Innovation on Main

Michael Gower, an assistant professor in the UofSC College of Engineering and Computing's biomedical engineering program, joins host Abe Danaher to talk about promoting muscle growth through particulate systems. First, Michael describes his work with the Veterans Administration (2:04) and why his research is needed by elderly people (3:09). Then, he explains why the particulate system is targeting fat tissue (5:33) and how the injectable system he's creating would work (7:26). Next, Abe gives stats showing the amount of muscle men lose over their lifetime (11:14) before Michael tells what it is like for him knowing that his research could affect everyone in the future (13:40). Lastly, he shares how this technology could help astronauts (17:29) or potentially lead to baseball's next cheating scandal (20:15) and his thoughts on graduating his first doctoral student (21:17). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Travis Knight, the director of the UofSC College of Engineering and Computing's nuclear engineering program, joins host Abe Danaher to talk about nuclear energy. First, Travis describes his winding journey through the field (1:39) and why he chose to stay the course despite all the obstacles (6:21). Then, he describes the sinking feeling he felt when he heard the news of the V.C. Summer project (10:33) and how it is emblematic of the larger problem facing nuclear energy in America (15:20). Next, he explains what the future of nuclear energy looks like (20:42) before discussing why the current generation of students is so important to the future of the field (25:03). Lastly, he shares the message he tells to people who don't believe nuclear energy is a good thing (27:53) and the many reasons that he believes nuclear energy is a necessity for the security and well-being of the American people (34:24). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Amit Sheth, the founding director of the UofSC Artificial Intelligence Institute, joins host Abe Danaher to talk about artificial intelligence. First, Amit explains the meaning of the institute's tagline, "turning big data into smart data," and he lays out his vision for the future of the AI Institute (6:46). Then, he explains why people need to be careful and concerned about emerging AI technologies (15:01) before discussing ethical concerns he has faced in his own AI research (19:36). Lastly, he reveals the attributes and characteristics he looks for in potential graduate students (23:00) and his motto on what it takes to be a successful researcher in any field (28:39). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

UofSC Chemical Engineering Professor John Monnier joins host Abe Danaher to tell about his journey from industry to the university and his now successful quest to create bimetallic catalysts. First, John explains the practical applications that both catalysis and engineering have (4:06) and how the industry evolved during his 32 years in it (8:33). Then, he explains his realization that everything that could be done with single metal catalysts had been done (11:46) and his ensuing decision to pursue bimetallic catalysts (14:21). Very importantly, John describes what catalysts are and why they are important to our everyday lives (15:24) and how he actually was successful in making a bimetallic catalyst (17:51). Lastly, he discusses how he now gauges his own success off the success of his students (35:38) and what the future holds for his already illustrious career (36:52). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

UofSC Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Nicole Berge joins Host Abe Danaher to tell how her research on hydrothermal carbonization is allowing for waste to be converted into energy and fertilizers. Nicole begins by sharing how she got into researching landfills as an undergraduate (2:01), before explaining what her current research on trash aims to do (4:10). Next, she explains how close we are to using her technology widely in the US (7:25) and the reactions of her students when they hear they have to work with waste (9:34). Lastly, Abe does the "Beyond the CV" segment and learns all about Nicole's three dogs (11:41). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

UofSC Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Professor Mike Sutton joins Host Abe Danaher to tell the story of how the now international company Correlated Solutions Incorporated began and about the digital image correlation technology that he helped create. Mike begins with how NASA and UofSC didn't want to patent his technology (2:45), which forced him to start Correlated Solutions in 1997 (4:03). Then, Mike explains what it was like to start the company in Columbia, South Carolina (10:47). Next, Mike explains where the digital image correlation technology is going (19:10) before emphasizing the importance of perseverance in all aspects of life (21:04). Lastly, Abe does the "Beyond the CV" segment and gets a really interesting answer from Mike about his favorite hobby, terrascaping (24:04). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Host Abe Danaher is joined by UofSC Electrical Engineering Department Chair Roger Dougal to talk about the state of America's energy grid and the benefits of switching to direct current power. First, Abe tells a story about the history of DC and AC energy, providing the framework for the rest of their discussion (1:02). Then, Roger explains why now is the time to change to DC energy (4:23) and why the change should occur (6:58). Next, Roger explains why DC energy would make renewable energy production more efficient (11:52) before giving a prediction about when we could expect to see a change to DC energy (18:08). Then, Abe does the first "Beyond the CV" segment and asks Roger about his past as a nationally ranked sailor (19:14). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Host Abe Danaher is joined by UofSC Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Ramy Harik to talk about automated fiber placement and the transformative effect it is having on the aerospace and automative industries. First, Ramy explains what composite manufacturing is (2:15) and what AFP machines produce (8:20) before addressing the newness of the field and the potential that it has to grow (11:56). Next, Abe asks Ramy about the pressure of trying to always stay at the forefront of the ever-changing field (16:05). Then, the episode ends with a bold prediction from Ramy regarding what the future of AFP will look like (23:10). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Host Abe Danaher is joined by UofSC Integrated Information Technology Associate Professor Ben Schooley to talk about the transformative effects his apps will have on the health care field. First, they discuss his app that aims to improve the foster care system in the state of South Carolina (2:15) before moving onto his Alexa-powered app designed to improve the health and well-being of elderly cancer survivors (11:02). Next, Abe asks Ben how he got into the field of health care after majoring in English during undergrad (16:53). Then, the episode ends with Ben talking about the struggles and strategy of maintaining data security (20:06). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Host Abe Danaher is joined by UofSC chemical engineering Professor Bill Mustain to talk about the future of batteries. First, they discuss the effect changes to the lithium ion battery will have on electric cars (2:17) and the growing problem of emissions (7:00) before moving onto alkaline batteries and their impact on soldiers (16:11). Next, Abe opens the mailbag (21:13) and asks Bill three questions about his time at the University of South Carolina and his research. Then, the episode ends with Bill's advice to everyone on saving their own phones' batteries (27:50). The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"