Curious Conversations Virginia Tech

Louis Hickman joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) during the hiring process. He shared the ways in which AI has long been a part of the process, the findings from his research on AI evaluating automated video interviews, and some tips on how job seekers can leverage the technology to improve their job hunt.

About Hickman

Hickman is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Science. His research focuses on the intersection of technology and work, with an emphasis on applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to organizational science and practice (e.g., automatically scored interviews). Part of his work includes using computers to measure verbal, paraverbal, and nonverbal behaviors in order to advance our understanding of how interpersonal perceptions form and how cultural, racial, and gender biases function.

Courtney Sexton joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the unique relationship between humans and dogs. She shared the origins of the dog-human relationship, how the animals have adapted and become more attune to human needs, and their role in helping researchers learn more about human health.

About Sexton

Sexton is a post-doctoral researcher in population health sciences within the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research is focused on human-animal interactions, One Health and animals in society, and how non-human animals, especially dogs, can inform what is known about the evolution of human language, communication, and social relationships. She also works on the Dog Aging Project with Audrey Ruple, Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics and co-principal investigator for the project.

Ben Gill joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to chat about piecing together Earth history through a combination of geology and chemistry. Gill explained how studying the cycles of different elements can tell a story and help us better understand the planet’s most pivotal moments, such as mass extinctions. He also shared how studying both the worth and best times of our planet can provide us valuable insights for the future.  

About Gill

Gill is an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences and a faculty affiliate of the Global Change Center in the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. As a geochemist and sedimentary geologist, Gill specializes in reconstructing the present and past chemical cycles on our planet. His research combines classic sedimentologic and stratigraphic methods with both proven and novel geochemical and numerical modeling techniques.

 Jennifer Russell joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the concept of a circular economy. She explained that a circular economy is a shift away from the linear economy, which follows a take-make-dispose model, and instead focuses on reducing waste and reusing materials and shared examples of tangible products and industries that can be, or already are, part of a circular economy. 

About Russell

Russell is an assistant professor in the College of Natural Resources and Environment and a faculty affiliate of the Global Change Center in the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Her research is centered around the integration of industrial ecology, industrial symbiosis, and opportunities for circular systems and practice in materials and energy systems.

Stefan Duma joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the history of the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab and the impact it has had on sports-related head injuries. He shared how a military research conference led him to study helmets, as well as the critical role the lab’s relationships with the Virginia Tech football and sports medicine programs have played in advancing this pioneering research. Duma discussed the role of the helmet lab in helping to create a greater awareness about head injuries throughout all sports, and described the helmet shell add-on fans can witness during the football team’s spring game on April 13.

About Duma

Duma is a University Distinguished Professor and the Harry C. Wyatt Professor of Engineering in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics. He is also the director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences and the founder of the Helmet Lab. 



Chapters

00:30 -- From Automobile Safety to Military Research

01:29 -- Instrumenting Football Helmets

04:00 -- Collaboration with Virginia Tech Football

05:09 -- Helmet Ratings and Impact

07:44 -- Impact on Consumer Decisions

09:07 -- Testing and Rating Process

10:06 -- Partnership with NCAA

11:54 -- Shell Covers for Player Protection

13:30 -- Contact Time in Practice

15:20 -- Reducing Head Impacts in Youth Football

16:19 -- Increased Awareness of Concussions

Anna Zeide joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the history of food waste in America and its impact on society and the environment. She shared insights related to several historical turning points and stressed that addressing food waste requires rethinking and integrating food security and waste management systems.

About Zeide

Zeide is an associate professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and founding director of the Food Studies Program. She studies food as a way of understanding environmental change, dynamic cultural practices, consumer behavior, technology, health, and justice.