Episodi

  • E29: Engineering and Technology in Auto Racing | Phil Surgen | Class of 2004

    E29: Engineering and Technology in Auto Racing | Phil Surgen | Class of 2004
    Feb 9 2026
    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore NASCAR racing from an engineer’s perspective. Phil Surgen, director of technology for Trackhouse Racing, former crew chief for NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, and a 2004 Worcester Polytechnic Institute mechanical engineering graduate, discusses the role of engineering, technology, and teamwork in competing at the highest level of stock car racing. Surgen talks about how data and simulators inform his team’s efforts, career opportunities for engineers in NASCAR, how his work as a student on WPI’s long-running Formula SAE race car program provided him with valuable experience, and what it’s like to work on a race team with three cars competing in NASCAR. This episode is part one of a two-part feature on Surgen. You can read more about the WPI alum’s work in auto racing in the spring 2026 issue of WPI Journal, due out in April 2026. Related links: WPI Formula SAE Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Major Qualifying Projects
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    40 min
  • E28: Engineering Safer Skiing | Christopher Brown | Mechanical and Materials Engineering

    E28: Engineering Safer Skiing | Christopher Brown | Mechanical and Materials Engineering
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore the role of engineering in safe skiing and ski racing, and design improvements in athletic equipment that could help prevent ACL injuries, which are common in skiing and other sports. Christopher Brown, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, director of WPI’s sports engineering laboratory, former collegiate All-American ski racer, and former collegiate and youth ski coach, discusses the research he does with students to develop patented sports equipment designed to reduce loads that can lead to injuries like torn ACLs. He also shares his insight on how sports science institutes leverage research and technology in the quest for success in international skiing competitions like the Olympics. Related links: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Major Qualifying Project Interactive Qualifying Project Sports Engineering, Inc.
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    38 min
  • E27: AI at WPI | Elke Rundensteiner and Yunus Telliel

    E27: AI at WPI | Elke Rundensteiner and Yunus Telliel
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore the launch of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence—why the demand for specialized AI talent is accelerating, what makes WPI’s approach distinctive, and how the program prepares students to apply AI across disciplines and industries. Featuring faculty leaders behind the degree’s design, the conversation highlights WPI’s project-based learning model, strong industry connections, and the integration of responsible AI practices throughout the curriculum as the university prepares the next generation of AI innovators.
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    33 min
  • E26: Money Behavior and Personal Finance | Alexander Smith—Social Science and Policy Studies | Aedan Bingham—Robotics Engineering, Economics

    E26: Money Behavior and Personal Finance | Alexander Smith—Social Science and Policy Studies | Aedan Bingham—Robotics Engineering, Economics
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore why sticking with your money goals is harder than it seems. Alexander Smith, associate professor in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, explains how personal finance is deeply influenced by behavioral economics, or the psychology of decision-making. He describes how emotions and a focus on short-term goals can make it hard to follow a long-term financial plan, and how commitment devices and tapping into motivation can help. Smith outlines six essential rules for building wealth and shares why financial self-awareness is just as important as financial literacy. Aedan Bingham, a student majoring in robotics engineering and economics, also shares his findings from a research project that surveyed college students about what they know and want to know about personal finance. The pair discusses how this research is helping to empower students with knowledge about topics including saving, investing, taxes, and credit. Related links: Alexander Smith’s personal finance website, Follow The 6 “What WPI Students Know about Personal Finance,” by Aedan Bingham Smith discusses the impact of buy-now-pay-later financing on financial planning in the New York Times
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    47 min
  • E25: Holiday Marketing 101 | Purvi Shah | The Business School

    E25: Holiday Marketing 101 | Purvi Shah | The Business School
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, Purvi Shah, associate professor in The Business School, explains the marketing strategies behind what you’re seeing in stores and online during the holidays. From advertising and early-season deals to nostalgia and artificial intelligence, the holidays provide a master class in marketing. Understanding it all can make you an empowered shopper with knowledge to tackle gift buying with ease. The conversation explores trends including AI tools shoppers can use to save time and money, the role of influencers, and the emotional pull of nostalgia that influences what we buy. This holiday-themed episode is the second of two during the 2025 season designed to help you shop with confidence. Our previous episode focused on the research behind gift giving. Related links: The Business School Shah explains AI tools to empower shoppers on NBC Boston Shah explains nostalgic brand love in Food Navigator USA
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    47 min
  • E24: Gift Giving Research | Farnoush Reshadi | The Business School

    E24: Gift Giving Research | Farnoush Reshadi | The Business School
    Dec 10 2025
    Have you ever wondered if a gift you gave someone was something they wanted and actually would use? Have you felt the joy of receiving a gift that showed the giver really cares about and knows you? There’s a lot of emotion around gift giving and, thankfully, there’s research about it as well. In this episode of The WPI Podcast, Farnoush Reshadi, assistant professor in The Business School, discusses her research on consumer behavior and how people make gift-giving decisions. The discussion explores the research that helps explain why gift givers and gift recipients are sometimes on different pages. This holiday-themed episode is the first of two during the 2025 holiday season to empower you when you give and when you shop. Our next episode will explore holiday marketing and the strategies you see in stores and online retail sites. Related links: The Business School Reshadi discusses gift giving research in USA Today Reshadi discusses wealth and gift giving in Yahoo!Finance
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    39 min
  • E23: Engineering a Cultural Connection | Sophia Gross | Sarah Gardner | Engineers Without Borders

    E23: Engineering a Cultural Connection | Sophia Gross | Sarah Gardner | Engineers Without Borders
    Dec 1 2025
    In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore how a group of Worcester Polytechnic Institute students are making a global impact and connections with a community in Ecuador. As part of a multiple-year project, WPI’s student chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA spent a week in May 2025 working with residents in Shungubug Grande to upgrade their aging water system and address water quality challenges. Sophia Gross writes about the experience for an article in WPI Journal, the university’s magazine. Gross and Sarah Gardner, both members of the student organization, join the podcast to reflect on their time in South America, the extracurricular project that allowed them to exercise their engineering and problem-solving skills for the enhancement of society, the lasting memories they made with community members, and what it was like to document the trip for the magazine in writing and photos. Also, Kris O’Reilly, editor of WPI Journal, shares a preview of other stories you’ll find in the Fall/Winter 2025 issue of the magazine. Related links: WPI Student Chapter, Engineers Without Borders USA Instagram: WPI Student Chapter, Engineers Without Borders USA WPI Journal, “Engineering a Cultural Connection,” by Sophia Gross WPI Journal Fall/Winter 2025 issue The Global Lab
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    51 min
  • E22: Athletics and Academics | Dana Harmon| WPI Athletics

    E22: Athletics and Academics | Dana Harmon| WPI Athletics
    Nov 19 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with WPI’s Athletic Director to explore what it really means to be a student-athlete at one of the nation’s top STEM universities. With college sports making headlines nationwide, we take a closer look at the Division III experience at WPI — where academics come first, teamwork is essential, and the lessons learned on the field connect directly to WPI’s project-based learning approach. We talk about balance, motivation, competition, community, and why being part of a team at WPI is about much more than winning games. It’s about collaboration, leadership, and preparing students for life after graduation.
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    33 min