The latest ideas, discoveries, innovations and achievements from ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise
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Changing the world
From extreme heat to plastic pollution, our sustainability challenges are global and complex. ASU is tackling them in new ways.
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In-depth storytelling through articles, videos, podcasts and more.
Lab Coat Optional™ podcast
On Lab Coat Optional™, host Pete Zrioka interviews ASU researchers at the forefront of their fields — minus the jargon. Leave your lab coat at the door and tune in to learn about the latest research from ASU.
Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
Our rising energy demand, explained, with Kelly Barr and Gary Dirks
Energy demand is surging. To understand what’s driving it and how we’re going to meet it, I’m joined by energy veterans Kelly Barr and Gary Dirks from the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. They explain the complicated nature of energy planning, why nuclear energy is getting another look and why when it comes to navigating our energy future — reliability is king.
Further reading:
- Analysis from the International Energy Agency
- Reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration
- RMI research and analysis
Learn more about Energy Forward, a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted by Pete Zrioka
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Social media by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Clips
The growing environmental impact of AI data centers’ energy demands — PBS News Hour
How AI is driving a sharp rise in electricity bills — PBS News Hour
NBC 5 Responds: Soaring energy bills — NBC 5 Chicago
POWER CRISIS: Electricity demand SURGES as AI takes over — Fox Business
Inside the numbers: How data centers are increasing energy use — ABC15 Arizona
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Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
The hidden side of national security — and not stealth planes! with Nadya Bliss
Nadya Bliss — executive director of the Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute — explains how national security is more than tanks and battleships. She breaks down the vital role university research plays behind the scenes to anticipate emerging needs, strengthen infrastructure, accelerate innovation and quietly prevent conflict.
Further reading:
- Listen to Sources & Methods, NPR’s nat sec podcast
- Check out Phantom Orbit: A Thriller, by David Ignatius
Learn more about the Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute at Arizona State University.
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Love the show? Give us a five star review on the podcast app of your choice!
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Editorial support from Diane Boudreau
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Disclosure:
Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.
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Lab Coat Optional
Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
ASU-Science Prize winners talk transforming messy datasets into solutions [BONUS]
Bonus episode!
Guest host Dr. Lara Ferry, vice president for research at ASU Knowledge Enterprise, talks with Meha Jain, of the University of Michigan and Mayank Kejriwal, of the University of Southern California, the inaugural winners of the ASU-Science Prize for Transformational Impact, presented by ASU and Science.
Further reading:
Learn more about AAAS and follow on LinkedIn, Instagram and Bluesky. Consider becoming a member, too!
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research at ASU on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Get in touch with us at [email protected].
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin, Pete Zrioka and Carrie Herrera Niesen
Hosted by Lara Ferry
Shot by Alexander Chapin
Edited by Quinton Kendall and Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Motion graphics by Andy Ramos
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Social media by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Special thanks to Sally C. Morton
![ASU-Science Prize winners talk transforming messy datasets into solutions [BONUS]](https://media.rss.com/lab-coat-optional/ep_cover_20260212_090240_1494c18e56a7f82fe42bd06547400eaa.png)
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Knowledge Enterprise in the news
Tillman Honor Run Returns to Flagstaff Supporting Scholarships for Veterans
Participants of all ages are invited to run or walk the 4.2-mile course to honor the life and legacy of Pat Tillman and support scholarships for veterans and service members.
Read on flagstaffbusinessnews.comASU Community Collaborative supports student-run clinic at Westward Ho
Stacey Gandy, coordinator at ASU Community Collaborative and a clinical assistant professor at ASU’s School of Social Work, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss Phoenix communities.
Read on azpbs.orgArizona State University students helping Arizona families find affordable caregiving support
CareYaya Health Technologies is partnering with ASU to connect families with trained healthcare students to provide more affordable in-home support.
Read on abc15.comASU, Refried Apparel partner to upcycle clothing destined for landfills
ASU and Refried Apparel first announced their partnership just over a year ago, saving and revamping hundreds of pounds of unsold merchandise into new gear to sell on campus.
Read on kold.comASU Unveils 2026 Build Plan
From a next-generation medical school building in downtown Phoenix to large-scale student housing redevelopment and arena renovations, ASU continues to invest in students.
Read on constructionowners.comArizona universities tackle abandoned mine risks with new tools
These developments are providing state environmental officials with unprecedented clarity and insight, enhancing efforts to protect public health and the environment.
Read on kvoa.comMedia inquiries
Sandy Keaton Leander
Assistant Director, Media Relations
ASU Knowledge Enterprise
[email protected]
480-727-3396
ASU Media Relations and Strategic Communications
[email protected]
480-965-3502
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