Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley

Exploring Engineering Ep. 10: Nuclear Engineering

In this episode of Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley, we dive into the powerful and often misunderstood world of Nuclear Engineering. Undergraduate students Conrad Buck and Isaac Duarte Valdez share how curiosity—and a little serendipity—led them into a field full of untapped potential. Then, hear from Professor Ellie Tubman, a fusion researcher and former Lawrence Livermore scientist, who offers an inside look at plasma, lasers, and the future of energy. Whether you're curious about reactors, fusion breakthroughs, or space exploration, this episode will spark your imagination. For a transcript, please visit the episode page [https://engineering.berkeley.edu/podcast/exploring-engineering-ep-10-nuclear-engineering/] on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 09: Mechanical Engineering

What does a robot-fetching chicken, baking, and diagnosing breast cancer have in common? Mechanical engineering! In this episode of Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley, host Laura Vogt talks with Aashray Manchanda, a recent graduate of the M.E.T. program, Michael McNabb, an alum with a passion for invention, and Professor Lydia Sohn, who bridges physics, biology, and the science of cooking. Together, they unpack how mechanical engineers solve society’s most complex problems through hands-on design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and endless creativity. For a transcript, please visit the episode page [https://engineering.berkeley.edu/podcast/exploring-engineering-ep-09-mechanical-engineering/] on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 08: Materials Science and Engineering

In this episode of Exploring Engineering, we dive into the dynamic and often overlooked world of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Faculty member Mary Scott reveals the wide range of career paths in the field—from biomaterials to aerospace and electronics—while undergraduate Ava Daniels shares how a high school summer camp led her to discover the multidisciplinary power of MSE. We also hear from Calton Kong, a Ph.D. student passionate about electrochemistry and battery technology, who reflects on how materials science connects directly to solving global challenges like energy sustainability. Whether you're curious about how everyday materials work or dreaming of shaping the future of tech, this episode highlights just how essential MSE is to innovation. For a transcript, please visit the episode page [https://engineering.berkeley.edu/podcast/exploring-engineering-ep-08-materials-science-and-engineering/] on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 07: Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

Welcome to Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research — better known as IEOR. Join host Laura Vogt as she talks with UC Berkeley faculty member Rhonda Righter, current student Kenny Wongchamcharoen, and alum Nanavati Low. Discover how IEOR blends math, data science, and optimization to solve complex real-world problems in supply chains, healthcare, finance, and beyond. Whether you’re curious about analytics, logistics, or how to improve big systems, this episode reveals why IEOR is all about making the world more efficient and impactful. For a transcript, please visit the episode page [https://engineering.berkeley.edu/podcast/exploring-engineering-ep-07-industrial-engineering-and-operations-research/] on the ESS podcast hub.

Exploring Engineering Ep. 06: Engineering science program

What do contact lenses, Newton rings, and computer science all have in common? For Jacqueline Thibault, a fourth-year Engineering Mathematics and Statistics major at UC Berkeley, they all came together in her first internship. In this episode of Exploring Engineering, host Laura Vogt sits down with Jackie to talk about what it means to be part of the Engineering Science program—a unique, interdisciplinary path that brings together physics, math, computer science, and engineering to tackle real-world challenges in energy, the environment, and beyond. Whether you're curious about transferring majors or wondering how to turn a passion for science into an engineering career, Jackie’s story is full of insight and inspiration. For a transcript, please visit the episode page [https://engineering.berkeley.edu/podcast/exploring-engineering-ep-06-engineering-science-program/] on the ESS podcast hub.