Discovering Academia

#017 - David Rapson: Electrifying Economics (EV’s & Grid Infrastructure) and the Role of the Federal Reserve

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of economics with our special guest, David Rapson. David is a Chancellor’s Leadership Professor at UC Davis and a senior research economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. We'll be discussing the economics of electrification, with a particular focus on electric vehicles and grid infrastructure. Discover the impact of these advancements on our economy, environment, and everyday lives. Furthermore, we'll explore the importance of studying economics for all students and gain insights into the pivotal role played by the Federal Reserve. Tune in and expand your understanding of these crucial topics with our insightful conversation.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#016 - Flagg Miller: Exploring Islam’s History, Cultural Impact, and the Yemeni Civil War

Join us in this captivating episode as we dive deep into the history and cultural impact of Islam, as well as the current Civil War in Yemen with Flagg Miller, a Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies department at UC Davis. With a specialization in the Middle East and South Asia, Professor Miller brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our conversation.
Delving into the roots of Islam, we explore how its major sects emerged and evolved over time, shedding light on their distinct beliefs, practices, and contributions to the rich tapestry of Islamic culture. Discover the historical milestones that shaped Islam as we know it today and gain a deeper understanding of its global influence.
Our conversation takes an insightful turn as we shift our focus to the current civil war in Yemen. As the president of the American Institute for Yemeni Studies, Professor Miller provides unique perspectives on the complexities and challenges surrounding this tumultuous conflict. We examine the underlying factors fueling the crisis, the key players involved, and the humanitarian implications faced by the Yemeni people.
Furthermore, we explore the role of hunger strikes as a powerful form of protest in the midst of the Yemeni civil war. Professor Miller shares his observations and analyses, highlighting how hunger strikes have become a potent method for drawing attention to the dire situation on the ground and amplifying the voices of those affected.
Tune in to this enlightening episode as we unravel the multifaceted history of Islam, delve into its cultural impact, and gain valuable insights into the ongoing civil war in Yemen. Prepare to expand your knowledge and engage in a thought-provoking conversation with a leading expert in the field, Flagg Miller.
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#015 - Aaron Smith: Agricultural Econometrics, Biofuels, & the Future of Ethical Technology

Join us on this exciting episode as we sit down with Aaron Smith, a professor of agricultural economics at UC Davis. As the cluster lead of ethics for the AI institute for Food Systems and co-director of the center for data science and artificial intelligence, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His research focus is on econometrics, commodity markets, agriculture, and energy.
Tune in as we delve into captivating discussions about biofuels, environmental policy, and the future of agricultural technology and AI. Discover the intricate connections between these topics and how they shape the world we live in. In addition, Aaron shares valuable insights on the recent surge in egg prices, uncovering the factors behind this significant shift. And if that's not enough, we also dive into a delightful discussion on the best fast food chicken sandwich, making this episode a treat for all food enthusiasts.
Prepare to be enlightened and entertained as we explore the intersection of agricultural economics, technology, and the environment. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with Aaron Smith, and gain a deeper understanding of the forces driving our food systems today.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#014 - Jesse Drew: Technoculture, Electronics and Our Relationship with Digital Media

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jesse Drew, a distinguished videomaker, multimedia artist, and associate professor of Cinema and Digital Media at UC Davis. Our discussion takes a fascinating journey through the media landscape, exploring its past, present, and future, and the profound impact it has on our society. Jesse shares his unique insights on the transformative potential of media arts and their role in shaping our collective narrative.
Beyond examining the broader media landscape, we dive into the importance of understanding the technologies we encounter daily and cultivating intentionality in our relationship with them. Jesse sheds light on the value of being conscious consumers and creators in the digital age, highlighting the potential for empowerment and positive change when we engage with the media mindfully.
Whether you're passionate about media arts, interested in the societal implications of technology, or simply curious about the power of intentionality, this conversation will leave you with a fresh outlook and a deeper appreciation for the media that surrounds us.
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#013 - Bruce German: The Missing Link with Breast Milk & the Future of Personalized Health

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Bruce German, a distinguished professor in the food science and technology department at UC Davis, and the director of the Foods for Health Institute. Dr. German is a leading researcher in the field of nutrition, using human breast milk as his model to understand how we can improve human health through diet.
 
In this episode, we dive deep into Dr. German's research on the gut microbiome of babies and how a singular bacteria plays a pivotal role in establishing lifelong health. We discuss how changes in modern medicine and lifestyles have led to the eradication of this bacteria in our gut microbiome, and the impact that it caused.
 
We also explore the future of nutrition and potential avenues for revolutionary changes to our food systems, as well as Dr. German's passion for precision health. He shares his insights on how personalized medicine can be delivered based on an individual's genetics, biomarkers, and other lifestyle factors.
 
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of nutrition, health, and the microbiome with Dr. Bruce German, and learn how we can take steps towards a healthier future for ourselves and our children.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#012 - Valeria La Saponara: How Mycelium Can Save the Planet

In this episode, we sit down with Valeria La Saponara, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UC Davis. With an extensive background in researching the durability of fiber-reinforced composites for aerospace, civil, naval and wind energy applications, Valeria has recently shifted her focus to studying mycelium, a fascinating organism with potential uses in addressing a wide range of environmental challenges.
As the founder and Principal Investigator of the ACRES laboratory, Valeria has been at the forefront of research into the innovative use of materials in engineering and science. In this episode, Valeria shares her insights on the importance of creativity and innovation in solving our environmental crises, and how mycelium holds the potential to revolutionize the way we approach sustainability.
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of mycelium, learn about its properties and potential uses, and discuss the exciting research being done by Valeria. Whether you're a seasoned scientist or simply interested in the latest breakthroughs in environmental sustainability, this episode is not to be missed!
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#011 - Ali Moghimi: Drones, Artificial Intelligence, & Precision Agriculture

Join us for a conversation with Ali Moghimi, an assistant professor of teaching in remote sensing and AI applications for precision and digital agriculture at UC Davis. He is also the master faculty advisor for the new agricultural and environmental technology major, which focuses on preparing students to integrate new technologies like AI to solve the problems of food and energy sustainability.
In this engaging conversation, Professor Moghimi shares his insights on the various applications of drones and other advanced technologies in agriculture. He talks about how these technologies are being used to improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage, and the importance of using AI in precision agriculture to optimize crop management.
He also provides a basic understanding of the methodology of machine learning, and how it is being used in agriculture to make predictions. He further delves into the uses of AI for higher education grading, discussing its potential benefits and challenges.
Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of agriculture and technology, and how AI is being used to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the industry. Tune in to this episode of Discovering Academia to learn more about the future of agriculture and the role of AI in shaping it.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#010 - Ermias Kebreab: Seaweed, Methanogens & the Potential End of Agricultural Methane Emissions

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Professor Ermias Kebreab, the Associate Dean and Professor of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Kebreab holds the Sesnon Endowed Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and conducts groundbreaking research in animal nutrition, mathematical modeling of biological systems, and the impact of livestock on the environment.
 
With over 250 peer-reviewed articles and several prestigious awards under his belt, including the 2022 Chancellor’s Innovator of the year award, Dr. Kebreab is an authority in his field. He has also co-chaired the feed additive and methane committees of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, which highlights his commitment to sustainability and reducing the impact of livestock on the environment.
 
In this podcast, we'll dive into Dr. Kebreab's research surrounding seaweed supplementation in cows to reduce methane emmisions, his vision for sustainable agriculture, and his new 70 million dollar grant with top researchers at UC Berkeley and UCSF to engineer a new population-wide genome editing technology that can be used to completely eradicate methane production.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#009 - Jonathan Eisen: Microbes, Open-Sourcing Research, & Equality in Academia

Join us for an insightful discussion with Professor Jonathan Eisen, an award-winning researcher at UC Davis, as he takes us on a journey into the fascinating world of microbiology. With appointments in the Department of Evolution and Ecology, the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the Genome Center, Professor Eisen's research spans across many different areas within microbiology, as he aims to uncover fundamental "rules" that can be widely applied across the field. Professor Eisen is also an active social media presence on Twitter, where he advocates for greater academic communication and accessibility.
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating realm of microbes, exploring their impact on our lives and our relationship with them. We also discuss the importance of open sourcing academic research and promoting equity and diversity within academia. Join us as we discover the secrets of the microbial world and gain insights from Professor Jonathan Eisen's expertise and experience.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#008 - Mark Yarborough: Trustworthiness of Biomedical Research & Reshaping Academia

Join us for a enlightening discussion with Professor Mark Yarborough, a leading bioethicist and former Director of the Clinical Research Ethics Program at UC Davis. With decades of experience exploring the intersection of public trust and biomedical research, Dr. Yarborough's work sheds light on some of the most pressing ethical questions facing the field today.
In this episode, we delve into the importance of building trust in biomedical research, and explore the challenges and opportunities of maintaining ethical standards in the face of conflicting interests. Dr. Yarborough's publications cover a wide range of bioethical issues, from genetic counseling to interprofessional ethics education, offering a comprehensive perspective on the field.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, researcher, or simply interested in the ethical considerations that underlie biomedical research, this episode offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the field. We discuss the role of profit in medicine, the impact of biases in research, and the need for new metrics of success that prioritize public trust and accountability.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges facing biomedical research today, and discover how we can work together to build a more hopeful future for the field.