Best KU Leuven Podcasts (2024)

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#97 - Sreenath Bolisetty: BluAct Technologies 1:01:28

2d ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Sreenath Bolisetty, CTO and Co-founder of BluAct Technologies, explains how protein nanofibers can effectively remove heavy metals and radioactive pollutants from water. These nanofibers, made from whey protein, have a high surface area and binding sites that adsorb multiple metal ions and pollutants. Integrated into activated carbon, they efficien…

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#96 - Karthik Kunjali: Stockholm Water Technology 52:00

9d ago52:00

52:00

Karthik Kunjali, Co-founder & CEO at Stockholm Water Technology (SWT), discusses how their CDI technology stands out from reverse osmosis by attracting and removing contaminants, making it ideal for low-salinity applications and specific pollutant removal like heavy metals and nutrients. This method is energy-efficient and customizable, perfect for…

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#95 - Prof. Larry Mayer 57:45

16d ago57:45

57:45

Rhea and I hosted Professor Larry Mayer, Director of the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire. He discussed the latest advancements in ocean floor mapping, utilizing sophisticated sonar technology to provide essential data on ocean currents and salinity, crucial components of the global water cycle. Comprehensive …

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#94 - Prof. Martin Truffer 1:00:30

23d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

My co-host Rhea Verbeke and I welcomed Professor Martin Truffer, a distinguished glaciologist, who highlighted the critical role glaciers play in maintaining stable water supplies. We explored the alarming rate of glacier retreat due to climate change, noting that while some glaciers may be beyond saving, others can still be preserved if we act qui…

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#93 - Prof. Stephan Pfister 56:49

1M ago56:49

56:49

Professor Stephan Pfister from ETH Zurich focuses on integrating water scarcity into life cycle assessments (LCA) to guide sustainable resource management. His research examines the trade-offs between water use, land use, and biodiversity, offering insights for improved environmental policies. Additionally, Professor Pfister highlights the need for…

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16. Data Science & Presentation Skills - A Talk With Margot Gerritsen (Women in Data Science Worldwide & Stanford University) 30:10

1M ago30:10

30:10

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen and get insights into Data Science & Presentation Skills in this talk with Margot Gerritsen, (Founder & Former Executive Director Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide, and Professor [Eme…

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#92 - Prof. Radha Boya 55:43

1M ago55:43

55:43

Atomically Precise Membranes by Professor Radha Boya at the The University of Manchester, is pioneering the development of atomically thin membranes using graphene and other two-dimensional materials. These angstrom-scale channels enable highly selective ion and molecule separation, greatly enhancing water desalination efficiency. Her work focuses …

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#91 - Prof. Kim Trevathan 55:25

1M ago55:25

55:25

Professor Kim Trevathan narrates his personal journey paddling the Tennessee River, reflecting on environmental changes observed over two decades. His narrative wove together personal anecdotes with environmental insights, illustrating how human interventions like damming have altered river ecosystems. Kim’s stories highlight the importance of dire…

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#90 - Prof. Menachem Elimelech 49:18

2M ago49:18

49:18

In our today’s podcast episode, Rhea and I have welcomed Sterling Professor Menachem Elimelech from Yale University. He discussed the challenges and advancements in seawater desalination, emphasizing that significant gains lie in optimizing system design and using real-time monitoring and sensor technologies rather than focusing solely on new membr…

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#89 - Carlos García Blázquez: GENAQ 1:03:55

2M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

In a podcast episode, Carlos Garcia from Genaq details their advanced technology for extracting water from the air. He explains that their machines are designed to efficiently handle variable power inputs from renewable sources like solar panels, eliminating the need for costly batteries and inverters. This significantly reduces both initial invest…

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#88 - Gerhard Loots: Kallipr 1:04:23

2M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr IoT Technologies, introduces advanced IoT technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural practices. He detailed a new sensor device that simplifies battery replacement—a critical improvement that significantly reduces maintenance time and costs. Gerhard also discussed the company's commitment to environmental sustainabil…

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#87 - Ion Padilla: Wegaw 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

Ion Padilla discussed the innovation of using satellite data for environmental monitoring, emphasizing Wegaw's hybrid model which integrates automated and manual data collection. This approach offers cost-effective, accurate environmental assessments, reducing the need for expensive, frequent field campaigns. Ion highlighted the system's ability to…

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#86 - Slava Libman: FTD Solutions 58:33

3M ago58:33

58:33

Slava Libman, CEO of FTD Solutions, takes us into the world of digital transformation in water management. Libman explains the development and application of digital twins for water treatment and distribution systems, highlighting how this technology can simulate, predict, and optimize water process flows and treatment outcomes using data analytics…

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#85 - Gregg Semler: InPipe Energy 55:21

3M ago55:21

55:21

In this episode of Smart Water Solutions, Gregg Semler, CEO of InPine Energy, introduces us to the transformative Hydro XS technology. Semler discusses the engineering behind leveraging the kinetic energy of water flowing through municipal and industrial pipelines to generate renewable energy. This not only provides a sustainable energy solution bu…

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#84 - Prof. Peter Jaffé 58:15

3M ago58:15

58:15

In this episode of Smart Water Solutions, co-hosted by Rhea and I, we had the privilege of speaking with Peter Jaffé, a distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University. Professor Jaffé shared insights into his pioneering research on environmental bioremediation, specifically his work on a bacteria strain adept…

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15. Tech Roles in GenAI Times - A Talk With Nahia Orduña (Amazon Web Services) 18:45

3M ago18:45

18:45

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen and get insights into Tech Roles in GenAI Times in this talk with Nahia Orduña, Technical Leader Strategic Accounts at Amazon Web Services and co-author—together with Slavik Dimitrovich—of…

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#83 - Dr. Elizabeth K. Thomas 1:01:16

3M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

In this episode, Rhea and I are joined by Dr. Elizabeth K. Thomas, Associate Professor of Geology at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Thomas employs advanced scientific methods to uncover ancient climate secrets. She analyzes lipid biomarkers found in sediment cores, which are cylindrical samples drilled from the Earth's surface containing layers of …

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#82 - Seth B. Darling: Argonne National Laboratory 57:51

4M ago57:51

57:51

In this podcast episode, Rhea and I host Seth B. Darling, Argonne's Chief Science and Technology Officer, discussing his journey from chemistry to the water sciences, with a special focus on block copolymers. The conversation zeroes in on the critical nexus between water and energy, emphasizing the urgent of water reuse and the untapped potential o…

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#81 - Maxime Therrillion: OSMOSUN 36:21

4M ago36:21

36:21

In this episode, we welcomed Maxime Therrillion, Head of Business Development at OSMOSUN, to discuss how they integrate solar energy with reverse osmosis for sustainable water desalination. Maxime shared his journey into the water sector, driven by the goal of addressing vital water needs. OSMOSUN, established in 2014, focuses on combating water sc…

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#80 - Julie Bliss Mullen: Aclarity 55:27

4M ago55:27

55:27

In this intriguing episode, Julie Bliss, CEO and co-founder of Aclarity, narrates her transformative journey from an academic researcher to an innovative entrepreneur, tackling the global issue of PFAS contamination. PFAS, short for "forever chemicals," are used in everyday items like non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing. These chemicals can …

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14. Trustworthy Generative AI - A Talk With Veronique Van Vlasselaer (SAS) & Bart Baesens (KU Leuven) 36:03

4M ago36:03

36:03

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen and get insights into Trustworthy Generative AI in this talk with Veronique Van Vlasselaer and Bart Baesens. Veronique is the Analytics and AI Lead for South, West, & East Europe at SAS. S…

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#79 - Mike Dyson: Infinity Water Solutions 1:13:24

4M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

In today's edition: Producing a single barrel of oil might use up anywhere from two to ten barrels of fresh water, depending on different factors. Figuring out the best mix of water technologies and business strategies to treat the wastewater from the oil and gas industry is our discussion with Mike Dyson, CEO of Infinity Water Solutions. The talk …

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#78 - Dr. Peter van Thienen: KWR 59:25

5M ago59:25

59:25

In this episode, Rhea and I interviewed Peter Van Thienen, who is the principal scientist at KWR. Peter offers insights into collapsology, defined as the study of how and why societies might decline or collapse due to environmental or economic pressures, and its critical relevance to water infrastructure. With a transition from geosciences to water…

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#77 - Adrian Sym: Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

In our episode, we explore the journey and mission of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), as shared by Adrian Sym. Water stewardship involves responsibly managing and conserving water resources to ensure their sustainability and equitable access for present and future generations. AWS brings together businesses, NGOs, and governments to promo…

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#76 - Guillaume Valladeau: VORTEX-IO 50:18

5M ago50:18

50:18

Extreme weather changes, especially severe floods, are now a routine part of our lives. The old ways of tracking water levels in rivers and streams are often too slow, inaccurate, and expensive to maintain. By switching to modern technology, we can get fast, precise information with fewer maintenance demands, improving how we monitor water levels a…

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#75 - Naomi Timmer: H2O People 1:02:47

5M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

In this episode, Naomi Timmer, a figure in water management, shares her comprehensive approach to tackling water challenges. As the director of European Junior Water Programme and H2O People, Timmer integrates her expertise in political science and religious studies to emphasize the importance of personal and professional development in water manag…

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#74 - Dr. Newsha Ajami 1:11:48

6M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

In this podcast episode, Dr. Newsha Ajami, Chief Strategy and Development Officer for Research at Berkeley Lab, discusses the evolving intersection of water policy and science. Dr. Ajami highlights the need for water management strategies to adapt to climate change and the importance of integrating science, human needs, and environmental considerat…

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13. Bias in the AI Lifecycle - A Talk With Veronique Van Vlasselaer (SAS) 20:15

6M ago20:15

20:15

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen, and get insights into Bias in the AI Lifecycle in this talk with Veronique Van Vlasselaer, Analytics & AI Lead South, West & East Europe at SAS. We talk about: How to define Bias in AI an…

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#73 - Dr. Lidietta Giorno 1:30:31

6M ago1:30:31

1:30:31

Join us on our latest podcast episode to explore membrane technology with eminent scientist and researcher Dr. Lidietta Giorno of ITM-CNR, hosted by Rhea and me. Dr. Giorno guides us through her innovative research, a fusion of biology, chemistry, and engineering. She shares her insights, reflecting on the interconnectedness of knowledge: 'the sect…

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#72 - John Matthews: AGWA 1:18:10

6M ago1:18:10

1:18:10

Join us in our latest podcast episode where I discuss with John Matthews, Executive Director at AGWA, about effective water management in the era of climate change. He talks about the organization's approach to building resilience and adapting water resources management, a critical need in today's changing climate. Our conversation highlights how A…

1
#71 - Prof. Brett Bryan 1:06:56

6M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Join Rhea and me on a captivating journey with Prof. Brett Bryan from Deakin University, as we deal with the dynamic world of water sustainability in our latest podcast episode. Ever wondered how water scarcity touches our global food supply, or the role invisible 'virtual water' plays in our daily lives? Prof. Bryan reveals the involved connection…

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#70 - Prof. Dragan Savic: KWR 52:15

7M ago52:15

52:15

In our podcast episode, we explore the world of water management with Professor Dragan Savic, CEO of KWR Water Research Institute. With his extensive background in Hydroinformatics and environmental engineering, Professor Savic shares his journey from academia to leading a prominent water research organization. But what makes KWR stand out in the c…

1
#69 - Valerie Fehst: PipePredict 50:00

7M ago50:00

50:00

In this episode, Valerie Fehst, co-founder of PipePredict, shares her journey from physics to launching a water leak detection system. How did her physics background lead to PipePredict's creation? The company's approach, blending data analysis, digital twin, machine learning, and existing sensors, aims to pinpoint leaks. But how does PipePredict n…

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#68 - Lyle King: Influx Search 41:26

7M ago41:26

41:26

In this latest podcast episode featuring Lyle King, CEO of Influx Search, as he sheds light on the nuances of recruiting in the water industry. King discusses his journey and the unique challenges in this specialized sector. But what drives a focus solely on water industry recruitment? 🤔He then explores the growth and expansion strategies of Influx…

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#67 - Dr. Arian Edalat: Active Membranes 1:01:43

8M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this episode, join Dr. Arian Edalat, Co-Founder and CEO of Active Membranes, as we explore the journey from academic research to real-world industrial applications in water treatment. How has Edalat's team successfully accelerated the commercialization of Active Membranes in the desalination industry? Edalat shares that targeting areas with sign…

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12. Women & Data Leadership - A Talk With Theresa Kushner (Business Data Leadership & Women in Big Data) 26:05

8M ago26:05

26:05

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen, and get insights into Women & Data Leadership in this talk with Theresa Kushner, Partner at Business Data Leadership & Women in Big Data Board Member. We talk about: what is data leadersh…

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#66 - Dr. André F. van Rooyen 1:11:51

8M ago1:11:51

1:11:51

In this episode, Rhea and I explore the world of agriculture and water management in Africa with our guest, Dr. André F. van Rooyen, a Principal Scientist at ICRISAT in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We discussed the intricate dance between modern agriculture and age-old farming wisdom. As land areas get smaller, how can we optimize food production in plac…

1
#65 - James Ellsmoor: Island Innovation 44:45

9M ago44:45

44:45

In this episode, meet James Ellsmoor, the CEO @ Island Innovation. We'll explore the unique water challenges islands face. Consider this: tourism intensifies their water demands. So, how do they adapt? How does Island Innovation platform bridge sustainable island water solutions with water startups, governments, and financial institutions? Dive int…

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#64 - Dr. Piotr Dlugolecki: Aqua Azure 1:03:30

9M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

In this episode, Dr. Piotr Dlugolecki and I discuss water-based energy generation and storage, highlighting the potential of reverse electrodialysis technology and ion exchange membranes. We talk about the challenges and opportunities in hydrogen production, especially in Europe, and look at the future of energy storage solutions, including redox f…

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11. How to Sell the Way Your Customers Want to Buy - A Talk With Kristin Zhivago (Zhivago Partners) 35:54

10M ago35:54

35:54

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen, and get insights into How to Sell the Way Your Customers Want to Buy in this talk with Kristin Zhivago, President & Founder at Zhivago Partners. We talk about her bestseller book RoadMap …

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#63 - Karen Schuett: Livestock Water 57:36

10M ago57:36

57:36

This episode features Karen Schuett, Co-Founder and CEO of Livestock Water Recycling (LWR). With her roots in zoology, Karen embarked on a journey from groundwater treatment in the oil and gas sector to forging solutions in livestock manure treatment. A local farmer's challenge with manure lagoons prompted this shift, leading to the development of …

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#62 - Prof. Julio Berbel 1:04:41

10M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

🎙️ Join us in our latest episode with Professor Julio Berbel from the University of Cordoba. Together with Rhea Verbeke, we delve deep into the intricacies of European water management. From the fundamental Water Framework Directive to the debate between water pricing vs. governance, we explore the future of sustainable water use. 💧 Curious about t…

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#61 - Oliver Lawal: AquiSense Technologies 55:39

11M ago55:39

55:39

In this episode, Oliver Lawal, the CEO and founder of AquiSense Technologies, talks about the challenges in water disinfection and the promise of UV-C LED technology as an alternative to chemical treatments. He shares the progress of UV-C LED chips, how they're becoming more affordable, and their real-world applications. The conversation explores h…

1
#60 - Prof. Ryan Kingsbury 56:06

11M ago56:06

56:06

In this episode, Rhea and I talk with Professor Ryan Kingsbury from Princeton University about ion-selective transport in membranes. We discuss how traditional methods based on particle size and charge fall short for tasks like extracting lithium from brine. Professor Kingsbury highlights the importance of considering molecular interactions and ele…

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#59 - Brian Pinkard: Aquagga 44:36

12M ago44:36

44:36

In this episode, we'll delve into the water treatment solutions for PFAS with our guest, Brian Pinkard, the CTO & Co-Founder at Aquagga. We'll uncover the journey from using hydrothermal technology for destroying chemical weapons, to now dealing with PFAS. Learn about the safety, cost-effectiveness, and advantages of Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment…

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#58 - Prof. Richard Luthy 1:16:03

1y ago1:16:03

1:16:03

In this podcast episode, Rhea and I were thankful to engage with Prof. Richard Luthy, a renowned ocean engineer, @US Nav Navy submersible pilot, and chemical engineering PhD from University of California, Berkeley, now teaching Civil Engineering at Stanford University. With water scarcity as a central topic, Prof. Luthy elaborated on the indispensa…

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10. The Value of Data for Organizations - A Talk With Lieve Lanoye & Paola Masuzzo (TP Vision) 34:16

1y ago34:16

34:16

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen, and get insights into the Value of Data for Organizations in this talk with Lieve Lanoye, Team Leader Market Intro & Big Data Team, and Paola Masuzzo, Lead Data Scientist at TP Vision . W…

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9. How do supervisors cope with mental health in academia? 34:44

1y ago34:44

34:44

How to maintain a healthy work-life? What to do when feeling isolated? How to deal with anxiety and imposter syndrome? Taking care of your mental health during research is not only the responsibility of young researchers but also of their supervisors. In this episode, PhD students Robyn and PJ speak with three supervisors at KU Leuven. Together wit…

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9. Data, Humanitarian Aid & Migration - A Talk with Tuba Bircan (VUB & Cambridge University) 22:02

1+ y ago22:02

22:02

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen, and get insights into Data, Humanitarian Aid & Migration in this talk with Tuba Bircan, Research Professor of Sociology at the VUB, Social Scientist at the Wellcome Connecting Science and…

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8. Robotics, Women & The Future - A Talk With Greet Van de Perre (Brubotics) & Franziska Kirstein (Blue Ocean Robotics) 27:24

1+ y ago27:24

27:24

We would love to hear your feedback on this episode! Please click here to share your thoughts via text message. We can't wait to hear what's on your mind! Listen, and get insights into Robotics, Women & The Future in this talk with Greet Van de Perre, Postdoctoral Researcher at Brubotics - Human Robotics Research Centre at VUB, and Franziska Kirste…

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