listening, and send this episode to a friend!
00:00 Intro & Background
06:15 Learning Theories and Teaching Methods
11:49 Challenges in Computer Science Education
36:31 Impact of Large Language Models
41:08 Future Projects
Music: 368 by Dyalla
In this episode, I host Amanda Calhoun, PhD candidate in the Earth and Planetary Sciences program at Harvard! In one project, Amanda uses carbon isotopes to uncover signs of ancient life. In another project, Amanda uses pyrite (fool’s gold!) to understand Earth’s oxygen history.
Listen to hear about the history of both our atmosphere and life itself!
00:00 Intro and Overview
02:46 Research Projects Explained
05:41 Fieldwork and Sample Collection
12:35 Goals & Implications of projects
15:27 Origins of Life, Applications, and Environmental Impact
21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Music: 368 by Dyalla
Today is a solo episode with your host, Alex Chansky! I talk about why I do this show — in addition to some personal reasons, this channel is a great opportunity to make scientific research more accessible and understandable to the public!
This is especially important in recent months as research funding cuts are proposed and our country’s top research institutions are cutting people & projects. So why is science funding important? Listen to find out more!
00:00 Why I do this show
01:20 Why Public Understanding of Science matters
05:36 Current Funding Threats
08:51 Long-term Funding cut impacts
15:30 Ask Some Questions
Music: 368 by Dyalla
In this week’s episode, I host Catherine Knox, PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss water diplomacy and decision-making! We talk about different ways to think about water management, especially when it stretches across multiple boundaries. Catherine goes on to discuss her work on sea-level rise adaptation in Boston and also how decisions can be made under both uncertainty and ambiguity.
For example, me saying “I have no idea what to write next in this description” is uncertainty. Saying “this description is funny” is ambiguous. Listen and subscribe for more great jokes!
02:55 Water Diplomacy and Transboundary Water Management
04:04 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Project
11:14 Regional Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
17:48 Public-Private Partnerships and Model Applications
23:47 Paper 2: Decision Making under Uncertainty & Ambiguity
38:27 Personal Insights and Future Directions
Music: 368 by Dyalla
This week, I reunite with Christina Sanon, a researcher and PhD candidate at Tufts University, to discuss her journey and recent research developments! Christina discusses a recent seminar and her ~groundbreaking~ earthquake research. We also talk about water diplomacy, a recent Maine Earthquake, and the practical applications of Christina’s projects. Subscribe to hear more scientists discuss climate and natural hazards research projects!
00:00 Intro and Water Diplomacy
06:00 PhD Journey and Career Aspirations
16:54 Earthquake Loss Estimation Project
22:40 Understanding Hazard Maps and Soil Amplification
28:14 Real-World Earthquakes and Damage State Probabilities
35:14 Communicating Science Effectively
Music: 368 by Dyalla
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I chat with Dr. Matt Curran, a recent doctorate in physical therapy. Together, we talk through aspects of the physical therapy field, including the differences between hospital and outpatient settings, nerve repair, and cadaver dissections. Matt shares what it’s like working with patients of different age groups, his research on post-stroke rehabilitation, and his transition into home care. If you like the episode, please subscribe and share it with a friend!
00:00 Intro and Matt's Journey
09:16 Cadaver Dissections and Unique Cases
21:38 Clinical Experiences and Working in Hospitals
26:45 Transition to Home Care
35:09 Reflections and Advice for Upcoming PTs
I welcome back Aidan Bailey, a close friend and first-year MD/PhD student at Wayne State University! Aidan shares his experiences in medical school, reflecting on his study strategies, dissecting cadavers, and balancing extensive coursework. He discusses the structure and goals of the MD/PhD program, the value of both degrees, & his future research plans. Our conversation also touches on life in Detroit, highlighting its vibrant culture and sports!
00:00 Intro and Guest Background
01:20 Med School Journey Begins
08:32 Anatomy Lab and Clinical Skills
15:38 Favorite Professors & Classes
18:50 Program Structure and Classmates
30:29 Choosing the Right Advisor
32:30 Benefits of an MD-PhD
37:40 Life in Detroit
I interview Peter Sousounis, an atmospheric scientist who now works as a climate and catastrophe modeling consultant. We discuss the recent January 2025 Los Angeles, California Wildfires, global catastrophe modeling, and the rising impacts of secondary perils (like smoke damage). Peter explains the factors contributing to winter wildfires in California and highlights the broader implications on human health and insurance in the region.
00:53 Introducing Dr. Peter Sousounis
04:36 Catastrophe Modeling
08:46 Winter Wildfires
14:48 Mitigate and Prepare
22:15 Future Outlook
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Danielle LeBlanc, a researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Danielle and I discuss her journey from studying petroleum engineering to her PhD research on ocean sediments. Danielle explains why she studies sediment components to understand Earth's climate history, ice sheet dynamics, and ice-rafted debris. She also talks about the challenges of her research and offers advice for rising scientists.
If you like this episode, please subscribe and share it with friends!
04:30 Paleoclimate Research
08:14 Isotopes Explained
14:59 Laurentide Ice Sheet
26:42 Career Reflections and advice
32:34 Opportunities for Future Scientists
Note: the cosmic flux consists of high-energy particles originating from both our sun and other sources in space. Danielle also discusses "sun rays," which she uses here to refer to ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays consist of lower energy particles relative to cosmic rays (or radiation), which consist of higher energy particles.
Music: 368 by Dyalla
Disclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations.
In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I explore the frequently asked question: “isn't the climate always changing?”. I break down the components of climate change, distinguishing between natural cycles and human-caused impacts. Learn about solar radiation, greenhouse gases, airborne particles, climate feedbacks, and tipping points! Very fun!
I also go into some details about Earth's orbital patterns, using animations from NASA to help understand long-term climate trends. Listen and subscribe for an in-depth discussion on driving our planet's climate!
00:00 Intro
01:29 Climate Forcings
03:24 Feedbacks and Tipping Points
04:38 Solar Radiation
06:59 Orbital changes
12:08 Human impacts
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In this bonus episode of Rocks for Jocks, we leap into the world of MrBeast, the world’s most popular YouTuber. Alex and his guest, Colin Vergilio, discuss MrBeast's impressive rise, his business strategies, and the recent internal memo that reveals how his company operates. We cover his astonishing statistics, including over 50 billion views, 500 employees, and nearly $700 million in annual revenue. Wow! We also explore the ethical implications and challenges of running such a massive digital empire. Don't miss this inside scoop of one of the most influential media figures today!
In this special episode of Rocks for Jocks, I discuss the recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland near the town of Grindavík! With live video streams and data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, viewers get an in-depth look at magma flow, earthquake patterns, and the impact on local attractions like the Blue Lagoon. The video includes hazard maps, GPS data on ground deformation, and gas pollution trends. Despite massive disruptions, tourists can definitely keep visiting if they stay in the safe zones.
Perhaps more importantly, today I learned how to use a camera! While it can definitely be enjoyed with audio-only, the video should be available on Spotify and YouTube. If you’re listening on any other platforms and notice you’re able to see video as well, please let me know!
00:09 Recent Volcanic Eruptions
00:48 Impact on Iceland and the Blue Lagoon
04:11 Volcanic Defenses & Tourism
06:23 Analyzing Maps and Figures
11:01 Live Streams and Visuals
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Welcome back to Rocks for Jocks! Today's episode is all about climate change, uncertainty, and the wild ride of asymmetric risks. Stick around to see why every tenth of a degree matters in this high-stakes climate game. Subscribe and join us on the journey towards a greener future!
Cover image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polar_bear_watches_USCGC_Healy_230922-D-GO191-1035.jpg
Welcome to the latest episode of Rocks for Jocks! Today, we jump into the fascinating earth science discoveries I learned about during my trip to Iceland. I discuss Iceland's position on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, witness the breathtaking sights of a national park, and discover how magma, hot springs, and geysers interplay to create stunning natural features. Listen here!
00:00 Introduction and Iceland Trip Overview
01:43 Exploring Iceland's Tectonic Activity
03:23 The Formation of Iceland's Landscapes
06:13 Geysers and Their Mechanisms
09:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
In this episode, I interview Rob Baxter, CEO and founder of CBC Wind Energy. We talk about the mechanical resilience, environmental impacts, and minimal infrastructure of CBC’s wind turbines, which are especially useful in disaster relief areas. Rob also shares insights on the broader role of renewables in diversified energy portfolios and offers advice for entrepreneurs in the energy space.
01:18 Innovative turbine designs
06:58 Cost and Efficiency of CBC's turbines
12:26 Optimal and extreme conditions
20:00 Environmental impacts & challenges
28:06 Advice for renewable energy entrepreneurs
Privately funded Spacewalks! What are they? Why do they matter? Are they good or bad? Let's find out!
Spacewalks are when astronauts leave their shuttle in outer space and are completely reliant on their spacesuits to keep living. Listen here to learn more!
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