Lab Life

Dr. Tulsi Patel, a National Research Council Fellow at AFRL, joins the podcast to discuss nanoelectronics, quantum, neuromorphic computing, how art can influence science and the Air Force Women in Science and Engineering's literary group - LitWISE.

DeliaRae Jesaitis and Stephen Colenzo join the Air Force Research Laboratory's podcast to discuss hackers, the space domain and the event that brings both together...Hack-A-Sat. As our lives become increasingly dependent on technologies that lie deep in space and the commercialization of space accelerates above us…we must do what it takes to secure our universe. In its 3rd year, Hack-A-Sat is designed to inspire the world’s top cybersecurity talent to develop the skills necessary to help reduce vulnerabilities and build more secure space systems. #HackASat3

Nils Sedano, Technical Advisor for AFRL’s Liquid Engines Branch joins the podcast to discuss the influence of AFRL technologies throughout United States Air Force and Space Force history, aerospike engines and what makes Southern California testing culture so unique.

Mr. Timothy Sakulich, the Executive Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory, joins the podcast to discuss problem solving, the art of subtraction and what makes Scandinavian crime fiction so captivating.

Dr. Monica Allen, a principal research electronics engineer with the Air Force Research Laboratory, enlightens listeners on the world of photonics and plasmonics.

Dr. Leonard Lightfoot joins the podcast to discuss 5G, microelectronics and the value of challenging yourself when opportunity knocks. As a program element monitor (PEM) for two multi-million-dollar portfolios, Dr. Lightfoot advocates for the relevance and necessity of Sensor technologies and capabilities research, such as for secure and trusted microelectronics systems. He received the 2022 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) in STEM for Professional Achievement

Join us as we launch into 2022 with Major General Heather Pringle, AFRL Commander. General Pringle discusses space, digital transformation, climate, China, COVID-19, human capital and more in this episode.

Dr. Leah Rowe joins the podcast for a special double feature. Part one focuses on Dr. Rowe's work as an AFRL Research Psychologist focusing on adaptive training. Part two jumps forward one year to a second interview with Dr. Rowe as she supports the mission by working outside of AFRL through the Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program.

Dr. Emily Heckman discusses discovering galaxies, astrophysics, printed electronics and the power of theater.

AFRL's magical Elf on the Shelf R.O.S.A. (Roving Organizational Surveillance Assistant) join the podcast to discuss her work on the Hypersleigh and systems such as D.E.E.R. and G.I.F.T.. Learn more about her work by following #AFReseachLabElf on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.afresearchlab.com/stem for STEM resources.

Dr. Alexis Lewis of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Benji Maruyama of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Dr. Eric Stach of the University of Pennsylvania join the podcast to discuss autonomous research and how open-source software can enable scientists to expedite research.

Col. Nathan Diller, AFWERX Director, joins the podcast to discuss how the AFWERX and SpaceWERX missions are crucial to forming the Air Force and Space Force of tomorrow. As an innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX transitions agile, affordable and accelerated capabilities by teaming innovative technology developers with Airmen and Guardian talent.

Ms. Corinne Sedano, an AFRL Group Lead for Chemical Propulsion - Flight Programs, joins the podcast to discuss her work at NASA, satellite propulsion and AFRL's Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) green propellant.

Dr. Brad Barrett joins the podcast to discuss meteorology, storm chasing and his work as a program officer at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research's Southern Office of Aerospace Research and Development (SOARD) in Santiago, Chile.

Mr. John Henry Williams joins the podcast to discuss bunker busters, discovery downtime and what it takes to become a materials detective.

Dr. Stacy Manni, an International Program Officer for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, joins the podcast from Santiago, Chile. Dr. Manni reflects on her experiences on September 11, 2001 and how it changed her career trajectory in the fields of chemistry and scientific diplomacy.

Dr. Kelly Hammett joins the podcast to discuss lightsabers, directed energy and the United States Space Force.

Dr. Joanna Hinks joins us for our first "Lab Bite" to explain how GPS works. "Lab Bites" are short bite-sized looks into topics that didn't make it into a feature length episode. Dr. Hinks also joined us on Episdoe 31: What's a Vanguard.

Dr. Michael Gregg, AFRL Aerospace Systems Director, joins the podcast to discuss hypersonics, rotating detonation engines and cars.

Dr. Robert Fugate discusses his astounding career in physics, astrophotography and how he gained the title “Father of Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics.”