Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

By: Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski
  • Summary

  • In this podcast, Taylor and Andrew investigate the past, present, and future of materials science and engineering. Topic areas ranging from cutting edge materials technology, the history of different materials, the commercialization of new materials, and exciting advances in processing and characterization are all covered in detail. Our episodes include things like the unlikely discovery of superglue or teflon, the fascinating backstories about modern biomaterials like dialysis filters, and updates on new technologies including wearable electronics, next generation batteries, and nanomaterials. In short, we hope to help listeners understand the critical role that materials have played in society and even glimpse into what the future may hold for new materials.
    Copyright 2019
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Episodes
  • Episode 102: Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation
    Mar 21 2025

    Have you ever read a published paper and wished you had access to the raw data? The journal Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation (IMMI) seeks to solve that issue. Taylor, the current Editor-in-Chief, sits down with Chuck Ward( Previously Chief of Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies at AFRL and outgoing Editor-in-Chief at IMMI) to discuss how IMMI is different from other journals. They cover the history of IMMI, the use cases of the journal, and also some exciting news about Taylor and his position with the journal.

    This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    You can find out more about IMMI by clicking here.

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

    Keywords: Manufacturing Publishing Scientific Journals

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    37 mins
  • Episode 101: All About Biomatter
    Feb 26 2025

    How do we turn plants into plastics and polymers? Find out in this episode as Taylor leaves Utah and ventures to Washington to sit down with Eleftheria Roumeli, an assistant professor at the University of Washington and researcher in the field of biomatter. Learn all about how a fish tank full of "gross" bacteria can be used to create complex and surprisingly strong shapes or about how Eleftheria's research group forages around local shores for seaweed to get the necessary biological materials. Finally we cap it off with a discussion about the environmental impact these materials have and how we should be evaluating their footprint.

    Relevant Articles:

    • Eleftheria's Research Group [LINK]
    • Fabricating Strong and Stiff Bioplastics from Whole Spirulina Cells [LINK]
    • The role of biomolecular building blocks on the cohesion of biomatter plastics [LINK]
    • Progress in Sustainable Polymers from Biological Matter [LINK]

    This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

    Keywords: Plants Biomatter Biopolymers Bioplastics

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    50 mins
  • Episode 100: Materials for Bikes
    Feb 4 2025

    From antelope skin chains to full beryllium frames its safe to say bikes and the materials that make them have a fascinating history. Join us as we celebrate episode 100 and dive into the materials science behind this beloved mode of transportation. Starting at the invention of the first bike due to a massive volcanic eruption to the specialty bikes more expensive than a car. We break down the materials of the past that have been used to make bikes, such as wood, steel, aluminum, and even bamboo. As well as examining the materials propelling biking into the future such as titanium, carbon fiber, and more, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and the performance considerations that influence design choices.

    This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more

    Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

    If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

    Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

    Keywords: Titanium Alloy Carbon Fiber Bicycles Steel Aluminum Frame BMX

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    34 mins
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Fun bantering format makes complex concepts accessible. Extremely well researched episodes, which are all as useful as they are enjoyable. Valueble for anyone interested in Materials, of any background.

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The latest insights into materials science.

I have no formal education in this field; yet I love learning about materials, their qualities, and how they impact our lives. This podcast is intriguing, entertaining and educational! I wish I had known about this field of study before I had entered college!

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