Beyond BAFF

Hosted by Baltic-American Freedom Foundation

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Jun 2025

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Stories of impactful change by scientists and researchers. Change that begins with the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, but continues to expand above any limits, industry rules, groups of people or even countries.

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25 recent

June 3, 202554 min

#25 Global Lessons in Social Policy with Virginija Poskute

The last episode of Season 3 features Virginija Poskute, a Lithuanian professor and researcher. Her work focuses on the intersection of business and the state in addressing social problems, with a particular emphasis on long-term care and retirement provisions. With a diverse professional path that has taken her through various educational institutions and cultural contexts, Virginija brings a global perspective to these crucial issues. In this episode, we’ll discuss the delicate balance between state intervention and market solutions, what different countries can learn from each other, and how research can help shape policies for the future. Virginija was part of the BAFF Research Scholar Program.In the podcast, we talk about: The main difference between Europe and the US when dealing with social challenges Why copying solutions from other countries doesn’t workHow did Virginija find her favorite field?Pillars of the pension system in the Baltics. Researching long-term care in different countries. Advice for young researchers and final thoughts Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

May 12, 202546 min

#24 Breaking Boundaries in Healthcare with Ryte Damaseviciute

Meet Ryte Damaseviciute, a resident doctor in Vilnius with a strong passion for improving how medical students and physicians engage with research. She believes that even those who don’t plan to become scientists should have a solid foundation in clinical research and data science. Ryte focuses on Pancreatic cancer clinical research. Predictive models for post-operative complications evaluation. Her main passion is in medical research to improve the quality of medical students' and physicians' backgrounds in research.In the podcast, we talk about: Why does Ryte find doing research in the medical field so valuable?Why should one take a year for research or internship before continuing their residency in medicine?Imposter syndrom in the medical field?Trends and the future in the medical field?What’s the cure for cancer?Ryte's advice for young ResearchersLearn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

April 22, 202533 min

#23 Exploring Plants, Pollution, and Possibilities with Zane Vincevica-Gaile

This episode features Zane Vincevica-Gaile, who is a Latvian environmental science researcher with a pharmacy and chemistry background. She is working at the University of Latvia as a leading researcher at the Department of Environmental Science, being involved in the international project Europe-LAND. Additionally she is working at Riga Technical University as a senior scientific expert at the Institute of Civil Engineering, where she is assisting the professor's work in the field of geotechniques. Her daily tasks, mostly involve scientific information extraction, compilation and analysis, data assessment and visualization, and scientific writing. Zane was part of BAFF Research Scholar Program, from August2023, to January 2024. At the podcast we talk about: How clean are plants next to Baltic railroads? What is Project Europe-LAND?How does waste valorization impact environment?Traveling Opportunities as a ScientistAdvice for Young Researchers and Final ThoughtsSign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

April 1, 202559 min

#22 Reinventing Software with AI with Andres Kull

From Software Testing to AI Innovation: Andres Kull’s Journey of Learning and Transformation.A conversation with an Estonian entrepreneur and researcher Andres Kull. Andres started his career in software engineering, working on projects that helped automate real-time systems and even testing software for Nokia base stations. His curiosity led him into model-based software testing, where he earned his PhD, and later, a research opportunity in the U.S. brought an unexpected turn—he discovered a passion for data science and machine learning. Andres also discusses his AI-driven chatbot platform, Bot, and his enthusiasm for AI's rapid advancements following the release of ChatGPT in November 2022.In the podcast, we talk about:Andres Kull’s career journeyHis research experience in the US with BAFFAndres feeling like a spy in the USWhat is model-based software testingAndres’s favorite AI Tools and his thoughts about the future.Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

March 11, 202551 min

#21 Shaping Careers, Shaping Futures with Zane Culkstena

Meet Zane Culkstena, a Latvian researcher from the data-based career education field. Zane is the founder of ERDA, a consultancy firm that specializes in employer branding and organizational development. Her expertise has helped numerous businesses achieve their goals by developing effective strategies to attract and retain top talent.As someone with dual interests, Zane’s entrepreneurial spirit has led her to found and currently chair Kim? Contemporary Art Center, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting contemporary art in Latvia.In addition to her work in the arts, Zane also serves on the Supervisory Board of the Art Academy of Latvia, where she brings her strategic mindset and innovative approach to help shape the institution's future.In the podcast, we talk about: What is the difference between data-based career education and traditional?How do students benefit from data-based career education?Which are the safe jobs out there?What has been Zane’s career journey like?How has an entrepreneurial itch led her to become an entrepreneur with multiple teams?What does Zane dream of?Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.orgLearn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

February 18, 202539 min

#20 Designing World's Lightest and Most Innovative Bridges with Povilas Dabrila

This episode features a conversation with Povilas Dabrila, who is currently working in two roles: first, he is a PhD student and a lecturer at Vilnius Tech University, where he teaches about steel structures. Secondly, he is developing a virtual construction company where their team consults companies and creates and validates bridge, highway, and infrastructure construction sequences and approaches.At the podcast we talk about:What does research in lightweight cable structures mean?Challenges in Infrastructure and Construction?What could modular construction in bridges look like?Working at the University while building his business - what does it look like?What made him learn to play the Banjo?Povilas shares his reflection on the BAFF Experience.Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

January 28, 202549 min

#19 Behind the Scenes of Investigative Journalism with Inga Springe

Inga Springe is a Latvian Investigative journalist, who is also the co-founder and investigative reporter of Re:Baltica, a nonprofit Baltic Center for Investigative Journalism. It is based in Riga, but its work is cross-border on issues like RUS information operations, money laundering, etc. In 2014, Inga Spriņge was named one of the “outstanding challengers from Central and Eastern Europe” in the project NewEurope100, supported by Google and the Financial Times. She has been the head of the Latvian Journalists Association and is co-teaching Media literacy classes.Currently, she is based for nine months in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband.At the podcast, we talk about: The story of founding Re:Baltica and burning out due to poor business management.How media management training gave her a new direction and aim.What are the most applicable things she learned in the US for managing her business better?How does writing about Russian influence look like for an investigative journalist?Practical tips for fact-checking the news on social media?Personal reflections and future goals?Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

January 7, 202532 min

#18 Restoring Wetlands to Climate Coolers with Kuno Kasak

This Beyond BAFF podcast episode features Kuno Kasak, an Estonian environmental researcher. Kuno is a Professor in Environmental Technology at the Department of Geography, University of Tartu. During the recording of this episode, he is actually temporarily back in the US, working at the University of California, Berkeley, as a Visiting Professor through The Fulbright Program. He is currently conducting research at the Biometeorology Lab focusing on wetlands methane flux dynamics. Join us as we delve into the research of a prominent scientist focused on restoring damaged wetlands. We talk about the origins of his PhD studies in wastewater treatment to his current work on greenhouse gas fluxes and ecological systems, this episode explores the intricate planning, challenges, and collaborative efforts involved in wetland restoration. Learn about significant projects in California, the differences in restoration approaches across climates, the importance of community engagement, and groundbreaking findings that could shape future climate mitigation strategies. At the podcast, we talk about: Kuno’s background and PhD Journey Importance of wetlands in climate change Challenges and solutions in wetland restorationResearch in the US and California wetlandsScientific curiosity and career development Future of wetland research and personal insightsSign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

December 17, 202446 min

#17 From Fermentation Science to Startup Acceleration with Paulina Streimikyte

Paulina Streimikyte is a Lithuanian researcher and a senior scientist at the Lithuanian Research Centre of Agriculture and Forestry. She is responsible for fermentation in the food & beverages field.During her BAFF fellowship, she researched mousy off-flavors in sour beers and the complexities of detecting specific flavor molecules. She is an expert on methods to improve food preservation through fermentation, and also knows a lot about the historical significance of beer brewing.Currently, she lives back in the US in Silicon Valley because she is part of the Plug'nPlay accelerator program where, together with a startup team, they are trying to bring fermentation sciences into regular people's food plates.With the startup, they enhance grains which are used in breweries and other food industry waste into more sustainable and functional food using fermentation.At the podcast, we talk about:What is a sour taste in the beer and how can one research itResearching the mousy off-flavors in sour beers and the complexities of detecting specific flavor molecules.Joining a startup and her new daily routine in Silicon Valley.Specific tips for training the skill of tasting.Things she would bring back to the Baltics from the US.Paulina's recommendations for someone, who is interested in pursuing science.Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

June 11, 202434 min

#16 Fighting Misinformation with Dalia Bankauskaite

Dalia Bankauskaite is a Lithuanian interdisciplinary expert in security policy, strategic communication, and political advisory. With decades of experience across government, academia, and consulting, Dahlia focuses on advancing the understanding of total defense and a whole-of-society approach to security, including hybrid warfare and influence operations. Dalia currently serves as a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. She is also a professor at Vilnius University and an expert at the Swedish Defense University.In this episode, Dalia delves into the intricacies of strategic communication and its role in societal resilience, security, and disinformation campaigns.At the podcast, we talk about:What is the 'whole-of-society' approach to security?The importance of media literacyThe importance of clear goals and target audience when understanding strategic communicationContinuous effort that is needed to bridge the gap between government institutions and societyEnvisioning the Future: Societal Resilience and State CraftingDalia’s reflection on the BAFF Experience?Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org