Futurism at JHU Podcast

Hosted by Mathew Chaves, Maxwell Rho, Aimee Liang, Omkar Katkade, Gordon Lee

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Sep 2026

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The first and only science & technology podcast at Johns Hopkins University 🧬🤖 60+ episodes | 100K+ listens | 30+ countries | Top 1% on Spotify Follow us @futurismatjhu on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube Home page: https://linktr.ee/futurismatjhu

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September 23, 2026Episode 6539 min

#65 – Turning Carbon Dioxide into Fuel with Robin Ren

We often think of carbon emissions as industrial waste responsible for the world's largest problems. But what if it can be recycled for energy? Robin Ren, the former global Vice President of Tesla, now leads his formidable team at Carbonology in capturing carbon from the air to source net-zero aviation fuel. Our new host Connor, an intern an Carbonology, sits down with Robin to discuss the challenges with carbon-to-fuel conversion, walking us through the science behind overcoming them. From replacing jet fuel combustion with renewable-driven carbon extraction in the short-term to eventually displacing the demand for fossil fuels entirely, you’re in for an exciting episode about one of the most revolutionary technologies of our time!

May 15, 202652 min

#64 – How Algorithms Shape Our Decisions with Dr. Ziang Xiao

It’s no cliché to say that technology touches nearly every facet of our lives, but how is new tech impacting us from behind the scenes? Aimee and Gordon sit down with Dr. Ziang Xiao, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University, to explore how algorithms influence the choices we make every day. Dr. Xiao shares how machine learning systems shape the information we see, what consumers risk when relying on information-based products, and why your chatbot may be more eager to please than you think. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the hidden impact of technology on our screens, our choices, and our daily lives!

May 13, 202643 min

#63 – Thinking Three Moves Ahead: Mentorship and Life Strategy with Carlos J. Avent

What does it mean to think three moves ahead? Andrew Wu sits down with Carlos J. Avent, Senior Academic Advisor/Success Coach at Johns Hopkins University, to explore mentorship, student success, and the future of education. Avent shares how design thinking, responsible AI use, and intentional advising can help students navigate college and life with purpose. Listen in to learn why the future of education depends on both responsible technology and meaningful human connection.

May 8, 202630 min

#62 – The Future of Speech with Dr. Melissa Stockbridge

Why do words get stuck on the tip of our tongue? Joseph Brodsky sits down with Dr. Melissa Stockbridge, assistant professor of neurology and speech-language pathologist, to explore the future of speech and language care. Dr. Stockbridge shares insights from her research on language disorders like aphasia, exploring how telemedicine, brain stimulation, and pharmacological approaches may support language recovery and expand access to care. Listen in to learn how the brain adapts after injury and why early stroke intervention remains critical.

April 20, 202633 min

#61 – The Future of Generative AI and Medical Imaging with Dr. Peirong Liu

What happens when generative AI meets medical imaging? Aimee sits down with Dr. Pierong Liu, assistant professor in Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Data Science and AI Institute, to discuss how AI systems can work across imaging modalities, improve lower-quality scans, and support more personalized care through virtual patients and digital twins. Their conversation explores the promise of AI as a clinical assistant, the policy and privacy challenges ahead, and how cross-disciplinary collaboration at JHU is helping shape the future of healthcare.

April 15, 202642 min

#60 – Exploring the Minds of Spiders with Dr. Andrew Gordus

Spiders are more than superheroes: they are capable of a so-called “internal state” that directs our everyday behaviors and motivations. Dr. Andrew Gordus is an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins’ biology department, exploring the genetic and molecular mechanisms of behavior. Join us as Joseph Brodsky delves deeper into the behavioral nuances across the animal kingdom and how our eight-legged friends can help us gain a greater understanding of our own minds.

April 11, 202636 min

#59 – The Future of Stroke Recovery with Dr. Argye Hillis

Can we transform stroke recovery? Omkar Katkade sits down with Dr. Argye Hillis, a professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, to discuss the science of stroke, the brain’s remarkable capacity for recovery, and the emerging tools that could transform treatment in the years ahead. From acute interventions like mechanical thrombectomy to the next frontier of electroceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and the potential role of stem cells in restoring language function, the conversation explores how innovation may change what recovery looks like for patients around the world.

April 3, 202641 min

#58 – Decoding Aphasia and Recovery From Stroke with Dr. Manuel Marte

How does aphasia affect the ways we understand and produce language, and when is the optimal time to learn a new one? Joseph Brodsky explores this question and more with Dr. Manuel Marte, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins. Listen in to explore the inner workings of speech through the care and recovery of stroke patients.

March 30, 202643 min

#57 – The Future of Biotech and Medical Innovations with Dr. Mark Zhang

In this episode, host Gordon Lee sits down with Dr. Mark Zhang, a partner at Cloudstone Venture Fund and a Silicon Valley veteran. With experience spanning biophysical chemistry, software engineering at HP during the 1990s internet boom, and venture capital, Dr. Zhang explores next-generation diagnostics, smarter healthcare technologies, and other innovations in biotechnology and medical devices that may redefine medicine in the years ahead.

February 27, 202635 min

#56 – Pheratech Systems: Insect-Inspired Intelligence in Robotics

The future of robotics takes an innovative turn at the hands of Pheratech Systems, a company dedicated to socially autonomous systems. Gordon Lee talks to CEO Michael Huynh about how nature inspired him to take a unique approach to adaptive technology. How are ants key to decentralized processing? How else can we apply drone technology in our everyday lives? Listen to find out!