Exploring Engineering archive

Exploring Engineering Ep. 10: Nuclear Engineering

07/08/25 — In this episode of Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley, we dive into the powerful and often misunderstood world of Nuclear Engineering. Undergraduate students Conrad Buck and Isaac Duarte Valdez share how curiosity—and a little serendipity—led them into a field full of untapped potential. Then, hear from Professor Ellie Tubman, a fusion researcher and former Lawrence Livermore scientist, who offers an inside look at plasma, lasers, and the future of energy. Whether you're curious about reactors, fusion breakthroughs, or space exploration, this episode will spark your imagination. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 09: Mechanical Engineering

07/08/25 — What does a robot-fetching chicken, baking, and diagnosing breast cancer have in common? Mechanical engineering! In this episode of Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley, host Laura Vogt talks with Aashray Manchanda, a recent graduate of the M.E.T. program, Michael McNabb, an alum with a passion for invention, and Professor Lydia Sohn, who bridges physics, biology, and the science of cooking. Together, they unpack how mechanical engineers solve society’s most complex problems through hands-on design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and endless creativity. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 08: Materials Science and Engineering

07/08/25 — In this episode of Exploring Engineering, we dive into the dynamic and often overlooked world of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Faculty member Mary Scott reveals the wide range of career paths in the field—from biomaterials to aerospace and electronics—while undergraduate Ava Daniels shares how a high school summer camp led her to discover the multidisciplinary power of MSE. We also hear from Calton Kong, a Ph.D. student passionate about electrochemistry and battery technology, who reflects on how materials science connects directly to solving global challenges like energy sustainability. Whether you're curious about how everyday materials work or dreaming of shaping the future of tech, this episode highlights just how essential MSE is to innovation. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 07: Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

07/08/25 — Welcome to Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research — better known as IEOR. Join host Laura Vogt as she talks with UC Berkeley faculty member Rhonda Righter, current student Kenny Wongchamcharoen, and alum Nanavati Low. Discover how IEOR blends math, data science, and optimization to solve complex real-world problems in supply chains, healthcare, finance, and beyond. Whether you’re curious about analytics, logistics, or how to improve big systems, this episode reveals why IEOR is all about making the world more efficient and impactful. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 06: Engineering science program

07/08/25 — What do contact lenses, Newton rings, and computer science all have in common? For Jacqueline Thibault, a fourth-year Engineering Mathematics and Statistics major at UC Berkeley, they all came together in her first internship. In this episode of Exploring Engineering, host Laura Vogt sits down with Jackie to talk about what it means to be part of the Engineering Science program—a unique, interdisciplinary path that brings together physics, math, computer science, and engineering to tackle real-world challenges in energy, the environment, and beyond. Whether you're curious about transferring majors or wondering how to turn a passion for science into an engineering career, Jackie’s story is full of insight and inspiration. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 05: Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

07/08/25 — What do robotics, video game mods, and chip design have in common? They’re all part of the incredibly broad and exciting world of EECS at UC Berkeley. In this episode, you’ll hear from faculty member Claire Tomlin, a MacArthur “Genius” and former chair of the EECS department, as well as undergraduates Robert Nochez, Julian Rickenbach, and Evan Sandoval. They’ll share how they discovered EECS, how it merges hardware and software, and why collaboration is central to innovation in this field. Whether you’re into AI, circuits, or creating the next big thing, this episode will show you just how much is possible with EECS. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep 04: Civil & Environmental Engineering

Exploring Engineering Ep. 04: Civil and Environmental Engineering

07/08/25 — In this episode of Exploring Engineering, host Laura Vogt guides us through the many layers of civil engineering. You’ll hear from faculty, recent grads, and alumni who’ve carved out careers in transportation, public service, and cutting-edge construction. Parson Galicia (City of Oakland), Kimberly Leung (San Francisco MTA), and Nelson Jurado (student) share how they discovered their passions and how civil engineering gave them the tools to make an impact. Whether you’re curious about infrastructure, sustainability, tech innovation—or simply how cities work—this episode shows the real-world power of civil engineering. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 03: Bioengineering

07/08/25 — What does it mean to merge engineering with biology? In this episode of Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley, we dive into the world of bioengineering—a field that’s as interdisciplinary as it is impactful. You'll hear from Na’im Pierce, a recent graduate with a passion for genetic engineering and neurosurgery; Professor Kevin Healy, who shares his journey from artificial hearts to micro physiological systems; and Trishley Nubla, a Berkeley alum whose passion for medical devices started with volunteering in elementary school. Whether you're curious about healthcare innovation, biotechnology, or just how engineers are improving lives—you'll find inspiration here. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 02: Aerospace Engineering

07/08/25 — Ever wonder what it’s really like to study rocket science? In this episode, we dive into UC Berkeley’s newest engineering major: Aerospace Engineering. Hear from current students Evan Smart and Maxwell Stolarz, who share what inspired them to pursue aerospace and how broad and exciting the field really is. You'll also get insights from Professor Panos Papadopoulos, who helped launch the program, and Kristyn Kadala, a Berkeley PhD alum working in aerospace R&D. From rockets and satellites to systems engineering and materials research, aerospace is more than just flying machines—it’s a launchpad to innovation. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 01: What’s Engineering?

07/08/25 — Welcome to Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley—a new podcast series where we uncover what it means to be an engineer and dive into the paths that lead there. Hosted by Laura Vogt, director of student communications for Berkeley Engineering, this first episode features an inspiring conversation with Tsu-Jae King Liu, former dean of Berkeley Engineering and current president of the National Academy of Engineering. Together, they explore what engineering is, how it impacts society, and what makes Berkeley Engineering uniquely powerful in shaping the future. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.