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Lab Coat Optional

Lab Coat Optional

By: Arizona State University
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Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.

We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.

Arizona State University
Science
Episodes
  • Building "large Earth models" with Hannah Kerner
    May 27 2026

    ASU computer scientist Hannah Kerner explains how the combination of machine learning and satellite data help map farms, monitor disasters and understand climate impacts — turning decades of Earth observation data into tools.

    Further listening and reading:

    • Listen to Hannah on the Satellite and Deep Learning podcast with Robin Cole
    • Check out Applied Geospatial by Christopher Ren
    • Read Empire of AI by Karen Hao

    Learn more about the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.

    Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.

    Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!

    Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu.

    Episode credits

    Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

    Executive produced by Kate Howells

    Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

    Shot by Alexander Chapin

    Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall

    Original music from Patrick Cheung

    Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

    Art by Andy Keena

    Editorial support from Diane Boudreau

    Reporting from Kelly DeVos and Gary Werner was foundational to this episode

    Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • What sound SOUNDS like with Lindsey Reymore
    May 13 2026

    What does sound feel like? Music theorist Lindsey Reymore explores timbre — the “color” of sound — and why the way we describe music might be more shared than subjective.

    Further reading and listening:

    • Learn more about the ACTOR project at McGill University and the Timbre and Orchestration Resource
    • Listen to Peter and the Wolf!

    Learn more about:

    The School of Music, Dance and Theatre at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University.

    The Institute for Social Science Research at ASU, which is funding Lindsey’s upcoming timbre study in different languages.

    Special thanks to the Ocotillo Winds from ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

    Bass clarinet: Assistant Professor Jeff Anderle

    Flute: Professor Elizabeth Buck

    Alto saxophone: Professor Christopher Creviston

    Oboe: Assistant Professor Jonathan Davis

    Clarinet: Associate Professor Josh Gardner

    Bassoon: Professor Albie Micklich

    Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.

    Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!

    Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu.

    Episode credits

    Executive produced by Kate Howells

    Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

    Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

    Shot by Alexander Chapin and Christian Van Bebber

    Edited by Alexander Chapin and Patrick Cheung

    Music composed by Patrick Cheung

    Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

    Art by Andy Keena

    Editorial support from Diane Boudreau

    Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • The surveillance network you consented to with Rakibul Hasan
    Apr 29 2026

    We trade data for convenience every day. But at what cost? Rakibul Hasan breaks down how everyday tech became a surveillance network that determines what we see, what we pay — and maybe even what we think.

    Resources

    • Try Brave or Duck Duck Go as a browser
    • Try the Start Page search engine

    Further reading and watching:

    • Privacy Is Power by Carissa Veliz
    • LOST GENERATION
    • The Social Dilemma from Netflix

    Learn more about the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.

    Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.

    Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!

    Get in touch with us at ke.podcast@asu.edu.

    Special thanks to our No. 1 fan Meg Hebing for her cameo

    Episode credits

    Executive produced by Kate Howells

    Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

    Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

    Shot by Alexander Chapin

    Edited by Alexander Chapin and Quinton Kendall

    Original music from Patrick Cheung

    Motion graphics by Andy Ramos

    Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

    Editorial support from Diane Boudreau

    Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

    Disclosure:

    Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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