REACH: Why. Research. Matters.
Science Podcasts
REACH shares the stories of Penn State researchers: their studies, discoveries, and the ways their work shapes our world.
As a national leader in university research, with more than $900 million in annual funding, Penn State is at the forefront of tackling the challenges that matter most. Hosts Beth Bamford and Cole Cullen sit down with these experts to explore what they’re studying, why it matters, and how it impacts everyday lives and communities. From cross-disciplinary collaborations to partnerships with other universities and government agencies, REACH highlights the successes, challenges, and real-world impact of university research. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how research connects to you.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Science Podcasts
Description:
REACH shares the stories of Penn State researchers: their studies, discoveries, and the ways their work shapes our world. As a national leader in university research, with more than $900 million in annual funding, Penn State is at the forefront of tackling the challenges that matter most. Hosts Beth Bamford and Cole Cullen sit down with these experts to explore what they’re studying, why it matters, and how it impacts everyday lives and communities. From cross-disciplinary collaborations to partnerships with other universities and government agencies, REACH highlights the successes, challenges, and real-world impact of university research. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how research connects to you.
Language:
English
Email:
wpsupodcasts@psu.edu
Episodes
Habitable Worlds
10/13/2025
Dr. Eric Ford, director of Penn State’s Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds, explains the search for planets beyond our solar system, focusing on those in the “habitable zone” where liquid water can exist. They use advanced telescopes to detect and analyze exoplanets, focusing on biosignatures like oxygen and methane. Current research combines indirect methods with new technology aiming for direct imaging, paving the way for future missions like the Habitable Worlds Observatory in the 2040s.
Duration:00:27:29
Microplastics
10/6/2025
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles under five millimeters found throughout the environment—in oceans, rivers, and sediments. Dr. Nathaniel Warner of Penn State explains they come from everyday sources like water bottles, clothing fibers, and tires. Humans ingest microplastics through food, water, and air, but the often-quoted “credit card worth” in our bodies may be exaggerated. Health impacts remain uncertain, but scientists continue studying to understand the risks better, facing challenges due to limited data and public misconceptions.
Duration:00:28:24
Mine Water Runoff
9/29/2025
Pennsylvania’s abandoned coal mines cause acidic, metal-contaminated water harming streams and aquatic life. Dr. Bill Burgos studies cleanup methods using active and passive treatment plants. Burgos and his team focus on improving natural biological processes to make water treatment more efficient and sustainable. Despite progress, thousands of miles of streams remain affected, highlighting the ongoing need for research and investment in remediation.
Duration:00:34:28
3D Bioprinting
9/22/2025
Dr. Deepak Gupta, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State, works on 3D bioprinting—using modified 3D printers to create tissues like bone and skin from biocompatible materials and living cells. Though not yet used in humans, this technology could aid healing, personalize implants, and improve surgical training. Challenges include regulatory approval and replicating complex organs like hearts or kidneys.
Duration:00:25:18
Empathy
9/15/2025
Dr. Daryl Cameron is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Penn State. He explains empathy as sharing feelings, perspective-taking, and compassion. It’s flexible, can be learned, and sometimes causes challenges like burnout. His research shows empathy isn’t limited; people can grow empathy for both humans and animals, emphasizing strategic emotional management rather than competition.
Duration:00:47:19
Synthetic Blood
9/8/2025
A team of Researchers, led by Dr. Dipanjan Pan of Penn State, have been developing synthetic blood for over a decade to address critical needs in emergency and battlefield medicine. Their nanoparticle-based product mimics red blood cells, delivering oxygen safely without the need for blood type matching or refrigeration. Designed as emergency bridging therapy, it helps trauma patients during transport. Biodegradable and long-lasting, this innovation addresses critical gaps in emergency care, supported by a multi-disciplinary team and startup.
Duration:00:23:36
Spotted Lanternfly
6/27/2025
Dr. Julie Urban joins us in-studio to discuss the Spotted Lanternfly and the severity of the impact to agriculture. Dr. Urban discusses the origin of this invasive insect, the threat to agriculture, and potential solutions to prevent the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly.
Duration:00:29:03
Diseases and Wildlife
6/27/2025
In the 6th episode of the Reach podcast, we discuss diseases in wildlife. We joined Dr. Kurt Vandegrift in the field to learn how research is conducted using ticks and mice, and how he is trying to prevent the next big epidemic. Next, we speak with Dr. Marilyn Roossinck about white-nose syndrome and it is endangering little brown bats.
Duration:00:17:27
Human and Environmental Health
6/27/2025
In the seventh episode of this season of Reach, we talk with Dr. Orfeu Buxton about how your job affects your family. In the second interview, we speak with Dr. Paul Morgan about inequities in special education. The last interview is with Dr. Michael Mann about the politics surrounding the climate change debate.
Duration:00:28:47
Helping Developing Countries
6/27/2025
In this episode of the of the Reach podcast, Beth and Cole sit down with 3 researchers to talk about the work being done at Penn State to help developing countries. First up, we talk with Dr. Jonathan Lynch about developing better plants to produce more food in stressful environments. Second, we speak with Dr. Tak-Sing Wong about slippery surfaces and reverse filters used in waterless toilets. Finally, we interview Drs. Jose Duarte and Shadi Nazarian about the use of 3D printing in the manufacturing of affordable housing.
Duration:00:32:26
REACH COVID 19 Spillover
4/9/2020
This COVID-19 episode of the Reach Podcast features Dr. Kurt Vandegrift and his research of spillover as it relates to the Coronavirus. In this episode of the Reach podcast, we have a socially distant conversation with Dr. Kurt Vandegrift from The Penn State Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. As part of the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Dr. Vandegrift studies zoonotic disease, spillover, population biology and emerging viruses. We discuss how Dr. Vandegrift’s studies relate to the origin of COVID-19, and what can be done to prevent the next pandemic.
Duration:00:15:19
COVID-19: Human Movement and Behavior
4/9/2020
This COVID-19 episode of the Reach Podcast features Nita Bharti and her research of Human Movement and Behavior as it relates to the Coronavirus. In this episode of the Reach podcast, we talk to Nita Bharti from The Penn State Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. As part of the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Nita studies human movement and human behavior as it relates to the spreading of infectious diseases. We discuss the theories and models behind social distancing and why it is so important to stay at home during these times.
Duration:00:16:56
The Family
12/2/2019
In the first episode of the Reach podcast, we sit down with three researchers to talk about family-related issues.
Duration:00:33:29
Materials and You
12/2/2019
In this, the second episode of the Reach podcast, Beth and Cole sit down with three researchers to talk about the materials in your world.
Duration:00:30:22
Climate Change
12/2/2019
In the third episode of the Reach podcast, we sit down with three researchers to talk about climate change.
Duration:00:24:24
Technology
12/2/2019
This episode, the 4th of the Reach podcast, includes interviews with 2 researchers that talk about not only how technology affects us as humans, but how tech can help us as well.
Duration:00:33:08
Spotted Lanternfly
12/2/2019
In the 5th episode of the Reach podcast, Dr. Julie Urban joins us in-studio to discuss the Spotted Lanternfly and the severity of the impact to agriculture.
Duration:00:29:03
Diseases and Wildlife
12/2/2019
In the 6th episode of the Reach podcast, we discuss diseases in wildlife.
Duration:00:17:26
Human & Environmental Health
12/2/2019
In the seventh episode of the Reach podcast, we sit down with 3 researchers to talk about human and environmental health.
Duration:00:28:47
Helping Developing Countries
12/2/2019
In this, the final episode of season 1 of the Reach podcast, Beth and Cole sit down with 3 researchers to talk about the work being done at Penn State to help developing countries.
Duration:00:32:24