Dr. Ghadir Haikal is a civil engineering professor whose research is in the area of computational mechanics. In this episode, Dr. Haikal describes her journey from growing up in Syria to becoming a professor at NC State, and discusses her work on modeling interfaces in complex structures and materials, and its role in facilitating new discoveries in engineering. Dr. Haikal is one of the most caring professors I have had during my time at NC State and I’m grateful she took the time to talk with me. Enjoy!
Dr. Haikal's NC State Website

Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Dr. Jason Miller is renowned for his research on, and discoveries about, Langston Hughes, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Nina Simone. Of particular note is his discovery of the first ever recording of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. In this episode, Dr. Miller discusses his unconventional path to becoming a professor, his research, and his research process. I really enjoyed this conversation and getting to meet Dr. Miller, who is exceedingly kind.
Dr. Miller’s NC State Website

Professor Thomas Barrie is a professor of architecture and a 2024 recipient of the Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence, NC State’s highest faculty award. Professor Barrie directs NC State’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Initiative, and uses his architecture studio courses to do community outreach and advocacy work. I found his research really fascinating and I admire how he uses his position to benefit local communities. I’m grateful for his time and I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation.
Professor Barrie’s NC State Website

Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Professor Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou may be the most awarded professor that NC State currently has. Dr. Barrangou is most celebrated for the significant role he played in the development of the revolutionary CRISPR technology. Today he conducts innovative research in a wide range of fields, including genomics, microbiology, and food science. In this episode, Dr. Barrangou discusses his multidisciplinary academic journey and how he ended up at NC State after growing up in Paris. It was a pleasure to talk with Dr. Barrangou, he is clearly motivated to make an impact in the world.
Dr. Barrangou’s NC State Website

Dr. Walt Wolfram is a pioneering figure in the field of sociolinguistics and he directs the North Carolina Language and Life Project. Dr. Wolfram is the William C. Friday Distinguished University Professor at NC State and he is a recipient of the North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor given by the state of North Carolina. In this episode, Dr. Wolfram discusses his surprising upbringing and his fascinating work on the dialects of North Carolina. Dr. Wolfram is exceedingly funny and I really enjoyed getting to speak with him. Enjoy!
Dr. Wolfram’s NC State Website