Big Ideas at uScale

CADworks3D

The Big Ideas at µScale Podcast explores the fascinating work of researchers and scientists across a range of disciplines - and how 3D printing plays a role in their discoveries. In each episode, you’ll hear directly from the people behind the ideas as they share what they’re working on, why it matters, and what inspires them!

  1. APR 6

    Ep 20: 3D printing physiological devices for sperm sorting and selection

    Are 3D printed devices able to capture physiological or biochemical processes? That is what we discuss in this episode with biomedical engineer and Professor at University of Technology Sydney, Dr. Majid Warkiani, as he takes us through his research in organ-on-a-chip systems and microfluidic devices for sperm sorting and selection. Discover with us the gaps in IVF research and the impact 3D printing can have. 🎧 So whether you’re passionate about life sciences, microfluidics, or just curious about the the capabilities of 3D printing in biomedical engineering, this series is for you. 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: https://cadworks3d.com/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-season-02-episode-01/

    1h 7m

  2. 10/20/2025

    Ep 19: Sparks of Innovation: Organized Chaos at SPaRCS Part 3

    What does it take to 3D print microfluidic devices at scale? In this final episode with AbbVie’s SPaRCS team, we get a technical deep dive into their problem-solving mindset. Anne, Drew, and John share how they overcame challenges like delamination, resin handling, and cleaning 300-micron microchannels. They discuss breakthroughs in resolution, alignment, and even printing threaded features directly onto parts innovations that saved time and expanded capabilities. Beyond the technical feats, we explore the collaborative, humble approach that drives SPaRCS’ success inside AbbVie. 🎧 Whether you're a researcher, a scientist, or just curious about how cutting-edge teams solve problems at the microscale this episode is for you. 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: https://cadworks3d.com/discover/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-episode-08/ At the time of recording all guests were employees of AbbVie. Disclaimer: Drew Wollman, Anne Tong, and John Shanley state. The opinions and views expressed in this episode of Big Ideas at Microscale are solely my own and do not reflect the views, opinions, or positions of AbbVie or any of its affiliates.

    24 min

  3. 10/13/2025

    Ep 18: Sparks of Innovation: Organized Chaos at SPaRCS Part 2

    How can 3D printing transform scientific toolmaking in pharma? We continue our conversation with AbbVie’s SPaRCS group to explore their adoption of additive manufacturing. From early skepticism to a lab filled with printers, the team shares how 3D printing became central to their workflow, enabling rapid iteration and custom device fabrication. We dive into the story of the iBeacon, a groundbreaking microfluidic instrument that measures protein viscosity and concentration with only two microliters of material, something no off-the-shelf tool can achieve. 🎧 Whether you're a researcher, a scientist, or just curious about the future of microfluidics and 3D printing this episode is for you. 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: https://cadworks3d.com/discover/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-episode-08/ At the time of recording all guests were employees of AbbVie. Disclaimer: Drew Wollman, Anne Tong, and John Shanley state. The opinions and views expressed in this episode of Big Ideas at Microscale are solely my own and do not reflect the views, opinions, or positions of AbbVie or any of its affiliates.

    24 min

  4. 10/06/2025

    Ep 17: Sparks of Innovation: Organized Chaos at SPaRCS Part 1

    What happens when you bring curiosity-driven engineering into pharmaceutical research? We speak with Drew Wollman, Anne Tong, and John Shanley from AbbVie’s SPaRCS group, a skunkworks-style team blending mechanical engineering, microfabrication, fluid dynamics, and software development to solve problems in drug discovery. In this episode, discover how SPaRCS was formed, why “organized chaos” fuels their creativity, and how cross-disciplinary collaboration allows them to rapidly prototype tools that give scientists a competitive edge. 🎧 Whether you're a researcher, an engineer, or just curious about how innovation takes shape inside pharma, this episode is for you. 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: https://cadworks3d.com/discover/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-episode-08/ At the time of recording all guests were employees of AbbVie. Disclaimer: Drew Wollman, Anne Tong, and John Shanley state. The opinions and views expressed in this episode of Big Ideas at Microscale are solely my own and do not reflect the views, opinions, or positions of AbbVie or any of its affiliates.

    22 min

  5. 09/08/2025

    Ep 16: Big Ideas at µScale so far…

    How have researchers utilized 3D printing in their work? The Big Ideas at µScale podcast was created to explore the capabilities of 3D printing and how it has supported researchers and scientists in their biotechnological and medical breakthroughs. In this episode, Hemdeep and Robin take a step back to reflect on the podcast journey so far. They share their experiences, revisit conversations with inspiring researchers, and highlight key takeaways from the stories told. From innovative device fabrication to groundbreaking research applications, this recap brings together the moments that have shaped the series—and sets the stage for what’s to come. 🎧 Whether you're a researcher, a scientist, or just curious about what’s next for 3D printing in microfluidics — this episode is for you. 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: ⁠https://cadworks3d.com/discover/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-episode-06/

    27 min

  6. 08/18/2025

    Ep 15: Mycelium for Sustainable Packaging Part 3

    What else is there for mycelium research? In our final conversation with Alexandre LeBlond, we explore his latest technique for optimizing mycelium growth, using SPG emulsification to create perfectly sized mycelium beads. We also get into other big ideas for mycelium from shipping dehydrated spores for remote construction to probing fungal “intelligence” with brain-sized structures and EEGs. 🎧So whether you’re passionate about sustainability, bioengineering, or the future of living materials, this series is for you. 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: https://cadworks3d.com/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-episode-05/⁠

    22 min

  7. 08/11/2025

    Ep 14: Mycelium for Sustainable Packaging Part 2

    What are the key challenges of scaling up mycelium-based packaging? In part two with Alexandre LeBlond, we dig deeper into the science behind growing mycelium more efficiently. Alex shares how his team uses techniques like microfluidics and internal gelation to optimize growth, reduce variability, and scale production. Discover what it takes to turn a living organism into a reliable, sustainable material, and why this could change the way we manufacture everyday products. 🎧So whether you’re passionate about sustainability, bioengineering, or the future of living materials, this series is for you 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: https://cadworks3d.com/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-episode-05/⁠

    19 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    Ep 13: Mycelium for Sustainable Packaging Part 1

    Can fungi help us replace plastic and styrofoam waste? We sit down with Alexandre LeBlond, a master’s student in chemical engineering at McGill University, to explore how he is using mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, to develop a biodegradable alternative for plastic packaging material. Learn how mycelium works, the environmental impact it could have, and what it takes to grow it at scale. 🎧 So whether you’re passionate about sustainability, bioengineering, or the future of living materials, this series is for you. 👉 For full show notes, transcriptions, and additional resources, visit: https://cadworks3d.com/big-ideas-at-%CE%BCscale-podcast-episode-05/

    19 min
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The Big Ideas at µScale Podcast explores the fascinating work of researchers and scientists across a range of disciplines - and how 3D printing plays a role in their discoveries. In each episode, you’ll hear directly from the people behind the ideas as they share what they’re working on, why it matters, and what inspires them!

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