The Engineering Commons Podcast

This episode centers on tools that we enjoy using, whether engineering-related or not. Jeff is of the opinion that many engineering professors dislike teaching “tools” because software packages are constantly changing in scope and syntax, and associated teaching materials must be vigilantly updated. Reliability is an important characteristic for a good engineering tool, according to … Continue reading Episode 79 — Tools of the Trade →

We discuss the pros and cons of returning to school for an advanced engineering degree in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. After knocking over a beer, Brian asks about the “industry exemption” for engineers. As a point of reference, Jeff has a PhD, an MBA, and an MS in Mechanical Engineering. Adam has … Continue reading Episode 78 — Grad School →

We chat with software engineer Elecia White about embedded programming, self-driving cars, and why internet appliances must connect to the web more quickly and easily if they are to find commercial success. Carmen is looking forward to burning images of Darth Vader or Fry from Futurama into his morning slice of toast. Rather than looking … Continue reading Episode 77 — Remote Host Toast →

What is your creative style, and when might it be most effective? We talk about creative diversity with electrical engineer Kathryn Jablokow in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Brian finds it best to have multiple solutions ready for every engineering problem he encounters, because potential solutions have a nasty habit of failing to … Continue reading Episode 76 — Creative Diversity →

Mechanical engineer Herb Roberts shares his stories of developing an advanced jet engine for the US military in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Jeff admits he’s never torn apart an engine, although he spent a lot of time repairing his 1968 Pontiac Firebird convertible, which had an incredible knack for discovering inopportune times … Continue reading Episode 75 — Vectored Thrust →

Electrical engineer Bob Schmidt joins the discussion of how engineers convey important concepts without using words. Beyond writing down a few words to remind him of key details, Brian likes to dive straight into analysis or development when he has a new design idea. Brian often uses LTSpice to analyze electrical circuits. A debate ensues … Continue reading Episode 74 — Ideas Without Words →

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss highlights and back stories from episodes of The Engineering Commons podcast that were released in 2014. Carmen and Adam explain why certain beers benefit from aging. It is suggested we introduce canon for our podcast, so as to keep track of “reality” for those multiverses in which our errors … Continue reading Episode 73 — Review 2014 →

Carmen, Adam, and Jeff address a few methods by which engineers can track, organize, and prioritize the tasks for which they are responsible. Jeff admits that he often struggles more with deciding what to do than with getting something done. Even though Chris is not with us this week, we reference once of his favorite … Continue reading Episode 72 — Getting Stuff Done →

We talk with electrical engineer Chris Gammell in this episode, discussing design tradeoffs, parametric part searches, and the manner in which design work is being altered by component manufacturers. Adam finds that he doesn’t have much choice in choosing between mechanical, electrical, and software components; bridges pretty much have to be constructed of steel and … Continue reading Episode 71 — Design Avenues →

In this episode we chat with mechanical engineer Sam Feller about product design, power optimization, and drawing skills. Oh, and we talk about dunking cookies in milk… how can you beat that? Adam continues working on a semi-automated system for brewing beer. An xkcd comic suggests an optimal blood alcohol level for effective programming, otherwise … Continue reading Episode 70 — Awkward Engineer →

We talk with Gary Bertoline about graphics communication, computer-aided design, credentials, and competency-based degree programs in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Adam is less stressed now that he’s earned his professional engineer (PE) license. Our guest for this episode is Gary Bertoline, Dean of Purdue University’s College of Technology. In addition to his administrative … Continue reading Episode 69 — Credentials →

James Trevelyan speaks with us about the skills and talents of expert engineers, and how those of us who have not yet achieved “expert” status can improve our ability to complete engineering projects on time and within budget. Brian feels he is becoming less of an expert as time goes along; there just seems to … Continue reading Episode 68 — Engineering Expert →

Electrical engineer John Chidgey joins us in this episode of The Engineering Commons to talk about ladder logic, podcasting, and an engineer’s role in making the world a better place. An open invitation to discuss general engineering issues got Jeff started in the world of podcasting. Carmen, Brian, and Adam became trapped involved as co-hosts … Continue reading Episode 67 — Pragmatic →

We discuss some of the considerations that go into choosing a threaded fastener in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. It can be more complicated than you might think! Carmen has a tendency to make up words every now and then; this leads to quizzical reactions from his co-workers. For many years, Jeff has … Continue reading Episode 66 — Nuts and Bolts →

In a lively discussion of how to best prepare today’s engineering students for tomorrow’s engineering challenges, we talk with Dave Goldberg and Catherine Whitney about their new book, A Whole New Engineer. Any “dot-com” dreams that Brian harbored during his college days have long since dissipated. Carmen suggests that ridiculous buyout amounts are now measured … Continue reading Episode 65 — A Whole New Engineer →

We answer nine questions about the engineering profession, gathered from a quaint little website called Reddit, in this episode of The Engineering Commons. You may notice a common thread in our responses, as there is rarely a clear-cut solution, and the answer often depends on the situation! Carmen turns to application (app) notes or textbooks … Continue reading Episode 64 — Reddit Questions →

Michael Lachman, who started his career as an aerospace engineer, leads us through the pros and cons of following up an engineering degree with an MBA. Adam doesn’t have much interest in business, so he doesn’t think he’s a likely candidate to pursue an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree. Our guest for this episode … Continue reading Episode 63 — Engineering MBA →

Electrical engineer Meagan Pollock explains how engineers can be more effective role models. We also learn about promoting equity in the workplace, discover how digital movie projection technology is used to improve medical care, and consider whether or not software engineers deal with entropy. Jeff doesn’t recall any technical role models growing up, but benefited … Continue reading Episode 62 — Role Model →

Our conversation with Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Founding Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering, covers the trials and tribulations of starting a new engineering school, as well as the the attributes and mindset of a “renaissance engineer.” Additionally, we learn a little bit about the skill sets that will be expected of tomorrow’s engineering professional. … Continue reading Episode 61 — Renaissance Engineer →

Geological engineer Pamela Rogalski shares her insights about using social license to enact change in organizations and communities during this episode of The Engineering Commons. Adam notes that bureaucracies seem rather opposed to the concept of change. Our guest for this episode is Pamela Rogalski, a licensed professional engineer from Canada who has worked as … Continue reading Episode 60 — Social License →