The Hidden Influence of Inventions on Humanity with Dr. Ainissa Ramirez

Science isn’t just about discovery; it’s about transformation. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, an award-winning scientist, author, and science advocate who wants science to be for everyone. From her childhood of taking things apart to her work in materials science, Dr. Ramirez shares how curiosity and representation shaped her journey.

Her book The Alchemy of Us explores how materials like clocks, steel rails, and copper cables advanced technology and changed human behavior in unexpected ways. We’ll talk about the unintended consequences of innovation, from how artificial light affects our health to how AI is changing the way we think. Dr. Ramirez also shares her thoughts on diversity in STEM and the power of storytelling in making science relatable.

Whether you’re a scientist, an innovator, or just curious about the world around you, this episode will make you rethink technology’s place in our lives. Listen in for an interesting conversation that spans history, science, and human experience.

In This Episode:

[00:43] Dr. Ainissa Ramirez is an award-winning scientist, author, and passionate science communicator.

[01:33] Her love for science was inspired when she was young. She loved taking things apart and asking questions. And she also loved watching the PBS program 321 Contact.

[03:02] Material science is between chemistry and physics. Everything has to do with the interaction of atoms. She went on to graduate school and worked at Bell Laboratories.

[04:34] Bell Laboratories is where she developed her research skills, and it took her from graduate school to the next level, where she went on to Yale.

[05:49] The Alchemy of Us focuses on how eight inventions have shaped humanity.

[06:28] She wants to share how important material science is to other people. She thought the best way to do that was to show the impact on humanity.

[07:32] We learn about the book's origin story, which involves glass blowing.

[08:27] She wanted something from history that was made possible because a specific material existed or didn't exist. Then, she added the origin story and the impact of the material.

[10:19] Her favorite chapter was the last one. It's about how computers are altering the way we think. 

[11:30] How looking at simple technologies will prepare us to ask questions about technology we won't be able to understand, such as AI.

[12:34] Lights actually shape our health. Our bodies have a daytime mode and a nighttime mode. Shift workers working under a blue fluorescent light have their health affected.

[14:09] Diverse groups make better solutions. It's important for us all to have mentors. We also need to support people interested in STEM, even if they don't have a strong background.

[15:27] Representation needs to be supported with longevity.

[16:39] The function of racism is a distraction. Barriers should never stop us from doing the work we're meant to do.

[17:12] Technology is everywhere. We need to have an understanding of the things around us. Critical thinking and being curious are very important.

[18:09] Getting people excited about science includes telling good stories and making the material accessible.

[19:10] Science is a story.

[20:03] Tech Transfer people are well-positioned to know what the good stories are. They not only see the science and the concept, but they also see how it's useful.

[21:05] The thing in front of her is what's most exciting now. Each step was compelling. Don't study alone, and always get a tutor. Be brave and ask