Show Notes
In this episode of Rust Belt Science, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk talk with Dr. Adam Jaffee, a biochemist whose work explores the invisible forces that power life — from the movement of electrons to the moments of insight that spark scientific discovery. Dr. Jaffee shares his journey through the world of bioenergetics, reflecting on how chemistry and creativity intersect in the lab and in the classroom. The conversation ranges from the molecular choreography of energy transfer to the broader question of what drives scientists to keep asking “why.” Along the way, Dr. Jaffee offers a candid look at collaboration, mentorship, and the joy of finding meaning in the details of science. Join us for an inspiring discussion that reminds us how curiosity — like energy itself — never disappears, it just transforms.
More from Rust Belt Science
On Rust Belt Science, hosts Maggie Fink and Shahir Rizk talk with Dr. Daniel Kearns, a biology professor at Indiana University Bloomington, about his research on Bacillus subtilis, bacterial movement, and how life in the lab can change the organisms scientists study. This conversation also explores the value of basic science, the realities of academic research funding, and the pressures on universities and educators. Dan makes the case for following curiosity, giving students room to explore, and recognizing that discoveries often begin without an immediate practical application.
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