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
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
Materials And You
11/25/2019
“We are truly living in a materials world.” -Dr. Tak-Sing Wong. In this, the second episode of the Reach podcast, Beth and Cole sit down with 3 researchers to talk about the materials in your world. First up, we talk with Dr. Susan Trolier-McKinstry about how materials are used while developing devices that harvest energy. Second, we speak with Dr. Jian Yang about biomaterials and healing stronger bones. Last, we interview Dr. Tak-Sing Wong about looking to nature to create new materials.
Duration:00:30:18
The Family
11/25/2019
In the premiere episode of the Reach podcast, we sit down with 3 researchers to talk about family-related issues. First up, we talk with Dr. Paul Morgan about success in early childhood education. Second, we speak with Dr. Orfeu Buxton about the Fragile Families study and sleep. Finally, we interview Dr. Martin Sliwinski about the work he is doing with healthy aging.
Duration:00:33:29