Best Polymer Science Podcasts (2025)

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How Everyday People Power Big Science 20:15

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25m ago20:15

20:15

Whether you call it citizen science, participatory science, or community science, research conducted by everyday people has led to major discoveries across a wide range of fields. This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Caren Cooper to discuss the benefits and mechanics when it comes to public participation in science. Dr. Cooper i…

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Scaling AM in Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil’s Strategy with Christopher Beeson 54:16

6h ago54:16

54:16

In this episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Feld interviews Christopher Beeson from ExxonMobil, exploring the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) into the oil and gas industry. Christopher shares his personal journey from traditional welding to 3D printing and outlines ExxonMobil's strategic initiatives in adopting additive ma…

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All About the AeroDesign Team! 1:11:59

2d ago1:11:59

1:11:59

In this episode, Jessica (AME '28) sits down with Hannah (BME '28) to talk about her role as a Build Lead and Lab Manager of USC's student-led AeroDesign Team. Hannah shares an exclusive insight into the team's aircraft design process, the ins and outs of their lab space, and her path to team leadership as an underclassman. This conversion explores…

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Who Says Science Can’t Be Silly? 23:23

6d ago23:23

23:23

Some of society’s greatest scientific achievements were made based on research that might sound silly or bizarre to the average person. But curiosity-driven exploration is just as important to science as research that starts out with clear-cut applications in mind. So, this episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Carly Anne York. Dr. Yo…

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Episode 52 | Advances and Innovation in Flow Batteries 37:57

8d ago37:57

37:57

Flow batteries are a technology that is coming of age. With a distinctly different electrochemistry from Li-Ion, they offer some unique advantages especially in the Long Duration Energy Storage sector. Innovation in stack technology is allowing further advances in flow battery technology. In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Dr Laura Rizzi…

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Environmental Engineering, SHPE Leadership, and Sustainable Packaging with Daisy Benitez, MS ENE, BS ENE ‘18 1:24:08

10d ago1:24:08

1:24:08

In this episode, Paul sits down with Daisy Benitez, an environmental engineer at PepsiCo, to talk about her work in global sustainability initiatives, her journey from engineering student to sustainability professional, and her experiences living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Daisy shares insights on reducing plastic use, developing sustainable pa…

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Mapping Minds is the White Whale of Brain Science 25:23

13d ago25:23

25:23

Understanding exactly how the billions of neurons and trillions of connections in our brains could be one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history. And, surprisingly, we’re not as far off from that as you might think. In episode 2 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Forrest Collman who helped create the most d…

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From Astronautical Engineering to Amazon with Alex Coco, MS Mechanical Engr ‘17, BS Astronautical Engr ‘16 2:04:31

16d ago2:04:31

2:04:31

In this episode, Paul reconnects with Viterbi alumna Alex Coco, Amazon AIR manager, to discuss his path from earning both a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at USC to building a career in aerospace and logistics. Alex reflects on his professional journey from Boeing to Amazon, the lessons he carried forward fr…

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Is a Lab-Grown “Brain” Conscious? 16:39

20d ago16:39

16:39

Neuroscience is tricky… to say the least. Dedicated scientists have been exploring the organ since ancient times but there is still so much we don’t know about what goes on between our ears. In part 1 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Toker about his research on consciousness through experimenting …

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Changing Majors 3 times, Sorority Life, Study Abroad Memories, and Tech Consulting with Lauren (Howe) Johnson, MS, Data Analytics '17, BS ISE '16 1:55:44

23d ago1:55:44

1:55:44

In this episode, Paul and Hannah sit down with Lauren (Howe) Johnson to reflect on the twists and turns of her USC journey, from navigating indecision around majors to finding unexpected opportunities in engineering, leadership, and travel. Lauren shares how studying abroad in Rome shaped her perspective, how she used data to improve admissions str…

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Season 8 - Episode 4 - Sean Petterson, Supersede 42:33

25d ago42:33

42:33

PlastChicks Lynzie Nebel and Mercedes Landazuri host Sean Petterson, CEO of Supersede. They discussed the founding of Supersede, marine and construction material manufacturing, the process for using recycled plastics, logistics management, the challenges of green solutions and carbon-reduction initiatives, designing cost-competitive systems to outp…

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Connection and Play Can Keep the Doctor Away 22:03

28d ago22:03

22:03

There’s no real replacement for traditional medicine, but what if there was an intuitive way to prevent the effects of things like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain? Social prescription is the act of being prescribed activities that center around connection with community, art, and nature. And it’s backed by science! Dr. Samantha Yammine is joi…

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Episode 51 | The Dynamics of the Battery Recycling Market 28:39

28d ago28:39

28:39

Battery Recycling is a crucial part of the global critical minerals’ strategy. But the economics of recycling is complex and is inextricably linked to the dynamics of the battery technology sector as a whole. In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Dr Beatrice Browning , Battery Recycling Technology Lead at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence to d…

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New B.S. in Artificial Intelligence with Vice Dean Erik Johnson and Executive Vice Dean Gaurav Sukhatme 1:31:59

30d ago1:31:59

1:31:59

In this episode, Paul sits down with Erik Johnson and Gaurav Sukhatme to discuss the launch of a brand-new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree program coming in Fall 2026. Together, they explore how the program was developed, the three specialized tracks it will offer, and what makes it distinct from computer science and other eng…

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EP#12 - Materials Science for Space Protection 29:30

1M ago29:30

29:30

This episode explores the critical challenges of safeguarding spacecraft from micrometeoroids and orbital debris. Join host Mark Daniels along with Adam Sells and Dr. Aphrodite Tomou as they delve into current materials like aluminium alloys and composites, discuss essential characterisation techniques, and look to the future with innovations such …

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How to Not Raise an iPad Baby 25:58

1M ago25:58

25:58

Our attention spans are… not doing so great these days. With copious amounts of technology, apps, news articles, and social media posts at our fingertips, it makes sense that a lot of people are noticing how much more difficult it is to get into a state of deep reading. On part two of our literacy series, editorial correspondent Teresa Carey speaks…

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Episode 50 | Navigating the Future - Prospects for a European Battery Ecosystem 28:42

1M ago28:42

28:42

We continue our deep dive into the prospects for Europe in developing a globally competitive position with the global battery market. In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Philipp Wunderlich, Battery Technology Lead at Accenture to discuss the competitive issues facing the European battery ecosystem. Speaker Notes: Philipp Wunderlich, Batte…

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AM Meets AI, Robotics, & Beyond: A Conversation with Dr. Mohsen Seifi 1:05:19

1M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

In this episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Dr. Mohsen Seifi, Vice President of Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs at ASTM International. This insightful conversation covers the convergence of additive manufacturing with adjacent technologies such as robotics, AI, and quantum biotech. Dr. Seifi discusses the init…

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Chemical Engineering, Polymers & Pharmaceuticals, and LGBTQ identity with Makana Krulce, B.S. Chemical Engineering '15 1:25:56

1M ago1:25:56

1:25:56

In this episode, Paul sits down with Viterbi alumna Makana Krulce to explore her journey from studying polymers at USC to working in global pharmaceutical consulting. Makana shares how her hands-on experience in Germany shaped her career, reflects on founding the USC student organization Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology (QUEST), and d…

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Seamless Sealing: Henkel’s Sonderhoff FIPFG Foam Gasket Technology 15:31

1M ago15:31

15:31

What if seals could be created directly on your part—no cutting, no insertion, no seams? In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we dive into Henkel’s Sonderhoff Formed-in-Place Foam Gasket (FIPFG) technology, a system that applies liquid foam directly onto components where it cures into seamless, precise, and highly resilient gaskets. We explore how …

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Sealing the Smallest Molecule: Adhesives for Hydrogen & Fuel Cells 14:47

1M ago14:47

14:47

How do you seal the most elusive molecule in the universe? In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we explore the unique role adhesives and sealants play in the hydrogen economy. From membrane–electrode assemblies (MEAs) in fuel cells to valves, pipelines, and high-pressure tanks, hydrogen’s small size creates extraordinary challenges: permeation, emb…

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Sticking Safely: Medical PSAs, Biocompatibility, and ISO 10993 12:05

1M ago12:05

12:05

Why must a medical adhesive stick—and then let go—without harming the skin? In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we dig into the science—and the sticky business—behind pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) designed for everything from surgical dressings and wearables to wound care patches. We compare key chemistries—silicones, acrylics, and hydrogels…

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Adhesives at Sea: Structural Bonding and Safety in Modern Shipbuilding 15:41

1M ago15:41

15:41

Welcome back to the Adhesion Matters podcast. How do adhesives survive salt spray, constant shock, and the world’s toughest fire standards? In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges of marine and shipbuilding applications. From composite superstructures and deck bonding to corrosion-resistant sealing, adhesives are now replacing welds and…

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A is for Apple… Or is it AI? 22:50

1M ago22:50

22:50

Literacy is murkier than we think. This episode, as a part one of our literacy series, we explore recent research related to one of the most important milestones in our academic lives: learning to read. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Emily Wood, a speech language pathologist who studies the methods we use for testing literacy in kids. She s…

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Navigating Fear, Misconceptions, & Social Media in College Admission with Jennifer (Jenn The Tutor) Jessie, College Admission Consultant 1:44:44

1M ago1:44:44

1:44:44

In this episode, Paul sits down with Jennifer, a college admission counselor best known as Jenn the Tutor, to debunk myths and misconceptions about getting into college. Jennifer shares her journey from law school to education, her community-oriented approach to guiding students, and why she believes authenticity matters more than chasing prestige.…

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And Just Like That, You Have Nostalgia 22:19

2M ago22:19

22:19

Every parent has wondered if their baby’s crying is normal at some point or another. While there is no “normal,” evidence shows that genetics might actually have a part to play in how long babies cry for. And another universal experience, harking back to “the good old days” in pop culture and our personal lives. Senior Producer, Teresa Carey, speak…

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Construction Management, Lacrosse, Sorority Life, and Study Aboard experiences with Natalie Dana (Alvarez), BS Civil Engineering (Building Science) '14, MS Green Technologies '15 1:18:09

2M ago1:18:09

1:18:09

In this episode, Paul speaks with Viterbi alumna Natalie Dana (Alvarez) about her interdisciplinary path through civil engineering and architecture, her career in sustainable construction at Turner Construction, and how her time at USC, from study abroad to football games, shaped her journey. They also discuss the future of engineering education, A…

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From Heat to Miniaturization: How Adhesives Are Reinventing PCB Manufacturing 21:36

2M ago21:36

21:36

Welcome back to Adhesion Matters. Adhesives have quietly evolved from simple bonders into indispensable, high-performance materials in PCB manufacturing—critical for thermal management, electrical performance, and environmental resilience. In this episode, we explore how adhesives empower modern electronics: enabling miniaturization, supporting fle…

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Bonded for Safety: How AS/EN 9120 Certification Ensures Aerospace Adhesives Integrity 22:57

2M ago22:57

22:57

In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we shine a light on one of aviation’s unsung heroes: adhesives. These advanced chemical formulations are increasingly replacing rivets and bolts in aircraft and spacecraft—but only when handled with meticulous quality control. We explore why AS 9120 / EN 9120—a specialized quality management standard tailored fo…

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Bonded for Wind: Inside the Blade Bonding Revolution 30:36

2M ago30:36

30:36

In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we power up to explore adhesive bonding in wind turbine blades—unpacking the engineering breakthroughs, production hurdles, and future trends that are shaping blades for a sustainable energy future. What You'll Learn: The Invisible Backbone of Blades Adhesives do far more than just ‘stick’—they bond complex comp…

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PFAS-Free Adhesives: The Roadmap 28:50

2M ago28:50

28:50

In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we explore the urgent transition toward PFAS-free adhesives—a shift driven by environmental concerns, strict regulations, and growing public awareness. What You’ll Learn: PFAS: The 'Forever Chemicals' You Don’t Want in Your Glue Once valued for exceptional resistance to water, heat, and chemicals, PFAS compounds…

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How the Adhesive & Sealant Council Is Powering Innovation, Sustainability & Workforce Growth 19:03

2M ago19:03

19:03

What if the future of electric vehicles, green buildings, even everyday packaging rested on something as deceptively simple as glue? In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we dive into the world of the Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC)—the influential North American trade association quietly driving innovation, education, advocacy, and sustainabilit…

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Invisible Lifesavers: Adhesives Transforming Medical Devices 18:46

2M ago18:46

18:46

Have you ever paused to think about what holds those tiny, life-saving gadgets in place—like the adhesive on your wearable monitor or the seal inside a stent? In this episode, Adhesion Matters unpacks the quietly powerful role that adhesives play in medical device innovation. Why This Episode Is Essential Listening Beyond “Just Glue” Modern medical…

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Meet the 10 Visionaries Reinventing Adhesives 16:27

2M ago16:27

16:27

Welcome back to Adhesion Matters. Ever stop to think what’s really holding your smartphone, car, or skyscraper together? This episode reveals the unsung heroes behind the adhesives that empower our modern world. We spotlight the top ten industry visionaries whose leadership is driving innovation, sustainability, and evolutionary change in adhesive …

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Silicone Masks for Hollywood (Zhermack) 13:36

2M ago13:36

13:36

Ever watch a movie scene where a character rips off another face and thought, “How did they make that look so real?” In this episode, Adhesion Matters pulls back the curtain on the dazzling world of hyper-realistic silicone masks—think Mission: Impossible-level disguise magic. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Silicone: The Star of Cinematic Makeu…

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Superglue of the Future: AI-Powered Hydrogels That Stick Underwater 19:42

2M ago19:42

19:42

Welcome back to Adhesion Matters. Ever wondered if we could engineer glue so powerful it works underwater and endures tides? This episode dives into a wild, near-futuristic breakthrough that merges big data, bio-inspired chemistry, and machine learning to create a glue that’s practically unstoppable. What you’ll discover: Evolution as a data source…

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The La Brea Tar Pits Are a Climate Crime Scene! 27:52

2M ago27:52

27:52

Los Angeles is home to the only place in the world where ancient fossils are being actively excavated in the middle of the city: The La Brea Tar Pits. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks to the deputy director and assistant curator of the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Dr. Regan Dunn. They talk about what makes this site so fascinating and what w…

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NASA Update: Master Class, Alloys, AI & the Future Engineering Generations 54:41

2M ago54:41

54:41

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes back Paul Gradl, Principal Engineer at NASA, for a deep dive into the latest advances and challenges in additive manufacturing. Paul shares how NASA has expanded the range of available materials, pioneering alloys like GR COP and GRX 810 for extreme environments, and how th…

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Industry Shakeups: How M&A is Reshaping Adhesives 21:10

2M ago21:10

21:10

You might not think about what holds our world together—but that invisible hero is adhesives. In this insightful episode, Adhesion Matters dives into how mergers and acquisitions have quietly transformed this foundational—and surprisingly dynamic—industry over the past fifty years. What You’ll Discover: An Invisible Powerhouse in Plain Sight Learn …

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Thermal Runaway: How Adhesives Help Stop EV Batteries from Exploding 22:01

2M ago22:01

22:01

What if one tiny cell could tip a whole EV battery into an uncontrollable blaze? In this high-voltage episode of Adhesion Matters, we expose the silent, high-stakes role adhesives play in preventing—and even containing—thermal runaway. Inside the Episode: The Hidden Danger of EV Batteries Thermal runaway isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real, rapid cha…