This is The Merge, a podcast where experts from diverse fields come together to tackle real-world challenges. Hosted by Alan Shihadeh, Dean of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the American University of Beirut, each episode dives into pressing issues and innovative solutions that bridge disciplines and inspire change.

The Merge
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Podcast Overview
This is The Merge, a podcast where experts from diverse fields come together to tackle real-world challenges. Hosted by Alan Shihadeh, Dean of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the American University of Beirut, each episode dives into pressing issues and innovative solutions that bridge disciplines and inspire change.
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Publishing Since
11/14/2024
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Recent Episodes

October 22, 2025
Episode 6 | Majd Hilal | Buildings need to be reused: Architecture and the Urban Carbon Footprint
<p>Dean Shihadeh speaks with Dr. Majd Hilal on The Merge about architecture's massive carbon footprint, like Dubai's vanity towers. Hilal argues we must adaptively reuse buildings and shift to sufficiency-based design to cut emissions.</p>

July 16, 2025
The Merge: Episode 5 | Vida Mia García | Empathy will do engineering a world of good - Human-Centered Design and creative confidence
<p>In episode 5 of The Merge, Dr. Vida Mia García explores the role human-centered design can play alongside the traditional engineering curriculum taught to students through empathy, making actionable problem-statements, and interdisciplinary collaborations.</p>

March 4, 2025
The Merge: Episode 04 | Fadi Zaraket | Arabic LLMs, Surveillance, Tech Politics, Future of Eng & AI
Dr. Fadi Zaraket discusses Arabic Large Language Models (LLMs), he highlights their importance in ensuring technology aligns with the Arabic language and culture. For him, the development of Arabic LLMs is essential in bridging the gap between global advancements and regional identity. The conversation expands to encompass general LLMs, surveillance, tech politics, the future of engineering education and liberal arts, and the unregulated frontiers of AI, all of which are reshaping industries around the world. The Merge is a production of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at AUB. The podcast was recorded at the studios of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching & Learning at MSFEA. Special thanks to our team Karen Kelaita, Rima Ghannoum, Christina Sleiman, Mariam Noureddine, Kassem Zaayter, and Dana Ghalayini for recording, editing, and production.
6 total episodes available
Recent guests on The Merge
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Dr. Nassim Taleb
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Mona Fawaz
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is The Merge?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 6 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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