ASME TechCast

When it comes to engineering and design, no matter the end goal, be it a device or structure or sweeping plan of action, the idea that engineering is done for the betterment of humanity is a constant, whether it can be tangibly quantified or not.As Sita Syal and Julia Kramer, assistant professors in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, recently wrote in their study, “Design and Justice: A Scoping Review in Engineering Design,” there is “a growing priority in the engineering design research community to incorporate justice into design and to do so meaningfully and intentionally.” This paper was recently published in ASME's Journal of Mechanical Design. Both professors joined ASME TechCast to some insights into the interconnections between engineering and social justice, some of the lingering issues, and their hopes for the discourse moving forward.

What do rockets, robots, and a looming recession have in common? They're all part of the August issue of Mechanical Engineering magazine, and our top picks for today’s podcast.Reusable Rockets Don’t Just Fly, They Sweat by Nicole Imeson looks at a surprising new idea for spacecraft design. Robots as Materials? by Nancy Kristof showcases research where biology and robotics meet in unexpected ways. And Bracing for Uncertainty by Kayt Sukel asks what economic turbulence could mean for engineers and their careers.

Mike Zimmerman, CEO of Z-Polymers and a professor at Tufts University, discusses his groundbreaking polymer, Ptolemer. This material matches the strength of metals yet is designed for consumer-level 3D printing. He delves into the essential traits of innovation, emphasizing risk-taking and mentorship in scientific startups. Zimmerman also navigates the challenges of commercializing 3D printing materials while envisioning future sustainable applications. Personal stories highlight the importance of family support in his entrepreneurial journey.

In this special episode, Jeffrey Winters, editor in chief of Mechanical Engineering, looks back at some of his favorite articles from his 23 years at the magazine, and some of the writers who made them possible.

A new device is bringing together the two somewhat disparate worlds of engineering and ballet. When most folks think of ballet, often the first thing that comes to mind are pointe shoes, which help make dancing on your toes possible. Traditional pointe shoes are still made with paste, fabric and cardboard, although some makers now use synthetic materials. But when it comes to learning how to dance in these shoes, in addition to proper form and technique, alignment is everything. A team of students at Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering has developed a solution called PointeSense, which is a smart toe pad and ankle band designed to help prevent injuries by ensuring that dancers are achieving that elusive perfect alignment. Christine Fernandez, a biomedical engineering major, and Kaitlyn Kumar, a master’s student in robotics, are both ballet dancers and co-inventors on PointeSense. They join ASME TechCast to share some insights into how they developed the device, what makes it work, and what lies ahead. 

In this final episode of our four-part series with SCHOTT, we explore the lesser-known capabilities of glass materials and why they deserve a closer look from engineers.Tina Gallo and Zach Wimmer return to share how SCHOTT collaborates with engineers across industries, guiding material selection and innovation at every stage. Learn more at schott.com.

In this episode, we speak with Zach Wimmer, Director of Applications Engineering at SCHOTT, about a specialty glass-ceramic engineered to withstand continuous use at up to 1100°F and thermal shocks from temperatures as high as 1700°F. Listen in on how NEXTREMA® is helping engineers solve tough challenges in high-heat environments.This episode is part three of a four-part series. To learn more about how SCHOTT’s specialty glass solutions can support your next breakthrough, visit schott.com.

Aaron Wemhoff, professor of mechanical engineering at Villanova University, examines waste heat generated by data centers and posits that the situation is as much an opportunity as a challenge.

Tina Gallo of SCHOTT joins us in this episode to discuss the remarkable versatility of borosilicate glass. From its pharmaceutical origins to its role in fusion reactors, space telescopes, and microelectronics, learn how Borofloat® is helping engineers meet the demands of today’s most advanced technologies.This episode is part two of a four-part series. To learn more about how SCHOTT’s specialty glass solutions can support your next breakthrough, visit schott.com⁠.

Brown University doctoral student in fluid and thermal sciences, Eva Erickson, brought her engineering mindset to Survivor Season 48. As the show’s first openly autistic contestant, she went the distance—making it to the finale and finishing second overall. Erickson is one of 25 engineers selected for ASME's 2025 Watch List. Full list to be published in the June issue of Mechanical Engineering magazine.In this episode, she shares insights on her engineering research, her autism advocacy, and the surprising inspiration behind her decision to join Survivor. The episode was recorded shortly after the airing of S48 E05.