2025 Episodes of the Curious Conversations Podcast
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Engineering Safer Airspace with Ella AtkinsElla Atkins joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the complexities of air travel safety. She explained the differences between Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and the challenges posed by having two sets of rules in the same airspace. Atkins also discussed the recent incidents involving aircraft collisions and the technological advancements that could enhance safety, which include updating methods of data sharing and the use of automated systems.
Date: Feb 24, 2025 -
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Cancer-Fighting Bubbles with Eli VlaisavljevichEli Vlaisavljevich joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about histotripsy, a novel ultrasound therapy for cancer treatment. He explained the mechanics of how histotripsy works, its clinical applications, and the body's immune response to tumor liquefaction. Vlaisavljevisch also shared insights related to the development of histotripsy devices, patient experiences, and future directions in cancer treatment.
Date: Feb 17, 2025 -
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Examining the ‘5 Love Languages’ with Louis HickmanLouis Hickman joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the concept of the ‘The 5 Love Languages’, its origins, and its impact on relationship satisfaction. He shared his thoughts on the appeal of simple solutions to complex relationships, findings from his recent research on the love languages, and the importance of personality traits in relationships. Hickman also emphasized the need for self-care and adaptability in maintaining healthy relationships over time.
Date: Feb 10, 2025 -
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The Behavior and Prevention of Wildfires with Adam CoatesAdam Coates joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the contributing factors of the recent wildfires in California, particularly related to their intensity and spread. He explained some of the science behind fire behavior, the role of landscape, and the challenges posed by urban areas to fire management. He also shared his insights related to preventative measures communities can take, including the use of prescribed burning.
Date: Feb 03, 2025 -
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Computer Security in the New Year with Matthew HicksMatthew Hicks joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to discuss how computer users can be more secure heading into 2025. He shared insights about the evolving landscape of computer security, particularly related to artificial intelligence (AI) and generative technologies, and the implications of these technologies on personal security, including the rise of sophisticated phishing attacks. He also provided guidance on some commonly overlooked aspects of computer security.
Date: Jan 27, 2025
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life.
Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech writer and editor Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
If you know of an expert (or are that expert) who’d make for a great conversation, email Travis today.