Curious Conversations

Ben Katz joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the impact of lifestyle choices on brain health and cognition. He shared insights about how cardiovascular exercise, spending time in nature, and maintaining a healthy diet can enhance cognitive function. He also talked about the importance of sleep and benefits of social interactions, as well as what changes he has made to best support his own cognition.Ben Katz is an associate professor of adult development and aging within the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on interventions to improve executive function capacities, including non-invasive brain stimulation, cognitive training, and lifestyle change.

Laura Hamm joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about cycling safety, infrastructure, and the behaviors of both riders and vehicle operators. She explained the challenges to getting accurate information about bicycle-vehicle collisions and what conditions make riding safer. She also talked about a project she’s working on that will help the Virginia Department of Transportation better assess traffic stress, connectivity, and accessibility of bike and pedestrian routes and her own experience as an avid cyclist. Hamm is a senior research associate in the Division of Vehicle, Driver, and System Safety at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Her research focuses on the safety and mobility of vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. She is currently leading a pilot program to collect and analyze naturalistic data from cyclists aimed to better understand bicycle-vehicle interactions and cyclist behavior under diverse environmental contexts. She is also leading a project in Virginia to incorporate new data sources into the calculation of level of traffic stress for pedestrians and cyclists.

Rory Maguire joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about fertilizer and its connection to the Iran war. He explained what nutrients make up most fertilizers, which of those are most impacted by the conflict, and how they behave differently in soil. He also shared some practical advice that could be applied to both large-scale farms and small gardens. Maguire is a professor and extension specialist in the Virginia Tech in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. He is also the supervisor of the Soil Testing Laboratory at Virginia Tech. His research aims to improve the efficiency of fertilizer and manure nutrient management, using innovative approaches to protect the environment while enhancing the profitability and sustainability of farming systems. #virginiatech #fertilizer #iranwar #soil #farming

Tom Mayock joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about recent research that shows a relationship between single-family rental housing and educational outcomes. He explained the historic and evolving landscape of rental markets and the work he and his colleagues did that point to a rise in student achievement when units are located in thebounds of high-achieving school districts. Mayock is the Michael G. Miller Professor of Real Estate in the Blackwood Department of Real Estate. His research interests include real estate, urban economics, public economics, and credit risk.

Melissa Wright joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about navigating topics related to food, food ingredients, and nutrition. She explained how people should interpret labels and the complexities of topics like raw milk, protein, and color additives. Wright also offered practical advice for consumers and producers to make informed decisions about food safety and nutrition.Wright is director of the Food Producer Technical Assistance Network at Virginia Tech, which supports food entrepreneurs by assisting with nutrition label content, food safety analysis, and pertinent food regulations. The program’s goal is to help Virginia’s food-processing industry produce high-quality, safe, and innovative food products.#virginiatech #food #foodlabels #fooddyes #protein #milk #nutrition #foodsafety

Boris Vinatzer joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about fungi and their potential to influence weather through ice nucleation. Vinatzer shared insights gained through some recent research that revealed a fungi protein that helps water freeze at a higher temperature than would otherwise be possible. He explained how ice is actually formed and the potential for this discovery to be used in cloud seeding and for a host of industrial applications.   Vinatzer is a professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. His research includes molecular plant-microbe interactions, molecular evolution, and taxonomy of plant pathogenic bacteria. He is interested in investigating environmental microbes that may play a role in the formation of precipitation.

Katalin Parti joined Virginia Tech’s 'Curious Conversations’ to talk about how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are turbocharging social engineering scams and what individuals can do to protect themselves. She shared the common techniques scammers use, what could make a person more vulnerable to scams, and the red flags that can help mitigate such threats. Parti also talked about a new project she’s working on with residents of a retirement community to develop real-time tools to assist them in thwarting threats. Parti is an assistant professor with the Department of Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on both the offender and victim sides of cybercrime, sexual violence, and online manipulative scams targeting older people. Parti is a certified mediator and holds a European Certificate in Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence. She is also a co-author and co-editor of "Juvenile Justice and Schools: Policing, Processing, and Programming."#VirginiaTech #cybersecurity #ScamAwareness #AI #FraudPrevention

Michael Schwarz joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the rapid invasion of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay, its ecological and economic impacts, and the promising potential for turning this challenge into an opportunity. He explained what makes the fish so problematic, the challenge of standing up sustainable fishing, processing, and marketing of the fish, and its unique taste and nutritional profile. Michael Schwarz is director of the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center of Virginia Tech in Hampton, Virginia. His research includes land-based and offshore aquaculture production system design and optimization, environmental optimization and identification of environmental production limits for aquaculture species, and the development of production protocols for new and emerging species.#BlueCatfish #ChesapeakeBay #SustainableSeafood #VirginiaTech #Aquaculture #fishing #seafood #angler #seafoodindustry

Linsey Marr joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the complexities of airborne pathogens, their impact on health, and a project she’s leading aimed at developing a smart air quality management system. She broke down the challenges of pathogen detection, the importance of collaborative research across different institutions for her current project, and shared some practical advice for improving indoor air quality.Linsey Marr is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech. She leads the Applied Interdisciplinary Research in Air Laboratory, which applies an interdisciplinary approach to study pollutants in indoor and outdoor air. She is especially interested in emerging or non-traditional aerosols such as microorganisms and engineered nanomaterials and how they are transformed in the environment. This research was funded in part by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the United States Government. #VirginiaTech #AirbornePathogens #HealthPodcast #Microbes #Wellness #CleanAir #ScienceTalk #InfectiousDisease

Adam Maxwell joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about lithotripsy, a medical procedure to break apart kidney stones, and a new procedure for which his research team just received FDA approval. Maxwell explained the most common current techniques used to treat kidney stones and their challenges. He then introduced the harmonic ultrasound technique he and his colleagues have pioneered and explained its potential benefits to patients and physicians. Maxwell is a research associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. His research interests include the bioeffects of ultrasound, elastic waves in biomaterials, ultrasound and laser lithotripsy, and veterinary applications of ultrasounds.

Brian Romans joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about Antarctic Bottom Water and its significance for global ocean circulation and climate science. He explained the processes involved in studying ocean currents, the geological records that provide insights into past ocean conditions, and the impact of environmental shifts on these dynamics. Romans also shared his personal journey into oceanography and highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate-related challenges.Romans is a professor of sedimentary geoscience in Virginia Tech’s College of Science. His research interests include the study of ancient and modern sedimentary systems using outcrop, subsurface, and Earth-surface data to better understand past and predict future geologic problems related to tectonic or shifts in the environment.

Austin Gray joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about microplastics and the growing body of research about their impact on human and environmental health. He shared insights related to the public perception of plastic pollution, the history of microplastics, and the direction of future research. Gray also emphasizes the importance of approaching research as public service and the need for effective science communication.Gray is an assistant professor of biological sciences and an affiliate of Virginia Tech’s Global Change Center. His research focuses on addressing questions related to environmental toxicology. He primarily uses physiological and ecological approaches to examine the impacts of legacy and emerging contaminants (microplastics, nanoplastics, and pharmaceuticals) resulting from human influence and assessing their risk to a variety of freshwater and marine organisms.

Francesco Ferretti joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the state of shark populations worldwide and the knowledge gaps that challenge conservation strategies. Ferretti explained the role of sharks in the larger marine ecosystem, the challenges of gathering data on shark populations, and the role citizen scientists can play in overcoming that challenge.Ferretti is an assistant professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. His research interests include characterizing the history of human impact in the ocean to better understand how this has altered marine ecosystems and develop solutions for a sustainable use of marine resources. His research spans from macro-ecology to applied management and conservation with a special focus on sharks and their relatives.

Landon Marston joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the relationship between data centers and water usage. Marston explained the amount of water used by data centers, what they’re doing with it, and the reality of national and local impacts. He also shared aspects localities might consider before welcoming a new center.Marston is an associate professor in Virginia Tech’s Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where he specializes in water resources engineering. His research focuses on the sustainability of water systems and the complex interconnections between water, energy, food, and infrastructure.#virginiatech #datacenter #waterusage #waterquality #techexplained #environmentalimpact

Patrick Huber joined ⁠Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”⁠ to talk about world of neutrino physics and its implications for understanding dark matter. He explained the significance of neutrinos in the universe, the methods used to detect dark matter, and emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the research.Huber is the William E. Hassinger, Jr. Senior Faculty Fellow in the ⁠College of Science⁠, a professor of physics, and director of the Center for Neutrino Physics. His research focuses on neutrino physics and he has helped build an internationally recognized program that has implications for basic science and applications to global and national security.

Mike Mollenhauer joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about how smart mobility and infrastructure are influencing the future of transportation. He explained the use of real-time data, adaptive speed control, and automated driving systems to enhance transportation safety and efficiency. He also shared the work he and his colleagues are doing related to real-time traffic management, variable speed limits, and the integration of automated vehicles with smart infrastructure.Mollenhauer is the Director of the Center for Technology Implementation at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. He oversees the center's aspects of business and product development, including management of product development teams, leading business and product roadmap development activity, project management for commercial and government contracts, as well as evaluating in-vehicle technologies and quantifying driver safety behaviors.#virginiatech #transportation #RoadSafety #SmartMobility #TrafficTechnology #TrafficInnovation #AI #DataDriven #RoadSafety #SmartCities #futureoftransportation

In 2025, Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” featured more than 30 researchers sharing their expertise. We learned about everything from the future of airspace, mitigating online threats, and curing cancer with air bubbles to the neuroscienceof dancing, the importance of ghost stories, the history of Christmas music, and much more. We’re so thankful each one took the time to chat with us, and excited for even more "Curious Conversations" coming in 2026!

Ariana Wyatt joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the history of Christmas music, from its origins in early Christian hymns to its transformation into a commercialized genre in the 20th century. She shared the cultural impact of Christmas music, the distinction between church hymns and secular songs, and the nostalgia that these tunes evoke during the holiday season. Wyatt is associate dean for outreach and engagement and associate professor of voice in Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture, Arts, and Design. A graduate of Juilliard Opera Center, she has performed in operas and concert halls throughout the country and her research focuses on vocal diction and acting as well as opera research and production.

Andrew McCoy joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about 3D printing concrete homes as a potential solution for current housing challenges. He shared the current landscape of housing in Virginia and how this emerging technology might be harnessed to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He broke down how this building process works, the challenges of attempting to shift to it, and how he and his colleagues are working to overcome those hurdles.McCoy, the Beliveau Professor in the Department of Building Construction, is associate director for research and innovation for the Myers-Lawson School of Construction and director of the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on pioneering solutions using industrialized construction, 3D concrete printing, and smart housing technologies with a goal of building housing that’s smarter, faster, and fairer for all.

Patrick Salmons joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the history of the banjo, including its origins, cultural significance, and the impact of racism and minstrelsy on its perception. Salmons also shared the music industry's impact on the instrument and highlighted contemporary banjo players who are reshaping its narrative.Salmons is the graduate programs coordinator and a communication specialist with the Department of Political Science, as well as an instructor for Appalachian Studies. His research focuses on the intersection of music, history, race and class relations. In 2021, he wrote a dissertation titled, “Hip Hop, Bluegrass, Banjos, and Solidarity: Race and Class Histories in Appalachia U.S.A.”

Robin Queen joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the nature of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in knees. She shared insights about the common mechanisms of injury, the impact of age and gender, and the importance of recovery and prevention strategies. She also provided some general advice for athletes of all ages on injury prevention and recovery.Queen is the L. Preston Wade Professor of Engineering professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics and the director of the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on whole body mechanics with an emphasis on loading symmetry and functional outcomes following surgical interventions.

Marcella Kelly joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about Virginia Tech, her journey into wildlife conservation, and insights on bear populations in Southwest Virginia. She explains the use of genetic sampling to study bear health, the impact of warm winters on their behavior, and how to navigate human-bear interactions.Kelly is a professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. She researches the dynamics and behavior of elusive carnivores, including coyotes, bobcats, black bears in the U.S. and she studies jaguars, ocelots, pumas, tigers, and cheetahs abroad. She uses a combination of non-invasive techniques (remote cameras, genetic sampling) along with more traditional techniques like GPS collaring and newly developed camera collars on wildlife.

Lindsay Miles joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about her research on bed bugs, focusing on genomic sequencing, the history of bed bug populations, and the implications of their mutations. She explained how bed bugs evolved alongside humans, their genetic similarities, and the challenges in managing their populations due to their emerging resistance to pesticides. Miles is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Entomology and an affiliate with the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Her research focuses on population genetics and molecular evolution to understand how urbanization impacts organisms and she is currently studying how urbanization and pesticide use can influence genomic evolution in bed bugs.

Shaily Patel joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about a new course she’s teaching that explores hauntology, its connection to ghost stories, and the cultural significance of these narratives. Patel explained the role of ghosts as cultural metaphors and how ghost stories serve as a way of making meaning out of past traumas. She also shared the significance of ghost stories in Appalachia and the importance of their role in how people make meaning of the human experience.Patel is an assistant professor of early Christianity in the Department of Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech. Her research explores the ways in which so-called magic was used to advance a number of theological ends in early Christian texts, and she teaches courses in New Testament, Christian apocryphal texts, orthodoxy and heresy, and demonology and exorcism.

Abhishek Reddy joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the impact of screen time and time of day on the suicide risk of adolescents. Reddy shared his recent study that examined these two factors, as well as the medicine used, among a group of adolescents who attempted to overdose. He also shared proactive strategies for parents and guardians to help mitigate potential issues, as well as some good sleep hygiene practices for people of all ages. Abhishek Reddy is a faculty member and associate professor in the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. He works at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke with specialties in child and adolescent psychiatry and sleep medicine.

Webster Santos joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the intricate process of drug discovery and the rigorous multidisciplinary approach required to develop new pharmaceuticals. Santos is exploring a new weight loss compound that has the potential to help people lose weight without exercise and retain muscle. Santos is a professor of chemistry and the Cliff and Agnes Lilly Faculty Fellow in the College of Science. He also directs the Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, which is affiliated with the Fralin Life Sciences Institute.

Julia Basso joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about her research at the intersection of mind-body movement and neuroscience, particularly through the lens of dance. She explained how the Embodied Brain Lab explores the effects of dance on brain function, mental health, and social connections. She also shared the unique aspects of dance that make it an ideal activity for these studies.  Julia Basso is an assistant professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Embodied Brain Laboratory. Her research investigates the effects of exercise on brain function and physiology, and the neurobiological underpinnings of exercise motivation.

Michael Evans joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about controlled environment agriculture. He shared its historic roots, economic challenges, and impact on consumers. He explained how this method of farming allows for the cultivation of crops in controlled settings, the role technology plays, and the importance of efficiency and sustainability in modern agriculture. About EvansEvans is a professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and co-director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, which is primarily housed in Danville, Virginia. His current controlled environment agriculture research is focused on the production of crops such as lettuce, herbs, medicinal plants, and strawberries in soilless and hydroponic systems within greenhouses, factories, and vertical farms.

Cayelan Carey joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about ecosystem forecasting, which provides near real-time predictions about water quality in lakes and reservoirs. She explained how utilizing advanced modeling techniques and data from sensors, her team at Virginia Tech is able to help water managers make informed decisions to mitigate issues like algal blooms, both in Southwest Virginia and across the globe. She also shared the importance of collaboration, both domestically and internationally, and the future potential of ecosystem forecasting beyond water quality.About CareyCarey is the Patricia Caldwell Faculty Fellow, a professor of biological sciences, and a founding director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Ecosystem Forecasting. Her research integrates freshwater ecosystem ecology and data science to examine how humans are affecting freshwater systems, and in turn how changing water quality is altering human decision-making.

Jonas Hauptman joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about his extensive work researching bamboo as a sustainable building material. He shared his journey into non-traditional materials, the challenges of using bamboo in construction, and the potential impact of bamboo might have in addressing global housing shortages.About HauptmanHauptman is an associate professor of industrial design at the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, as well as the co-founder and co-leader of the Bio Design Research Group. He is also a fellow to Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity and Innovation, which has supported his bio-inspired design research through multiple projects.

Chris Williams joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”  to talk about the evolution and significance of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. He explained the differences between additive and subtractive manufacturing, the various materials used, and the advantages of this technology. He also shared some of the ongoing additive manufacturing projects of he and his colleagues. About WilliamsChristopher Williams is the L.S. Randolph Professor and the Electro-Mechanical Corporation Senior Faculty Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. He is the Director of the Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing Systems (DREAMS) Laboratory and holds affiliate faculty appointments in the Department of Engineering Education and the Department of Material Science and Engineering.

Bryan Hsu joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about bacteriophages, commonly called phages. He explained their role in the gut microbiome, their potential in phage therapy, and the potential as a tool against antibiotic resistance. Hsu also broke down how phages interact with bacteria, their dual nature as both beneficial and harmful, and the innovative ways researchers are engineering phages for therapeutic use. About HsuBryan Hsu is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and an affiliate of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. His research broadly focuses on using an interdisciplinary approach towards understanding and remodeling the gut microbiota with a special focus on discovering new phages and genetically engineering them for anti-bacterial and anti-virulence applications.

David Bieri joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the complexities of understanding economic climates and the importance of historical context and narratives in economic theories. He emphasized the role of government in providing certainty, the significance of individual actions in the economy, and the necessity of re-evaluating economic ideas and institutions. Bieri also highlighted the interplay between economics and humanity, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to economic systems.About BieriDavid Bieri is an associate professor in the School of Public and International Affairs and an associate professor of economics. He also holds an appointment in the Global Forum on Urban and Regional Resilience. His teaching interests are at the intersection of public finance, monetary theory and history of economic thought. He has held various senior positions at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland. Prior to his work in central banking, he worked  in investment banking in London and Zurich. 

Matt Wisnioski and Michael Meindl joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”  to talk about the enduring impact of “The Magic School Bus,” which is best known as a long-running educational television show for children. Wisnioski and Meindl shared the insights they’ve gained while working on a National Science Foundation-supported research project aimed at understanding why the content worked and how it influenced the worlds of science, education, and entertainment. The discussed the television show’s origins and the importance of the collaborative nature that led to its success.About Wisnioski and MeindlWisnioski is an associate professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Science, Technology, and Society.Meindl is an associate professor in Radford University’s School of Communication and a Ph.D. student in Virginia Tech’s Department of Science, Technology, and Society.The pair are co-investigators on a National Science Foundation-supported research project aimed at understanding why “The Magic School Bus” worked and how it influenced the worlds of science, education, and entertainment

Eiman Elgewely joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”  to talk about her work using virtual reality and the principles of interior design to explore historical spaces. She described the research and collaboration required by such projects and explained how digital technology can help revive lost heritages, increase access, and provide insights for current applications. She specifically talked about two recent projects - 3D virtual reality creations of the house of Sheikh Isa in Bahrain and Meketre's ancient Egyptian garden. The latter can be experienced in the Cube at the Moss Arts Center from May 5 - May 7.About Elgewelyis an Assistant professor of Interior Design at the School of Design and a Faculty Affiliate of the Center of Human-Computer Interaction at Virginia Tech. Her research interests are in digital cultural heritage and museum studies and she currently leads several projects in the Visualization and Virtual Reality Lab.

Alex DiFeliceantonio joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”  to talk about the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, the NOVA classification system for food, and the role of dopamine in food choices. She highlighted the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the American diet, their association with various health issues, and the challenges of navigating food choices in a highly processed environment. She also emphasized the need for a balanced approach to diet, recognizing the difficulties in reducing ultra-processed food intake while maintaining convenience and accessibility.About DiFeliceantonioDiFeliceantonio is an assistant professor with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and interim co-director of its Center for Health Behaviors Research. She holds an appointment with Virginia Tech’s Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. DiFeliceantonio is a neuroscientist who studies how the brain integrates peripheral signals to guide food selection and eating behaviors. Using multimodal brain imaging and metabolic measures, her laboratory in Roanoke, Virginia studies food motivation to ask new questions about diet, food choice, and addiction.

Shalini Misra joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations”  to talk about the impact of digital technologies on the Appalachian Trail. She explained a recent research project that surveyed trail resource managers to gather insights as to the challenges and opportunities emerging technologies present. She explained the tensions between traditional hiking experiences and modern technology, and emphasized the need for a balance between accessibility and preservation of natural environments.About MisraShalini Misra is an associate professor of urban affairs and planning in the School of Public and International Affairs, which is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center — Arlington. She is also an administrative fellow in the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment. Misra’s research interests include the social, psychological, and health implications of the Internet and digital communication technologies, as well as public interest technology, its design and deployment, and the governance of digital technologies.

Brendan David-John joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about gaze data, exploring its applications in virtual and augmented realities and the associated privacy concerns. He highlighted the potential for gaze data to reveal personal information and related security implications, especially in a military context, and shared the projects he’s currently working on to better mitigate this threat.About David-JohnDavid-John is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and the Virginia Tech Private Eye Lab, as well as a researcher with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative. His research interests include eye tracking, virtual reality, augmented reality, privacy, and computer graphics.

Liesel Ritchie joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about how sociology can help people better understand community dynamics during and after disasters. Ritchie shared the importance of understanding social capital’s role in community resilience, as well as how natural disasters differ from other types of disasters that strike communities. She also emphasizes the need for strong community relationships and the importance of listening to community needs when providing assistance from the outside.About RitchieRitchie is a professor of sociology in Virginia Tech’s College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Her research focuses on community resilience and the social impacts of disasters, including conducting social impact assessments, with an emphasis on technological hazards and disasters, social capital, and rural renewable resource communities. During her career, she has studied a range of disaster events, including the Exxon Valdez, BP Deepwater Horizon, and Wakashio oil spills; the Tennessee Valley Authority coal ash release; Hurricane Katrina; and earthquakes in Haiti and New Zealand.

Tombo Jones joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the intricacies of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Jones explained the various regulations surrounding drone operations, the challenges of identifying drones in the sky, and the importance of safety measures. He also shared his insights into counter UAS strategies, including detection and mitigation techniques, and its implications for national security, as well as how Virginia Tech is helping advance both.About JonesTombo Jones’ unique blend of aviation expertise and skilled leadership anchor his role as Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) director. He leads MAAP’s work as an FAA-designated UAS test site, an FAA ASSURE partner, as well as its leadership of Virginia’s team in the BEYOND program, directing the management and growth of a portfolio that encompasses major federal drone-integration initiatives and complex technical research projects. He serves on the Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council and has served on FAA rulemaking committees.

Dustin Read joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the public perception of affordable housing, especially related to non-profit and for-profit providers. Read explained how building public support is a critical piece of affordable housing projects and his research on the various aspects that might influence that, including profit status and development size. He also shared his insights as to the impact such developments have on neighboring properties and communities. About ReadRead is head of the Blackwood Department of Real Estate in the Pamplin College of Business. His research interests include property and asset management, as well as housing affordability, land use policy, and real estate development.

Laszlo Horvath joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the complexities of packaging, specifically highlighting the multiple factors to be considered during packaging design. Horvath also shared insights related to affordability and sustainability, as well as how international tariffs and other supply chain disruptions can impact packaging and ultimately customers. About HorvathHorvath is an associate professor in the College of Natural Resources and Environment and the director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. His research interests include packaging sustainability, smart and connected packaging, and unit load Interactions, which is highlighted by generating information used to create a commercial pallet design software.

Ella 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.Ella Atkins is head of the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering and Fred D. Durham Chair in Engineering at Virginia Tech. Her research centers on the investigation of airspace and aircraft autonomy and safety, and she is also a licensed private pilot.

Eli 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.About VlaisavljevichEli Vlaisavljevich an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics. His research interests include biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical imaging, nanobioengineering and tissue engineering. Vlaisavljevich also leads the Therapeutic Ultrasound and Non-Invasive Therapies Laboratory in investigating the physical mechanisms with which ultrasound interacts with tissue in order to develop non-invasive therapies for a wide range of clinical applications.

Louis Hickman joinedVirginia 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.About HickmanLouis Hickman is an assistant professor of industrial-organizational psychology in theCollege of Science at Virginia Tech. His research interests are applying machine learning and natural language processing to psychological research, and investigating various forms of bias.

Adam 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.  About Coates Coates is an associate professor of wildland fire ecology and management in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation for Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment. Coates’ research focuses on the impacts of wildland fire on ecosystem processes and properties. That focus intersects with topics such as restoration ecology, fuels, fire behavior, silviculture, soils, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

Matthew 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. About Hicks Hicks is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech and also holds a courtesy appointment in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research interests include software, hardware, and embedded system security, as well as the Internet of Things and energy harvesting.

Christine Julien joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the Internet of Things (IOT), exploring its definition, potential vulnerabilities, and the implications of using smart devices, especially for children. Julien stressed the  importance of security and privacy when using IOT devices, particularly during the gift-giving season and shared insights on navigating these complexities with an aim of balancing the enjoyment and security. About Julien Julien is head of the Department of Computer Science in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. Her research has focused on engineering software that supports a range of smart devices and environments. This includes the use of advanced networking technologies to provide opportunities for children to move independently around their neighborhoods while staying safe through remote connections to parents and guardians and improved sensing and networking for the Internet of Things.

Lavinia Uscatescu and Hunter Tufarelli joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent individuals in various environments, particularly social gatherings during the holiday season. The pair shared the impact environmental factors can have on neurodivergent individuals, as well as the significance of predictability and communication in social settings. As a person with autism, Tufarelli also shared her first-hand experiences and the importance of embracing self-care. About Uscatescu Uscatescu is research assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and oversees the Personalized Prediction Lab. Her research interests include using neuroimaging and eye tracking data to better understand autism, psychosis, and related conditions with a focus on developing more inclusive, neurodiversity-friendly environmental settings and psychological testing strategies. Tufarelli is a sophomore studying psychology and a research assistant in Uscatescu’s lab.

Yan Chen joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance teaching and peer instruction in classrooms. Chen believes one potential use for AI, specifically large language models, is to monitor and analyze peer interactions in real-time. He shared the platform he and colleagues have created to do this, called VizPI, which aims to provide instructors with insights and recommendations to create a more engaging and personalized learning environment for students. About Chen Chen is an assistant professor of computer science and directs the Programming with Intelligent Machines and Environments Lab. He is active in the Human-Computer Interaction research community, with projects spanning support tools, learning at scale, real-time data analysis, and computer science education.