Rocks for Jocks

RfJ Media
  • 5.0 (4)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Rocks for Jocks, a Science podcast for everyday people with a focus on Climate and Natural Hazards! Each episode covers a new topic or features insights from guests, including scientists and industry professionals. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just curious about the world, this podcast has something for you. https://linktr.ee/RocksForJocks

  1. Glacier Recession with Andy Jones, PhD Candidate

    4D AGO

    Glacier Recession with Andy Jones, PhD Candidate

    Andy's recent paper discussed: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx9442 Substack: https://substack.com/@rocksforjocks In this episode, I host Andy Jones, a PhD candidate in Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin Madison. We focus on Andy's recently published research in California’s Sierra Nevada, where glaciers are disappearing for the first time in 30,000 years! We cover the formation, recession, and climatic impact of glaciers. Andy also talks about glacier studies in the Tropical Andes, emphasizing the need for climate action.  Listen and follow  “Rocks for Jocks” on Substack! ​00:00 Intro​04:18 Glaciers' Role in Climate Regulation​06:51 California's Disappearing Glaciers​08:39 Historical Context of Expansion and Retreat​20:00 Climate Change and Glacial Response​29:59 Future ResearchMusic: 368 by Dyalla

    37 min
  2. Geotech Talks with Marshall Pontrelli, PhD

    NOV 16

    Geotech Talks with Marshall Pontrelli, PhD

    This month, I bring back Marshall Pontrelli, a fan-favorite former guest and graduate school coworker! We talk about Marshall's research on geotechnical engineering, site response, and earthquake hazard mapping. We also get into Marshall’s thoughts on the peer review process and the application of scientific thinking to broader contexts. Subscribe on Substack: ⁠⁠https://rocksforjocks.substack.com⁠⁠ 00:00 Welcome and Intro 02:01 Marshall's Graduate School Research 08:31 Mexico City Earthquake Study 16:37 Geological Mapping and Hazard Analysis 28:43 Depth to Bedrock, Shear Wave Velocity, and Cone Penetration Tests 41:48 Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build 49:29 Reflections on Scientific Thinking Music: 368 by Dyalla

    52 min
  3. Seismic Site Effects with Ellie Meyer and Maggie Roberts, PhD Students

    OCT 5

    Seismic Site Effects with Ellie Meyer and Maggie Roberts, PhD Students

    Today’s interview is with not one, but TWO researchers from the Tufts Geohazards Research group! I host Maggie Roberts and Ellie Meyer, PhD students learning about how Earthquake shaking waves affect structures at the surface. Maggie and Ellie discuss methodologies using HVSR measurements, the limitations of traditional VS 30 models, and human-reported seismic data. Subscribe on Substack: ⁠https://rocksforjocks.substack.com⁠ 00:00 Welcome Back 04:44 Ground motion Geohazards Research 07:43 Challenges and Progress in Earthquake Research 23:45 HVSR pros and cons 31:34 Human Data in Earthquake Studies 36:43 Future Goals for HVSR Models 40:22 Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Benefits Music: 368 by Dyalla

    44 min
  4. Seismicity, Site Response, & Nuclear Weapons with Jeremy Salerno

    JUL 14

    Seismicity, Site Response, & Nuclear Weapons with Jeremy Salerno

    In this episode of Rocks for Jocks, I reunite with a grad school colleague, Jeremy Salerno! We talk about Jeremy's research on earthquake waves and site response during our time In the Geohazards Research Lab at Tufts University. I worked in the lab for 2 years, where I also overlapped with prior Rocks for Jocks guests, Christina Sanon and Marshall Pontrelli! Jeremy and I talk about detecting seismic activity, monitoring nuclear weapons testing, and his roles working with different companies and defense projects. Rate this podcast 5 stars, and send it to a friend! 00:00 Intro 03:57 Field Work and Data Collection 06:21 Nuclear Monitoring and Seismic Sensors 12:30 Earthquake Waves, Resonance, and Site Response 20:08 Using data for Earthquake Engineering 23:01 Ambient Noise & Soil Vibration Analysis 23:31 Unexpected Earthquakes and Thesis work 29:08 AI in Coding and Professional Use 33:31 Classes and their Impact Music: 368 by Dyalla

    40 min
  5. The Science of Podcasts with Sydney DeMets, PhD Candidate

    JUN 16

    The Science of Podcasts with Sydney DeMets, PhD Candidate

    This week, I host Sydney DeMets, PhD candidate at the University of Washington, to talk about her research on podcast networks! We chat about the polarization within podcasting spaces, the influence of moderate shows on bridging political divides, and the gender disparity in podcast hosts and guests. My favorite part was Sydney highlighting how guests spread across different shows in a similar way to the diffusion of viruses! Sydney also gives some podcast recommendations and reflects on potential future research directions. If like this episode, please send it to a friend, and rate it 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts! 00:00 Intro 04:11 The Influence of Podcasts on Public Opinion 07:28 Methodology and Findings 16:13 Challenges and Surprising Discoveries 36:20 Concerns About Information Veracity 41:26 Future of Podcast Moderation 46:34 Podcast Recommendations Music: 368 by DyallaDisclaimer: all opinions are our own and not representative of any companies or organizations.

    50 min
  6. Planets, Meteorites, & Paleoclimate with Professor Roger Fu

    JUN 2

    Planets, Meteorites, & Paleoclimate with Professor Roger Fu

    This week, I had the privilege to interview Professor Roger Fu from Harvard's Earth and Planetary Sciences department. We cover planet formation in our early solar system, harvesting samples from meteorites, tectonic plate motion, paleoclimate research, and science funding in Boston! Professor Fu has a really unique perspective from his time studying astronomy in Chile and also leading research projects in university settings. If you like the episode, please subscribe and rate the episode wherever you're listening, and send it to a friend! 00:00 Intro 01:57 Astronomy in Chile 12:38 Planetary Formation 15:21 Meteorites and Magnetic Fields 20:34 Paleoclimate Research 33:04 NASA’s Influence 35:29 Engaging Students and the Public Music: 368 by Dyalla

    43 min
  7. Teaching Comp Sci with David Zabner, PhD Candidate

    MAY 19

    Teaching Comp Sci with David Zabner, PhD Candidate

    I host David Zabner, 4th year PhD Candidate at Tufts University to tell me all about his research — improving Computer Science education! I start with an intro about why this subject specifically can be so challenging to teach and learn, then David tells me about his background and different research projects he’s done to improve education at different levels. He emphasizes the importance of interactive and practical learning, comparing it to learning a second language. Enjoy, thanks for listening, and send this episode to a friend! 00:00 Intro & Background 06:15 Learning Theories and Teaching Methods 11:49 Challenges in Computer Science Education 36:31 Impact of Large Language Models 41:08 Future Projects Music: 368 by Dyalla

    54 min
  8. Ancient Earth with Amanda Calhoun, PhD Candidate

    APR 28

    Ancient Earth with Amanda Calhoun, PhD Candidate

    In this episode, I host Amanda Calhoun, PhD candidate in the Earth and Planetary Sciences program at Harvard! In one project, Amanda uses carbon isotopes to uncover signs of ancient life. In another project, Amanda uses pyrite (fool’s gold!) to understand Earth’s oxygen history.  Listen to hear about the history of both our atmosphere and life itself! 00:00 Intro and Overview 02:46 Research Projects Explained 05:41 Fieldwork and Sample Collection 12:35 Goals & Implications of projects 15:27 Origins of Life, Applications, and Environmental Impact 21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Music: 368 by Dyalla

    25 min
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About

Welcome to Rocks for Jocks, a Science podcast for everyday people with a focus on Climate and Natural Hazards! Each episode covers a new topic or features insights from guests, including scientists and industry professionals. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just curious about the world, this podcast has something for you. https://linktr.ee/RocksForJocks

Information

  • Creator
    RfJ Media
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RfJ Media
  • Show Website
    Rocks for Jocks