Dr. Monte Helm is not just an educator, but a life-long learner who embodies the true spirit of academic curiosity. With over 30 years of experience in research and teaching, his flexibility and willingness to take the scenic route; postdoctoral research roles, Deputy Director at a national laboratory and a couple of sabbaticals, made all the difference. In this episode, Paolo chats with Monte Helm, a respected Professor of Chemistry at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City about his...

Chemistry is a family affair with Dr. Alan Dyke, but instead of choosing an academic route like his dad and brother, he ventured into the technology industry. His story is a must listen for any chemist considering a commercial role. Currently VP of Business Development for ProChem Inc., Alan realized that instead of abandoning his scientific expertise, he could combine it with his commercial skills to take technology in new directions. A longtime friend and former colleague of Paolo’s, Alan...

In this special episode of Bringing Chemistry to Life, we turn the spotlight on our host Paolo Braiuca and put him in the guest chair. Paolo is not only a skilled bioorganic chemist and a Director of Global Market Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific, but he also has the gift of authenticity and accessibility that shines through his own story. He shares his personal journey from dreams of being an NBA star, to leading a startup R&D team, to switching to the “dark side” and a career in...

Meet reluctant professor turned passionate educator, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Izzy Lamb. Lamb, who teaches at Fort Lewis College shares his zig zag path from punk to professor, and tells us how it’s his mission to make scientists by teaching how to think and understand the relationship of chemistry to the world around them. When not teaching, Lamb conducts research on photocatalysis and photochemistry, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable, greener future. His passion is...

He loved rock and roll, but chemistry and chromatography became his jam. In this episode, you’ll meet rock star chemist, Frank Steiner, Thermo Fisher Scientific's Senior Manager of Product Applications and Scientific Advisor, an influential contributor in the field of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). He shares the pressures of testing pre and post launch HPLC products and the excitement of anticipating their impact. Any chemist can relate to the fundamental importance of...

How does one scientist’s passion for computer gaming shortcuts lead to a unique computational approach to chemical catalysis and become the basis for a bio-revolution? We ask Ahir Pushpanath, Enzyme Technology Innovation Lead at Basecamp Research, to explain. He reveals how his global childhood, an insatiable need to explore the unknown and remove bias from data sets from global exploration, resulted in a mission to produce a protein for every possible function. In this episode, we understand...

Laptops, phones, cars all need batteries – making them essential to our everyday lives. But sustainable battery innovation is critical to a greener future and it’s what drives entrepreneur and innovator Simon Engelke. Linking research to industry, he gives his perspective on sustainability, geopolitics, and what’s next on a global scale. Whether you get charge out of chemistry or share Simon’s passion for a better battery, don’t miss this powerful first episode of Season 5 of Bringing...

In this finale to season 4 we have an exceptional guest in Eric Scerri, a distinguished expert on the history and philosophy of chemistry. The thought-provoking conversation brings into question what really defines an element and if we truly understand the periodic table of elements and what it represents. This is a guest and an episode you’ll remember!

In this episode we talk with Cate Levey about her unique career path that’s allowed her to work with and influence very diverse composite materials. Her ability to consider and influence nano-scale chemistry to control macro-scale properties has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to products as varied as building products and food. Join us to meet Cate and hear her story.

In this episode we revisit a topic from Season 1 with a fresh guest, Matthew Liu. Specifically, we take a hard look at the complex topic of nitrogen reduction. The conversation dives into the fundamental importance of this process for life, and how we have to become better at finding sustainable ways to recover nitrogen to create a circular economy. Matthew tells us about his work using electrocatalysis toward this goal.

Join us for a conversation with one of our own. We talk with Simon Pierce, who’s had a storied career in the chemicals market over the past 40 year. Simon has a compelling personal story and has seen it all. What’s more, he shares it all in an entertaining way that will have you wanting to share a pint him.

This discussion with Dr. Helen Tran explores the intersection of electronics and biotechnology and helps to imagine how chemistry can be the bridge between these to create bio-electronics that could be harmonious with the human body. Join us to meet this innovative thinker and hear about her science as well as her philosophy science communication, the importance of mentorship, and defining success in a personal way.

We once again venture into the unknow of astrochemistry via this awe inspiring conversation with Chris Shingledecker. He’s an ace story teller that seamlessly transitions from how he found this career, to the history of the field, and into the exciting discoveries that he and his colleagues are making. Chemistry is in fact happening in outer space, with a richness and diversity that you might not expect. Move beyond terrestrial chemistry with us in this mind-opening episode.

We’re graced with insights and perspectives from one of chemistry’s greats in this special episode. Lesley Yellowlees joins us to talk electrochemistry, the importance of diversity in science for solving grand challenges, and the responsibility that scientists have in being ambassadors of science to the general public. Join us to hear from, and learn from, one of the greats!

If computational chemistry sounds intimidating or unapproachable, this interview with Dr. Gabe Gomes will change your mind. Gabe is super personable and talks about how his team is applying computers to automate parts of chemistry while still letting humans shine where we do what we do best. Join us to hear how chemistry will be done in the future and how we’ll get there!

In this remarkable interview we meet Paul Anastas, the father of green chemistry, current professor at Yale University, former assistant administrator for the U.S. EPA, and former White House Science and Technology Policy advisor. Paul opens our eyes to the lack of sustainability in our current chemical processes and provides a roadmap of how we can create solutions that are both sustainable and profitable. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime interview that will motivate you to think differently.

To start Season 4, Paolo does a dual interview with two of our first guests from this series. The conversation is jovial yet has great depth as is casually weaves from American football, to parenting, to leadership styles, to what motivates and drives these amazing chemists and humans. A unique and fun episode not to miss.

We close season 3 with a charismatic and stimulating guest. Jesus Velasquez is a charming and talented materials scientist with deep roots to his motherland of Puerto Rico. Our conversation spans from his work with nanostructured solid materials that have potential to help address environmental issues, to his community outreach and commitment to give back, in every way he can.

Join us for an episode that makes the link between the science, and the person behind the science, as clear as a hot day in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Derya Baran shares her adventurous path and background with us before talking us through her development and application of functional, non-silica-based materials with photovoltaic properties. Meet this amazing woman working to provide sustainability to us all.

With the expert help of Dr. Shanique Alabi, we dive into chemical biology and look at how applying organic chemistry approaches to biomolecule synthesis is expanding the frontier of drug discovery. Join us to learn about Shanique’s journey within science as well as her work in developing molecular glues that have promise to provide drugs for previously undruggable targets.

Plug in your headphones and get ready for a great episode of BCTL where you’ll meet a entrepreneurial chemical engineer aiming to change the way we make molecules. Dr. Chern-Hooi Lim shares his path of professional development and quest to use light to make chemicals in more energy efficient ways. Tune in to meet a bold personality and learn about the science he’s doing.

Meet Ziyang Zhang, a humble but brilliant chemist bringing a unique approach to antibiotic synthesis and selective targeting of brain cancer. In classic BCTL style, his discussion with Paolo touches on his unique personal and professional path, highlights his one-of-a-kind character, and illuminates us all on his exciting science.

Dr. Patrick Fier got a bit of a non-traditional start to his chemistry education and decided early that a career in academia wasn’t for him. Once he discovered pharmaceutical process chemistry, he found his purpose and passion for applying his creative approaches to organic synthesis. Hear his story and learn about his efforts to make Molnupiavir, the so-called COVID pill.

Diego Solis-Ibarra is a father, a husband, an athlete, and a world-class chemist. Tune in to meet Diego, hear his story of remarkable determination, and learn about the amazing work he’s doing to progress the real-world applications of perovskites. You’ll also get to learn about his efforts to elevate the chemistry game in his native Mexico.