That's What I Call Science!

Episode 294: Engineering microplastics out of the food chain

In this episode we continue our microplastics mini-series, this time considering the intersection between agricultural systems and engineering.  Our two guests, Sadique Bawa Anyame and Carmel Towns are PhD students studying different aspects of agricultural systems and microplastics.  Both come from industry backgrounds, and share their extensive experience in their fields as well as the innovative work they are doing in their PhDs in this episode.  Anyame is investigating microplastics in biosolids while Carmel is investigating how microplastics end up in farm systems with a focus on poultry, both are also considering how to engineer a solution.  Tune in to learn more about how microplastics end up in the food chain and the innovative work these PhD students are doing to combat this.  Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Elise Tuuri (Insta: @elisetuuri_)Co-Host: Sarah LydenProduction: Richard Siu (Insta: @richard.siu.photography)Media & Promotion:  Elise Tuuri

Episode 293: Micro-plastics, big problem

Microplastics are everywhere, in the ocean, our food, and even the air we breathe. But what exactly are they, where do they come from, and why should we care? In this episode, we chat with Elise Tuuri, a marine scientist who has just submitted her PhD on microplastic pollution. Elise shares her journey into marine science, what sparked her interest in studying tiny plastics, and what she discovered about microplastics in Australian waters. We also discuss how these plastics affect marine life, what it’s like working in this field, and her hopes for the future of microplastics research. Tune in to learn more about these tiny plastics with big impacts, and what we can all do to make a difference.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Dr. Sarah LydenProduction: Ryan SmithMedia & Promotion: Elise Tuuri (@elisetuuri_)

Episode 292: Modelling Nature’s Complexity

How do you track the invisible spread of disease or predict the risks of invasive species? In this episode, we speak with ecological modeller, Nick Beeton, who uses maths, stats and a whole lot of code to make sense of complex environmental challenges. Nick shares his journey from growing up in Tasmania to working at CSIRO, where his projects have included modelling for wildlife disease like Devil Facial Tumor Disease on Tasmanian devils to genetically engineered mosquitoes for malaria prevention. It’s a fascinating dive into how numbers help us make better decisions for the planet.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host:  Zi Yi Kho (‪@ziyikho.bsky.social)Production: Dr Simin SalarpourMedia & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho

How the Zebra Got its Stripes (and the Chemistry that made it happen)

In this episode, we’re exploring the fascinating world of oscillating chemical reactions — those rare reactions that don’t just proceed in one direction, but actually cycle, changing colours as they go.Our guest is mathematical chemistry PhD candidate Heath Dimsey, who helps us unpack how these mesmerizing reactions work, why they defy what we think we know about chemical processes, and how they even help explain the patterns on animal coats — like the stripes of a zebra or the spots of a leopard. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Georgia StewartProduction: Dr Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart 

Episode 290: Breaking Down the Numbers

Returning guest Priya Kitchener joins us to unpack Australia’s PISA study results and what they say about how well our students are performing in mathematics.With experience in both public and private school systems and now working as an engineer at a scientific software company, Priya shares her insights on how teachers, schools, and communities can use data to make meaningful change. From maths anxiety to student confidence, Priya dives into the complexity of maths education and the cultural shift that needs to happen for Tasmania to thrive.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)Co-Host: Zi Yi Kho. (‪@ziyikho.bsky.social‬)Production: Richard Siu (Insta: richard.siu.photography)Media & Promotion: Zi Yi Kho.