From the College of Engineering at Oregon State University, this is "Engineering Out Loud" — a podcast telling the stories of how our research and innovation here are helping change the world out there.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.
Featured on National Science Foundation Science Zone Radio.
Season 11: Engineering for Natural Hazard Impacts
Preparing for nature’s worst, S11E8
What is Oregon doing to prepare for earthquakes, tsunamis, and wildfire? Researchers at Oregon State University are working with the state Legislature to help them make informed decisions about how to prepare for natural hazards.
Dune erosion solutions, S11E7
Can plants fortify Oregon’s coastal dunes against storm surge? Meagan Wengrove, assistant professor of coastal and ocean engineering, built scale versions of dunes in one of the world’s largest wave flumes to find out.
RAPID reconnaissance: Capturing data in the aftermath of a disaster, S11E6
After a major disaster, hidden amid the rubble and debris are precious clues about the extreme forces structures were subjected to, and exactly what caused them to fail. How can researchers collect this perishable data before it’s swept away? Michael Olsen, professor of geomatics and technical director of the NHERI RAPID Facility, talks about a major effort to get crucial technology into the hands of reconnaissance experts quickly, wherever disaster strikes.
Saving PDX, S11E5
What will it take for Oregon to recover after a magnitude 9.0 Cascadia subduction zone earthquake? Among other things, it will need a major airport to receive the tons of relief supplies from around the world. Prof. Armin Stuedlein and a research team from Oregon State University conducted crucial testing that guided engineers with big plans to make sure one of the runways at Portland International Airport survives the shaking.
What’s in the water after a wildfire? S11E4
Wildfires that devastate mountain communities have the potential to foul the water distribution system running underneath residential structures. But knowing which water pipes have been affected is challenging. Erica Fischer, assistant professor of structural engineering, is working with a team of engineers and scientists to develop and test sensors that can easily indicate if water pipes need to be replaced following a fire.
Burning to learn, S11E3
How do engineers fight wildfires? With fire. David Blunck, associate professor of mechanical engineering, is trying to better understand and predict the behavior of embers that spread blazes. To do this, he has to burn a few of his own.
When the Earth moves, S11E2
What happens to bridges, buildings, and pipelines when the soil holding them up behaves like a liquid? Ben Mason, associate professor geotechnical engineering, has traveled the world doing post-earthquake reconnaissance to find out and make us better prepared for impending earthquakes.
The day the lights go out in Oregon, S11E1
The long-feared 9.0 magnitude Cascadia subduction zone earthquake, which seismologists say is inevitable, will damage or destroy large swaths of Oregon’s electrical grid. How long will it take to get the juice flowing again? Weeks? Months? Professor Ted Brekken and his team are applying high-powered simulations to find out and to identify which parts of the system should be hardened against the quake at any cost.
Season 10: Pandemic Puzzles
Season 9: Robotics and AI
Season 8: Health and safety
Season 7: Clean water
Season 6: Student research
Season 5: Partners in research part two
Season 4: Partners in research
Season 3: Environmental and human health
Season 2: Engineering for inclusivity
Season 1: Data science and engineering
The Team
"Engineering Out Loud" is a production of the Oregon State University College of Engineering.
- Majeed Badizadegan, website
- Johanna Carson, visuals and marketing
- Jack Forkey, artwork and graphic design
- Steve Frandzel, senior producer and host
- Keith Hautala, producer and host
- Will Havnaer, sound engineer
- Chris Palmer, producer and host
- Owen Perry, marketing strategist, producer and host
- Rachel Robertson, executive producer and host
Testimonials
"I heard about the podcast a year ago and went back and listened to a lot of the old episodes. This was a little after I realized engineering was my passion and I wanted to learn more about the world through the eyes of other engineers. This was also before I even considered Oregon State University as an option for college. I stumbled upon the podcast when trying to find podcasts about engineering and this is the first one that I listened to that made me interested. The podcast is also what made me find out about the engineering program at OSU and ultimately because of my further research to make the decision to go here."
— Alec Bovee, undergraduate in mechanical engineering
"After the podcast I received multiple communications asking for more information on my work. A specific and tangible impact of the podcast was to help me recruit. I made it available to my contacts within the U.S. and internationally as part of a talent acquisition pitch. I also received unsolicited applications from those who heard the podcast and wanted to join my team. The episode was and continues to be a useful PR tool for me to spread the word and find good researchers."
— Bahman Abbasi, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
"I have found “Engineering Out Loud” to be a great resource for helping me better understand the impactful work our engineering faculty are doing and to share their stories with our donors. Sending a link to the podcast is a great way to follow up on conversations and keep our alumni and donors engaged."
— Marnie Noble, senior director of development, OSU Foundation
"Oregon State University is one of our top clients and as an engineering firm, we are always looking for ways to support your various student engineering programs. The podcast is a great platform for students and professionals alike, and it can be enjoyed during this challenging time."
— Amber Kelel, Systems West Engineers
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