Episode 5: Meet the founders, Part 1: Homeworld Collective's Founding Scientist, Paul Reginato

What happens when a music major from Canada becomes a leading voice in climate biotech? Join us for an electrifying episode as we feature Paul Reginato, who made an incredible leap from music to the life sciences, driven by a spiritual connection to the essence of life. Alongside co-founder Dan Goodwin, we chart our unique path from MIT PhD students to launching the Homeworld Collective, a nonprofit marrying biotechnology and climate action. Experience the pivotal moments and professional turning points that inspired us to harness our scientific passion for a sustainable future.

Journey with us as Paul recounts his PhD experiences under the tutelage of eminent scientists George Church and Ed Boyden, crafting breakthrough technologies like in-situ sequencing and expansion microscopy. We lay bare our transition from microscopic challenges to macro-scale climate solutions, spotlighting the indispensable role of microbes in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Our narrative underscores the importance of embracing both minute details and expansive scales to fuel innovation in climate biotech.

Discover how interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to revolutionizing carbon management and sustainable mining. We spotlight researchers like Sonia Salmon, who are redefining the frontiers of carbon management technology. Explore how geobiology can be pivotal in modern challenges, as we emphasize fostering a community that aligns talents with pressing global problems. At Homeworld, we're not just combining skills; we're pioneering a problem-centric approach to empower individuals to etch meaningful impacts in their fields. Join us and be part of the journey to bridge the gap between biotechnology, environmental preservation, and the future of our planet.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:43) Meet the Hosts: Dan Goodwin and Paul Reginato
(01:38) Paul Reginato's Journey: From Art to Biology
(02:45) The Intersection of Love and Science
(03:27) Founding Homeworld Collective
(07:32) The Grind of Scientific Research
(10:19) From PhD to Climate Biotech
(13:41) The Problem Statement Repository
(21:20) Connecting Funders with Science
(22:07) Exploring Climate Biotech Problems
(22:47) Biology and Mineral Interactions
(23:56) Innovations in Mining and Carbon Management
(26:54) Microbial Community Functions in Mineral Weathering
(28:25) Challenges in Carbon Capture
(30:40) Community-Centric Approach at Homeworld
(35:10) Rapid Fire Questions with Paul
(39:23) Advice for Aspiring Biologists
(40:49) Dreams for Homeworld Collective
(42:10) Conclusion and Contact Information