Railroads have shaped America’s growth, technology, and daily life for nearly two centuries. In this episode of AMSEcast, Alan talks with Dr. Albert Churella of Kennesaw State University about how innovations such as the automatic knuckle coupler, Westinghouse’s air brake, and the move from steam to diesel transformed safety and efficiency. Dr. Churella explains how signaling, centralized traffic control, and GPS-based Positive Train Control modernized operations. While U.S. passenger service lags Europe, its freight rail system leads the world in ton-miles, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. Albert also previews his forthcoming book on Conrail, reflecting on the railroad industry’s resilience, its economic impact, and its enduring relevance today. &nbsp; About Dr. Albert Churella  Dr. Albert Churella is a leading scholar of transportation history and policy with a particular focus on railroads. He earned both his MA and PhD from The Ohio State University and now serves as a professor at Kennesaw State University. Albert’s research explores how railroads shaped American economic growth, technology, and public policy, linking the past to today’s transportation challenges. His work combines rigorous scholarship with a clear, engaging style that reaches beyond academic audiences. In addition to his extensive publications, Albert is widely regarded as an expert who makes the complex history of railroads accessible and relevant to modern readers. &nbsp; Show Highlights  (1:40) When the first train operated in the United States (14:13) America’s addition of the air brake and the automatic coupler (28:12) When track signals came into use (40:05) Are trains high-tech now? (45:04) The transition from steam to diesel and where the advancement was developed (58:29) Why railways are still important in the US (1:02:52) What Dr. Albert Churella is working on now  &nbsp; Links Referenced  The Pennsylvania Railroad three-volume series:

The History of the American Railroad with Albert Churella

Dr. Colwell shares her insight on the progression of women in science through the years. Framed by her own experiences we learn about her incredible work.

One Woman's Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science author on AMSE Science Report

Dr. Robert Hettich is a pioneer in bioanalytical mass spectrometry. In this episode of AMSEcast, he describes how microbiomes form, vary across the body, and influence digestion, immunity, and overall health. Dr. Hettich also explains metaproteomics, the study of microbial proteins, to reveal how microbes function beyond their genes as well as their applications from human health to environmental cleanup and bioenergy. Inspired by his daughter’s experience with Crohn’s, Robert Hettich is especially focused on microbiomes’ links to inflammatory and neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. &nbsp;  Guest Bio Dr. Robert Hettich is a corporate fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and leader of its Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group in the Biosciences Division. He also serves as joint faculty in the Microbiology Department at the University of Tennessee. Earning his BS from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University, Dr. Hettich joined ORNL in 1986 and has since become a pioneer in microbiome and mass spectrometry research. Widely published and honored with multiple awards, he is recognized for advancing our understanding of complex microbial systems and their impact on health. &nbsp; Show Highlights  (1:45) What is a microbe? (2:57) What is a microbiome? (3:31) When microbiomes begin to develop in the body (5:42) How microbiomes differ throughout the body (7:51) The role of probiotics and prebiotics in microbiomes (10:03) The effect of anti-microbial medication on microbiomes (12:05) What metaproteomics is and what tools are required for it (16:03) The role of microbiomes in development or materials, fuel, and other resources (18:42) What Dr. Robert Hettich is most concerned about for his research  &nbsp; Links Referenced  Dr. Robert Hettich’s email address:

Exploring the Human Microbiome with Dr. Bob Hettich

Host Alan Lowe continues AMSEcast’s exploration of 250 years of American innovation with Smithsonian experts Harold Wallace Jr., Dr. Eric Hintz, and Tim Pula. Together, they trace invention from Benjamin Franklin’s experiments to modern breakthroughs, highlighting the Smithsonian’s exhibitions, collections, and hands-on learning at Spark!Lab. The discussion spans collaboration with the Library of Congress, the role of failure in creativity, and how patents shape (but don’t define) innovation. The guests also reflect on nuclear technology’s history and social impact, and share how listeners can connect with the Lemelson Center and its nationwide Spark!Lab network inspiring inventors of all ages. &nbsp;  Guest Bio Harold Wallace Jr., curator of the electricity collections, holds an MA and a PhD from the University of Maryland and specializes in the history of electric light and power. Dr. Eric Hintz, acting director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, earned his MA and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and curates exhibits on invention and creativity. Tim Pula, interpretive exhibits inventor for Spark!Lab, designs hands-on activities that inspire visitors of all ages to explore the process and spirit of invention. &nbsp; Show Highlights  (3:13) How the Smithsonian shares Franklin’s contributions for the understanding of electricity and innovation (6:24) How the Lemelson Center uses examples of American inventors as part of their work and research (7:57) The back-and-forth of learning from shared collections (9:55) The inventions and ideas explored at Spark!Lab (11:08) The artifacts used to tell the Edison story (14:58) How failure factors into the discussion of innovation at the Lemelson Center (17:42) The processes inventors followed to become innovative in their fields (22:42) Patent models in the electrical collection of the Smithsonian Institute (26:11) How the Lemelson Center and Spark!Lab approaches the patent process (30:33) How the evolution of nuclear technology is represented (35:20) How to learn more about the offerings from the Smithsonian, Lemelson Center, and Spark! Lab  &nbsp; Links Referenced  Wallops Station and the Creation of an American Space Program:  Inventing for Sports:  American Independent Inventors in An Era of Corporate R&amp;D:  Does America Need More Innovators:  Lemelson Center:  Smithsonian main website:  American History Museum:  Smithsonian Collections Search Center:

Invention and Exploration at the Smithsonian Institution

Michele&nbsp;J.&nbsp;Gelfand is the John H. Scully Professor of Cross-Cultural Management&nbsp; Professor of Organizational Behavior and Psychology at Stanford Graduate School of Business.                  Her book, RULE MAKERS, RULE BREAKERS: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World takes readers on a journey through a variety of human cultures, exploring unique a multi-faceted glimpse into the world around us and ourselves.

AMSE Science Report with Author Michele Gelfand

Alan Lowe is joined in this episode of AMSEcast by Dr. Robin Andrews, volcanologist, science journalist, and author of How to Kill an Asteroid. Dr. Andrews explores how modern planetary defense blends cutting-edge detection networks, such as NASA’s NEO Surveyor, with active deflection efforts like the DART mission, which successfully shifted an asteroid’s orbit. He also delves into theoretical approaches, including gravity tractors and even nuclear options as last-resort strategies. While comets remain a tougher, faster-moving threat, advances in technology continue to make catastrophic impacts increasingly unlikely. Driven by a deep passion for the solar system’s tangible wonders, Dr. Andrews continues to write and follow groundbreaking missions like NASA’s Europa Clipper. &nbsp; About Dr. Robin Andrews:&nbsp; Dr. Robin Andrews is an experimental volcanologist, science journalist, and award-winning author whose work has appeared in Scientific American, National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, including front-page stories in the latter two. He has frequently appeared on television programs such as Good Morning America and BBC News, and was awarded the 2022 David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Writing by the American Geophysical Union. Robin’s books include Super Volcanoes: What They Reveal about Earth and the Worlds Beyond and How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense, blending rigorous science with engaging storytelling. &nbsp; Show Highlights:&nbsp;   (1:29) Where asteroids and comets come from and how they may pose a threat to Earth (3:11) How large asteroids have to be to cause significant city-wide or nation-wide damage (4:31) How big an asteroid has to be reach planet-killer status (5:48) How we know where asteroids are and their threat levels to the Earth (7:34) How the 2024 YR4 asteroid was discovered (9:17) What the Near-Earth Object Surveyor is and its current status (11:33) Where we can see the impacts of past asteroids that have hit the Earth (14:01) What the composition of asteroids and comets teaches us about planetary defense (15:56) DART’s success in tests for combating asteroids (18:26) The use of nuclear devices in deterring asteroids (22:43) Possible future tools for planetary defense (25:15) How an internationally coordinated planetary defense strategy would work (28:26) Planning for the aftermath of an asteroid strike (31:26) The effectiveness of these strategies against a comet (33:44) What’s next for Dr. Robin Andrews  Links Referenced:  &nbsp;  Super Volcanoes: What they Reveal about Earth and the Worlds Beyond:  How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense:

Planetary Defense 101 with Dr. Robin Andrews

Author Jay Feldman and Alan Lowe, Director of the AMSE Foundation discuss his book, When the Mississippi Ran Backwards.

AMSE Science Report with Jay Feldman

Author Simon Cordrey discusses the early days of the railroad and how that changed America.

AMSE Science Report with Simon Cordrey

A discussion of American innovation and leadership with Sudip Parikh.

AMSE Science Report Sudip Parikh

Alan Lowe talks with Richard Munson about his book Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist. Munson’s book aims to highlight Franklin’s often overlooked scientific achievements. He describes Franklin’s rise from a penniless runaway to a successful printer whose curiosity fueled his scientific breakthroughs. Franklin’s experiments helped define core electrical concepts and led to inventions like the lightning rod, reflecting his Enlightenment commitment to reason and inquiry. His scientific fame later boosted his diplomatic mission in France, where his celebrity status helped secure essential support for American independence. &nbsp;  Episode Highlights  (1:18) How Benjamin Franklin’s printing success allowed him to pursue science (4:59) The role of Poor Richard’s Almanac in Franklin’s life (7:27) What was known about electricity before his experiments and how he advanced it &nbsp; (9:35) Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lightning rod (11:22) What motivated Franklin to be constantly active (16:55) His role in America’s future alliance with France (17:45) Why so many biographers have pushed Benjamin Franklin’s scientific work to the side (19:40) What Richard Munson is working on now  Guest Biography Richard Munson is an award-winning author and longtime leader in environmental and clean-energy innovation. His career spans influential roles in nonprofits, academia, business, and on Capitol Hill, including serving as a director at the Environmental Defense Fund. A prolific writer, Munson explores the intersection of technology, sustainability, and public policy in works such as Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food. His latest book, Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist, examines the scientific curiosity and innovations of one of America’s most iconic founders. Munson returns to AMSEcast to share fresh insights into Franklin’s legacy and the power of science-driven problem-solving. Links Referenced  Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food:  Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist:  Power Corrupts: Cleaning Up America's Biggest Industry:

Franklin’s Curiosity Unpacked with Richard Munson

AMSE tells the story of national and global security, science, research, engineering, technology development, and environmental restoration successes that have occurred in Oak Ridge since the very first days of the Manhattan Project.

Invention and Exploration at the Smithsonian Institution

American Museum of Science and Energy

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