The WPI Podcast

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The WPI Podcast is the university’s flagship podcast. It offers a front-row seat to anyone who’s curious about the future of technology, science, and engineering—and the leading edge of STEM education.  Episodes help listeners keep up with the fast pace of changing technology through discussions with Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s experts on innovations and research in fields including life sciences, artificial intelligence, financial technology, advanced materials, and more.  Thoughtful interviews with faculty, students, and staff explore what it’s like to live and study at a top-tier research university and demonstrate how our project-based experiential learning uniquely prepares students to be future-ready leaders. 

  1. E39: The AI Connector: Social and Data Sciences | Rob Krueger-Social Science and Policy Studies | Lane Harrison-Computer Science

    Jun 24

    E39: The AI Connector: Social and Data Sciences | Rob Krueger-Social Science and Policy Studies | Lane Harrison-Computer Science

    Can artificial intelligence help create better public policy and stronger communities? In this episode, WPI professors Rob Krueger and Lane Harrison discuss how AI is transforming social science research and providing policymakers with new tools to better understand complex societal challenges. The conversation also explores Poverty Stoplight, an innovative initiative that empowers families to assess their own circumstances across areas such as income, housing, health, and education using a simple red, yellow, and green framework. Learn how AI and community-driven data can work together to inform decision-making, elevate lived experiences, and help drive meaningful social change.

    35 min
  2. E38: Preparing for College | Paul Reilly – Academic Advising | Raghavan Rajkumar '27 – Computer Science and Data Science

    Jun 8

    E38: Preparing for College | Paul Reilly – Academic Advising | Raghavan Rajkumar '27 – Computer Science and Data Science

    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore ways that students who are getting ready to start college, at any institution, can manage the transition so they’re prepared to succeed academically.   Paul Reilly, assistant dean of student success, and Raghavan Rajkumar, an undergraduate student in computer science and data science and a former summer transition assistant, share practical advice for steps students and their families can take in the summer before college classes begin.  This episode also offers specific guidance to incoming WPI students to help them start strong, discussing what the university does to help students prepare for and navigate their first-year.     Related links:  Academic Advising Office  First-Year Welcome Experience  Peer leadership  First-Year Insight Program  First-Year student success

    37 min
  3. E37: Hurricane Preparedness | Sarah Molinari | Integrative and Global Studies

    May 27

    E37: Hurricane Preparedness | Sarah Molinari | Integrative and Global Studies

    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore how communities can better prepare for hurricanes and their long-term effects. Sarah Molinari, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Integrative and Global Studies, discusses lessons learned from damaging storms in modern Caribbean history. The conversation highlights examples of grassroots preparedness and response strategies, the challenges of scaling community-led solutions, and the importance of centering relationships, collaboration, and community voices in research and planning related to  storm resilience. As one of several Worcester Polytechnic Institute faculty members in the Caribbean Collaborative Action Network, Molinari conducts research on climate adaptation and collaborates with communities in the region. She discusses this work and her role at the university’s Puerto Rico Project Center advising student projects, which have included the co-creation of a disaster response management tool. Related links: “Building Equitable Climate Adaptation Partnerships in the US Caribbean” Caribbean Collaborative Action Network Department of Integrative and Global Studies The Global School San Juan, Puerto Rico, Project Center Interactive Qualifying Project National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Regional Integrated Sciences andAssessments Program

    35 min
  4. E36: A Student’s Journey | Paula Gibbons | Biomedical Engineering

    May 11

    E36: A Student’s Journey | Paula Gibbons | Biomedical Engineering

    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we speak with Paula Gibbons ’26, ahead of her upcoming graduation, about her experiences in classrooms, labs, academic projects, student organization activities, performance spaces, research settings, and more as a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Gibbons, a lifelong Worcester resident who is majoring in biomedical engineering and minoring in biology, shares her motivation for pursuing a career in biomedical research and discusses her plans to continue her education by entering a PhD program at UMass Chan Medical School. Gibbons also discusses her advice for students on selecting a career path and choosing a college or university, as well as what activities and experiences to pursue while in college.  Related links: Department of Biomedical Engineering Santa Fe, New Mexico Project Center Interactive Qualifying Project Major Qualifying Project National Society of Black Engineers Philharmonic Association InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Robert Goddard Project-based Learning

    27 min
  5. E35: AI-Generated Content | Rodica Neamtu | Computer Science

    Apr 29

    E35: AI-Generated Content | Rodica Neamtu | Computer Science

    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore why video, images, and other content generated by artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere on social media. Rodica Neamtu, professor of teaching in the Department of Computer Science, explains how AI-generated content is easily produced and distributed and why it can be difficult to distinguish it from human-generated content. She discusses the societal challenges that emerge when people struggle to determine what’s real versus what’s fake, and she proposes strategies to navigate the fast-moving disruption caused by AI development. Neamtu also shares how she works with WPI students to create AI tools to meet public needs and to consider the potential implications of technology they develop. Related links: About AI at WPI Computer Science Department Bucharest, Romania Project Center Project-Based Learning Major Qualifying Project Interactive Qualifying Project

    33 min
  6. E34: Running Injuries | Karen Troy | Biomedical Engineering

    Apr 15

    E34: Running Injuries | Karen Troy | Biomedical Engineering

    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore common running injuries and the engineering research aimed at predicting or preventing them. Karen Troy, the John Woodman Higgins Professor in Engineering and head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, explains her research that examines bone stress injuries and the role of biomechanics and physiology in bone health and injury. Troy’s research seeks to develop predictive tools for runners to guide their training and reduce the risk of bone stress injury and to develop interventions to improve bone strength and injury resistance. Troy also shares practical knowledge and advice to runners so they can run smarter and enjoy the activity they love. Related links: Department of Biomedical Engineering Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory Interested in participating in a running footwear study? Fill out this form

    31 min
  7. E33: Career Planning for Students | Amanda Laungani | Heebner Career Development Center

    Apr 8

    E33: Career Planning for Students | Amanda Laungani | Heebner Career Development Center

    On this episode of The WPI Podcast, WPI’s Director of the Heebner Career Development Center, Amanda Laungani, unpacks how today’s students—and WPI alumni—can thrive in a job market transformed by AI and rapid technological change. She explains how the entry level is evolving—and how WPI equips students with the human and technical skills employers now demand. Listeners get an inside look at how WPI prepares students from day one: early networking, tapping into a powerful alumni network, and building diverse experiences that make graduates stand out. Laungani also shares how WPI stays ahead of industry shifts in fields like AI, biotech, and cybersecurity, ensuring students are ready for jobs that don’t even exist yet. If you’re looking to navigate the future of work, this episode offers clear, practical insight—and shows why employers consistently seek out WPI graduates. Featured Links https://cdc.wpi.edu https://cdc.wpi.edu/first-destination-dashboard/

    21 min
  8. E32: K-12 Robotics Programs | Colleen Shaver | Robotics Resource Center

    Mar 25

    E32: K-12 Robotics Programs | Colleen Shaver | Robotics Resource Center

    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore how K–12 robotics programs are igniting a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by giving students hands-on opportunities to design, build, and problem-solve in real time.  This conversation with Colleen Shaver, the director of the Robotics Resource Center at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, highlights how the university supports this growing pipeline—from mentoring elementary through high school teams and providing in-person and virtual resources to creating a natural next step for students drawn to robotics and innovation.  Aimed at prospective college students and parents, this episode breaks down why robotics is such a powerful gateway to future careers and how WPI helps students turn early curiosity into real-world impact. Related Links: Robotics Resource Center OpenSTEM Robotics Competitions and Awards

    23 min
See All (39)

About

The WPI Podcast is the university’s flagship podcast. It offers a front-row seat to anyone who’s curious about the future of technology, science, and engineering—and the leading edge of STEM education.  Episodes help listeners keep up with the fast pace of changing technology through discussions with Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s experts on innovations and research in fields including life sciences, artificial intelligence, financial technology, advanced materials, and more.  Thoughtful interviews with faculty, students, and staff explore what it’s like to live and study at a top-tier research university and demonstrate how our project-based experiential learning uniquely prepares students to be future-ready leaders. 

Information

  • Channel
    WPI
  • Creator
    WPI
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The WPI Podcast

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