The Engineering the Future podcast features guests from across McKelvey Engineering who join science writer Shawn Ballard to chat about research, teaching, outreach and more.
Engineering Musculoskeletal Health with Spencer Lake
On the season finale of Engineering the Future, we conclude our focus on Engineering Human Health with Spencer Lake, associate professor in mechanical engineering & materials science. Lake describes his work on orthopedic soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments that let the body move. Lake’s lab works to advance our fundamental understanding of these tissues, using experimental and computational approaches to inform clinical applications and treatment strategies.
2 Apr 2025
Engineering Interdisciplinary Neuroscience with ShiNung Ching
In the latest episode of Engineering the Future, host Shawn Ballard dives into the realm of brain science and the future of mental health with guest ShiNung Ching, associate professor in the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering. They explore the intersection of engineering and neuroscience, discussing the complexities of understanding brain functions, the challenges of interdisciplinary research, and the promising future of neuroengineering in addressing mental health issues. Listen in to learn how advanced models and technologies are being developed to enhance cognitive function.
19 Mar 2025
Engineering arrhythmia therapies with Jon Silva
On this episode of Engineering the Future, Jon Silva, professor of biomedical engineering and of computer science & engineering, discusses his work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and cardiac care. Tune in to learn more about Silva’s interdisciplinary research in treating cardiac arrhythmia using augmented reality and his entrepreneurial journey from lab discovery to market application. Plus, get Silva’s insights on the future of biomedical engineering and a few sci-fi media recommendations!
5 Mar 2025
Engineering Cardiovascular Health with Jessica Wagenseil
In this episode of Engineering the Future, Jessica Wagenseil, professor of mechanical engineering & materials science and Vice Dean for Faculty Advancement, discusses how her interdisciplinary work combines mechanics and biology to understand cardiovascular health. Wagenseil uses computational models to predict disease progression and collaborates with physicians to help inform clinical decision-making and future therapies. She also shares her experiences with teaching, mentorship and outreach, including her work with the BrightPath STEAM Academy to encourage local youth interest in science and engineering.
19 Feb 2025
Engineering Air Quality Management with Jay Turner
In this episode of Engineering the Future, we continue our focus on Engineering Human Health with a look at how air quality impacts health in ways far beyond the respiratory system. Jay Turner, the James McKelvey Professor of Engineering Education, vice dean for education, head of the Division of Engineering Education and professor of energy, environmental & chemical engineering, shares his work on science-based policymaking, global air quality management and projects closer to home.
5 Feb 2025
Engineering AI for Health with Chenyang Lu
This season on Engineering the Future, our theme is Engineering Human Health, and we’re starting with a look at how AI is changing the health landscape from hospitals to public health policy. Chenyang Lu, the Fullgraf Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, discusses his efforts to bring together collaborators from across WashU as director of the AI for Health Institute. Lu also shares the latest research from his lab on wearables and how AI can make personalized health recommendations.
5 Dec 2024
Engineering communication with Seema Dahlheimer
Shawn Ballard talks with Seema Dahlheimer, director of the Engineering Communication Center, about supporting engineering students through effective communication and preparing them to contribute to a better world.
13 Nov 2024
Engineering brain dynamics with Addison Schwamb and BethAnna Jones
On this episode of Engineering the Future, Addison Schwamb and BethAnna Jones, graduate students in the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering, describe their systems-based approaches to brain dynamics and dispel some science-fiction inspired misconceptions. With their adviser ShiNung Ching, associate professor of electrical & systems engineering in McKelvey Engineering, Schwamb and Jones use mathematics to understand how the brain works and apply that knowledge to address questions at the intersection of engineering, brain science and human health.
30 Oct 2024
Engineering indoor air with Jenna Ditto
Did you know Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, primarily in their homes? This week on Engineering the Future, Jenna Ditto, assistant professor of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, describes her work on indoor environments and offers listeners some research-based advice for improving indoor air quality to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
16 Oct 2024
Engineering Depolarization with Jean Springsteen
On this episode of Engineering the Future, Jean Springsteen, a graduate student in WashU’s Division of Computational and Data Sciences, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where social media isn’t so polarized. Tune in to learn how Springsteen and her advisers Will Yeoh, associate professor of computer science & engineering in McKelvey Engineering, and Dino Christenson, professor of political science in Arts & Sciences, are working to make democracy safer and Thanksgiving dinners less tense.
2 Oct 2024
Engineering Curiosity with Anna Goestenkors
On this episode of Engineering the Future, Anna Goestenkors, a graduate student working with Alexandra Rutz, shares an insider’s perspective on what it really means to be a biomedical engineer. Spoiler alert! They aren’t cyborgs; bioengineers are curious people who like solving problems.
18 Sept 2024
Engineering Balance with Patty Weisensee
On this episode of Engineering the Future, Patty Weisensee, associate professor of mechanical engineering & materials science, discusses her journey from music to mechanical engineering and how she has maintained a healthy work-life balance along the way.
4 Sept 2024
Engineering transformation with Christine Dearmont
On this episode of Engineering the Future, Christine Dearmont, director of WashU's Women & Engineering Center, discusses how her work with the WE Center supports women as they become successful engineers and future changemakers.
22 Aug 2024
Engineering the Future: Women in Engineering trailer
It’s been too long! McKelvey’s Engineering the Future podcast is set to return Sept. 4, 2024 with a new season highlighting Women in Engineering. Guests from across McKelvey will join science writer Shawn Ballard to chat about research, teaching, outreach and more. Tune in every other Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.
24 Apr 2019
Engineering the Future: Nanoparticles Part 4 - Nanoparticles as Aerosols
How can nanoparticles be leveraged as aerosols and what applications exist?
11 Apr 2019
Engineering the Future: Nanoparticles Part 3 - Good Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles Part 3: What are the benefits of nanoparticles? How do they work? What medical applications exist?
28 Nov 2018
Engineering the Future: Nanoparticles Part 2 - Dangerous Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles Part 2: How are dangerous nanoparticles formed, how do they impact our health, and how can we reduce those impacts?
7 Aug 2018
Engineering the Future: Nanoparticles Part 1
This episode is all about nanoparticles. What are their properties, how are they formed and why you should care.
7 Mar 2018
Engineering the Future: The Future of Energy
This episode discusses the future of energy, and how science and technology are shaping it.
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