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In this special episode of Bringing Chemistry to Life, we turn the spotlight on our host Paolo Braiuca and put him in the guest chair. Paolo is not only a skilled bioorganic chemist and a Director of Global Market Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific, but he also has the gift of authenticity and accessibility that shines through his own story. He shares his personal journey from dreams of being an NBA star, to leading a startup R&D team, to switching to the “dark side” and a career in marketing. He also reveals how hosting the podcast keeps him connected to great science and brilliant scientists.

Meet reluctant professor turned passionate educator, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Izzy Lamb. Lamb, who teaches at Fort Lewis College shares his zig zag path from punk to professor, and tells us how it’s his mission to make scientists by teaching how to think and understand the relationship of chemistry to the world around them. When not teaching, Lamb conducts research on photocatalysis and photochemistry, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable, greener future. His passion is contagious and you’ll enjoy his candor over how uncertainty converts to clarity with the help of a few dedicated teachers.

He loved rock and roll, but chemistry and chromatography became his jam. In this episode, you’ll meet rock star chemist, Frank Steiner, Thermo Fisher Scientific's Senior Manager of Product Applications and Scientific Advisor, an influential contributor in the field of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). He shares the pressures of testing pre and post launch HPLC products and the excitement of anticipating their impact. Any chemist can relate to the fundamental importance of chromatography which makes this engaging conversation between your host, Paolo Braiuca, and his guest an easy listen revealing why HPLC could be the most versatile and impactful technique in science. Please join us!

How does one scientist’s passion for computer gaming shortcuts lead to a unique computational approach to chemical catalysis and become the basis for a bio-revolution? We ask Ahir Pushpanath, Enzyme Technology Innovation Lead at Basecamp Research, to explain. He reveals how his global childhood, an insatiable need to explore the unknown and remove bias from data sets from global exploration, resulted in a mission to produce a protein for every possible function. In this episode, we understand how nature + AI combine to create a powerful equation for discovery. As he shares his journey, the conversation brims with inspiration and Ahir reminds us all to think big.

Laptops, phones, cars all need batteries – making them essential to our everyday lives. But sustainable battery innovation is critical to a greener future and it’s what drives entrepreneur and innovator Simon Engelke. Linking research to industry, he gives his perspective on sustainability, geopolitics, and what’s next on a global scale. Whether you get charge out of chemistry or share Simon’s passion for a better battery, don’t miss this powerful first episode of Season 5 of Bringing Chemistry to Life.

In this finale to season 4 we have an exceptional guest in Eric Scerri, a distinguished expert on the history and philosophy of chemistry. The thought-provoking conversation brings into question what really defines an element and if we truly understand the periodic table of elements and what it represents. This is a guest and an episode you’ll remember!

In this episode we talk with Cate Levey about her unique career path that’s allowed her to work with and influence very diverse composite materials. Her ability to consider and influence nano-scale chemistry to control macro-scale properties has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to products as varied as building products and food. Join us to meet Cate and hear her story.

In this episode we revisit a topic from Season 1 with a fresh guest, Matthew Liu. Specifically, we take a hard look at the complex topic of nitrogen reduction. The conversation dives into the fundamental importance of this process for life, and how we have to become better at finding sustainable ways to recover nitrogen to create a circular economy. Matthew tells us about his work using electrocatalysis toward this goal.

Join us for a conversation with one of our own. We talk with Simon Pierce, who’s had a storied career in the chemicals market over the past 40 year. Simon has a compelling personal story and has seen it all. What’s more, he shares it all in an entertaining way that will have you wanting to share a pint him.

This discussion with Dr. Helen Tran explores the intersection of electronics and biotechnology and helps to imagine how chemistry can be the bridge between these to create bio-electronics that could be harmonious with the human body. Join us to meet this innovative thinker and hear about her science as well as her philosophy science communication, the importance of mentorship, and defining success in a personal way.

We once again venture into the unknow of astrochemistry via this awe inspiring conversation with Chris Shingledecker. He’s an ace story teller that seamlessly transitions from how he found this career, to the history of the field, and into the exciting discoveries that he and his colleagues are making. Chemistry is in fact happening in outer space, with a richness and diversity that you might not expect. Move beyond terrestrial chemistry with us in this mind-opening episode.

We’re graced with insights and perspectives from one of chemistry’s greats in this special episode. Lesley Yellowlees joins us to talk electrochemistry, the importance of diversity in science for solving grand challenges, and the responsibility that scientists have in being ambassadors of science to the general public. Join us to hear from, and learn from, one of the greats!