News
Dr. Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist, is back with new guests to guide us through the many mysteries of science
The Stowers Institute for Medical Research and KCUR, Kansas City’s public radio station, announce the return of their acclaimed science podcast, Seeking A Scientist for its second season. Hosted by Dr. Kate Biberdorf, known as Kate the Chemist, the podcast continues its mission to blend science fiction with reality, exploring the cutting-edge research of today's scientific pioneers.
In Season 2, which will be comprised of 12 new episodes, Dr. Biberdorf delves into the fascinating realms of space exploration, plant cognition, and much more. Joined by esteemed experts from around the globe, each episode of Seeking A Scientist delivers meaningful conversations to inspire wonder and ignite curiosity.
The podcast is made possible with support from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.
“As a scientist deeply rooted in the pursuit of understanding life's mysteries, I enjoy supporting efforts that engage us all in the exploration of science,” said Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute. “The conversations between Kate and her guests are always as fascinating as they are inspiring, weaving enthusiasm and wonder through the realms of science. This podcast illuminates the profound ways in which scientific discoveries shape our understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.”
"I am thrilled to be doing this again with a second season of Seeking A Scientist and can't wait to share fun, personal conversations with brilliant scientists, like Nancy Chabot or Paco Calvo,” Biberdorf said. "As a scientist, getting to host a podcast that highlights the work of my peers and celebrates them is a dream come true.”
In the first episode, Dr. Nancy Chabot, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, discusses the groundbreaking DART mission, also known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test. DART was a NASA space mission aimed at testing a method of planetary defense against near-Earth objects. Listeners can expect to hear what a real-life Armageddon could look like. Biberdorf and Chabot discuss the mission's critical role in planetary defense, exploring the science behind potential asteroid redirection.
Listen to the first episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes will be added monthly.
In May, the second episode, “What Do Plants Know?” will include a conversation with Dr. Paco Calvo, a cognitive scientist and philosopher of biology, who will help unravel the mysteries of plant intelligence. Renowned for his groundbreaking research and acclaimed book, "Planta Sapiens," Dr. Calvo offers profound insights into the remarkable abilities of plants, challenging conventional wisdom and sparking new perspectives on cognition in the natural world.
Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute, gives Kate the Chemist, Dr. Kate Biberdorf, a tour of the Stowers Planaria Facility.
Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a chemist, science entertainer, and professor at The University of Texas. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf breaks down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching students and adults who might otherwise be intimidated by science. She's been profiled in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and has appeared on The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, NBC Nightly News, The Rachael Ray Show, Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
For more information, follow Seeking A Scientist on Instagram.
About KCUR
KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR member station, first broadcast in 1957. A charter member of NPR, KCUR holds itself to the highest journalistic standards in service to the citizens of Kansas, Missouri, the broader Midwest, and the nation. KCUR Studios produces the station’s on-demand content. Regular podcasts include the daily news podcast Kansas City Today and monthly podcast A People’s History of Kansas City. They also produce limited series like the investigative podcast Overlooked, food history podcast Hungry for MO, and most recently Seeking A Scientist.
About Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Founded in 1994 through the generosity of Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. Its mission is to expand our understanding of the secrets of life and improve life’s quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
The Institute consists of 21 independent research programs. Of the approximately 500 members, over 370 are scientific staff that include principal investigators, technology center directors, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and technical support staff. Learn more about the Institute at www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at www.stowers.org/gradschool
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