Cayelan Carey joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about ecosystem forecasting, which provides near real-time predictions about water quality in lakes and reservoirs. She explained how utilizing advanced modeling techniques and data from sensors, her team at Virginia Tech is able to help water managers make informed decisions to mitigate issues like algal blooms, both in Southwest Virginia and across the globe. She also shared the importance of collaboration, both domestically and internationally, and the future potential of ecosystem forecasting beyond water quality.

About Carey

Carey is the Patricia Caldwell Faculty Fellow, a professor of biological sciences, and a founding director of Virginia Tech’s Center for Ecosystem Forecasting. Her research integrates freshwater ecosystem ecology and data science to examine how humans are affecting freshwater systems, and in turn how changing water quality is altering human decision-making.

Jonas Hauptman joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about his extensive work researching bamboo as a sustainable building material. He shared his journey into non-traditional materials, the challenges of using bamboo in construction, and the potential impact of bamboo might have in addressing global housing shortages.

About Hauptman

Hauptman is an associate professor of industrial design at the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, as well as the co-founder and co-leader of the Bio Design Research Group. He is also a fellow to Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity and Innovation, which has supported his bio-inspired design research through multiple projects.

Chris Williams joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the evolution and significance of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. He explained the differences between additive and subtractive manufacturing, the various materials used, and the advantages of this technology. He also shared some of the ongoing additive manufacturing projects of he and his colleagues.

About Williams

Christopher Williams is the L.S. Randolph Professor and the Electro-Mechanical Corporation Senior Faculty Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. He is the Director of the Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing Systems (DREAMS) Laboratory and holds affiliate faculty appointments in the Department of Engineering Education and the Department of Material Science and Engineering.