ASME's Unconventional Engineering

Hosted by ASME's Unconventional Engineering

TechnologyInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2025

Language

About the show

ASME's Executive Director/CEO Tom Costabile welcomes guests from across the world of mechanical engineering to discover the interesting and unconventional ways they are using their skills to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity. RSSVERIFY

Listen to episodes

23 recent

August 26, 202530 min

Uncoventional Engineering Episode 23: “3D Printing and Blazing Your Own Trail” with Jason Lopes

Tom Costabile and Jay Flores met with Jason Lopes - 3D printing expert and special effects pioneer. From humble beginnings as an aspiring pro-skateboarder to leading effects teams working on Hollywood blockbusters, Jason’s career journey is as unconventional as it gets! 00:00 Show opening 00:44 Welcome to the show with Jay Flores and Tom Costabile 1:21 Guest introduction - Jason Lopes, 3D printing expert and special effects pioneer 1:53 Jason describes his early career journey 7:07 Jason provides his perspective on why teamwork is so vital to supporting innovation 9:45 Jason details his transition from working at Stan Winston Studios to Legacy Effects 15:45 Tom asks Jason to provide some insights on the future of AI 23:25 Tom and Jason share their affinity for certain 3D printers 27:00 Jay asks Jason to give his advice for those still searching for what they want to do with their careers 30:33 Thank yous and goodbyes

June 13, 202514 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 22: “Latina Engineer – Empowering and Inspiring the Next Generation” with Diana Iracheta

Tom Costabile and Jay Flores met with Diana Iracheta, founder of “Latina Engineer.” Through her social channels and speaking engagements, Diana shares her career journey with the hope of inspiring the next generation of engineers. 00:12 Welcome to the show with Jay Flores and Tom Costabile 00:47 Guest introduction - Diana Iracheta, Founder of Latina Engineer 2:23 What drew Diana to engineering in the first place 4:06 Diana shares her "Top 3 Influences" 5:26 Background of the Latina Engineer organization 7:50 Diana describes the achievement she is most proud of 8:54 Diana explains the impetus for tapping into social media to connect with audiences 11:30 Advice for young women considering a career in engineering 12:45 Thank yous and goodbyes

March 31, 202527 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 21 "Conformity Assessment and Competency Standards"

Host Tom Costabile spoke with guests Dr. Phil Hopkins and Patrick Vieth about conformity assessment and competency standards, as seen through the lens of the pipeline industry. 00:09 Welcome to the show with Tom Costabile 00:23 Guest introduction - Patrick Vieth and Dr. Phil Hopkins 1:46 Phil and Patrick share their "Top 3 Influences" 5:19 "Innovation Station" - discussion about the future of engineering and AI 12:55 The importance of Conformity Assessment and Competency Standards in engineering 22:56 Discussion about STEM education and the ASME Foundation "Dr. Phil Hopkins Scholarship" 25:55 Thank yous and goodbyes

February 26, 202533 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 20 - “From Super Soaker to Energy Solutions” with Dr. Lonnie Johnson

Dr. Lonnie Johnson is an inventor with over 100 patents to his name, most notably, the Super Soaker® water gun, he is the President and Founder of Johnson Research and Development, as well as its’ affiliates Johnson Energy Storage and JTEC Energy. 00:09 Welcome to the show with Tom Costabile and Jay Flores 00:21 Guest introduction - Dr. Lonnie Johnson 1:10 Lonnie describes how he discovered a passion for engineering and inventing things during his childhood 2:11 Discussion about what can be done to support the future of engineering, in particular by encouraging the youth of today to explore STEM-related activities 5:37 Lonnie describes the different roles he's held over the years including his time at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in the U.S. Air Force, as well as NASA 13:54 "Innovation Station" - the backstory of how Dr. Johnson invented the Super Soaker, as well as his efforts in developing solid state batteries 19:41 Lonnie describes what motivates him to stay in the lab and reflects on some of his favorite inventions 24:07 Discussion about the future of engineering 29:09 Lonnie describes his interests, both in and out of the lab 33:20 Thank yous and goodbyes

February 18, 202519 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 19 - "E-Fest Tech Connect 2025"

A panel of esteemed ASME volunteers provide their perspective on E-Fest Tech Connect – a unique, virtual event designed for students and early-career engineers. 00:00 Welcome to the show with host Tom Costabile 00:22 Guest panel introductions - Elisabeth Deeb, Nikhil Menezes, Santiago Campana Reyes, and Charbel Bou-Mosleh 1:41 Background of E-Fest Tech Connect event including history, current format, program content and the value of attending 3:45 The new ASME Digital Landmark Program and the partnership between the ASME History & Heritage Committee and the Student & Early Career Development Sector 4:55 Detailed description of what event attendees can expect 10:20 Tom and panel share their point of view on why events like E-Fest Tech Connect are valuable for attendees 15:35 Details of how to register for the event 18:55 Thank yous and goodbyes

January 14, 202515 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 18 - "STEM From Dance" with Yamilee Toussaint

Yamilee Toussaint is harnessing the power of dance to introduce young girls to STEM. By combining a love of dance, her Mechanical Engineering training and a passion for education, Yamilee hopes to help light the creative spark for those who typically lack representation in science.

November 11, 202429 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 17 - “Ready to Launch” with Joan Melendez-Misner

As a Spacecraft Systems Engineer and science influencer, Joan Melendez-Misner is on a “mission” to not only help NASA return to the Moon, but also use her passion and expertise to encourage and empower minorities to pursue careers in STEM.

September 23, 202424 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 16 - The ASME Committee on Sustainability

Climate action is a long-term proposition that requires persistence and the ability to pivot where necessary. The ASME Committee on Sustainability, led by Chair Sean Bradshaw and Vice-Chair Timo Marquez, is charged with ensuring ASME remains committed to doing its part in contributing to the larger prospect of realizing actionable progress in addressing climate change.

May 13, 202426 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 15 - Discovering “The Intentional Engineer” with Jeff Perry

The ability to be intentional with our own career path requires a certain amount of objectivity that’s not always easily attainable. Jeff Perry works with engineers to find ways to sustain their career development using a unique toolkit of training and coaching techniques. His ultimate goal is to help engineers unlock their unique potential, today and well into the future.

February 2, 202425 min

Unconventional Engineering Episode 14 - Manufacturing, Automotive & Tech, with Shauna McIntyre

One crucial element to charting how technology will continue to evolve is the ability to remain objective. With decades of experience in manufacturing, automotive and the tech sector, Shauna McIntyre provides a unique perspective on the topic, in particular how engineers can play a pivotal role in bringing about innovation.