In The Abstract: George Mason Engineering and Computing

Teresa Donnellan

Abstract ideas. Concrete impact. In the Abstract is a research podcast from the George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing. Each episode takes listeners inside a recently published study, emerging technology, or new research initiative in engineering or computing. Produced by: George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing Host: Teresa Donnellan

Episodes

  1. Sep 29

    What Chaos Teaches AI About Speech

    Anomadarshi Barua, assistant professor of cyber security engineering, discusses using AI and chaos theory to reconstruct missing speech frequencies from limited audio data, improving speech quality while dramatically reducing computing and storage requirements.   Join the field.

  2. Sep 22

    The Limits of the Brain’s Internal GPS

    In this episode, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering Holger Dannenberg discusses research on grid cells, specialized brain cells that help humans and animals navigate the world. Join the field.

  3. Sep 15

    Can AI Agents Write Comedy?

    In this episode, computer science PhD student Shiwei Hong discusses research on AI-powered comedy writing and how groups of AI agents can collaborate, critique one another, and learn from feedback to create funnier, more creative stand-up routines.   Join the field.

  4. Sep 8

    How to Run a Hardware Hack

    Cybersecurity engineering seniors presented at leading hardware security conference IEEE HOST 2026, demonstrating how manipulated sensor data can alter a robot's perception of its surroundings.   Join the field.

  5. Sep 1

    The Ultrasound Patch That Could Change Health Monitoring

    In this episode, bioengineering professor Parag Chitnis and materials science researcher Shirin Movaghgharnezhad discuss their work developing a flexible, wearable ultrasound patch that could one day make continuous imaging as simple as applying a bandage. The team is creating a low-cost device designed to monitor muscles, blood flow, wound healing, and more over extended periods. Join the field.

  6. Aug 27

    The AI Making Flights Safer

    In this episode, systems engineering PhD student Shahab Aref discusses his research using AI to generate realistic synthetic flight trajectories, helping the Federal Aviation Administration evaluate the safety of new flight procedures.  Join the field.

  7. Aug 24

    When Your Smartwatch Becomes a Witness

    In this episode, cybersecurity engineer Umit Karabiyik discusses a U.S. Department of Justice–funded project that helps investigators use how Internet of Things (IoT) data to solve crimes and support courtroom testimony. Join the field.

  8. Aug 24

    Tech Keeping Culture Alive

    This episode features computer scientist Zhicong Lu, whose research explores how live streaming, social media, and generative AI shape human connection and cultural preservation.   Join the field.

  • 8 Episodes

About

Abstract ideas. Concrete impact. In the Abstract is a research podcast from the George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing. Each episode takes listeners inside a recently published study, emerging technology, or new research initiative in engineering or computing. Produced by: George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing Host: Teresa Donnellan

Information