EP#390: Kathy Joseph and The Lightning Tamers

Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

Join physicist and electrical engineering historian, Kathy Joseph, as she unravels captivating human stories behind electricity's evolution. Discover quirky experiments and eccentric scientists like self-deprecating Heinrich Hertz and self-proclaimed wizard Matthias Bose. Learn how historical knowledge and storytelling inspire present and future engineers.

Guests:

• Kathy Joseph, Physicist and Electrical Engineering Historical Expert

Introduction to Kathy and Her Passion for the History of Science:

• Kathy's spark for electrical engineering history ignited when students misconceived electricity's source as "a plug in the wall" 🔌
• Explore her popular YouTube channel, Kathy Loves Physics, and discover the inspiration behind her book, The Lightning Tamers 🌩️

Quirky Experiments and Peculiar Discoveries in Electrical Engineering:

• Kathy shares her extensive research process
• Incorporating storytelling makes science education more interesting, accessible and memorable
• We hear intriguing anecdotes about famous scientists like Heinrich Hertz, who despite a self-critical nature made groundbreaking discoveries in electromagnetic waves and modern wireless communication
• The Eccentric Matthias Bose: Meet the 18th-century self-proclaimed wizard 🧙‍, known for electrifying women he called "Venus Electrificatus"
• Polarizing Sheets and Edwin Land: Discover how Edwin Land's invention of polarizing sheets, born out of a father's desire to satisfy his child's impatience for instant pictures, influenced the modern Polaroid camera 📸
• Appreciate the passionate and artistic nature of scientists and engineers and the relevance of their stories to the present day 🧑‍🎨
• Looking Ahead: Reflect on the significance of historical knowledge in inspiring the next generation of engineers

Summary/Takeaways:

• Kathy Joseph's passion for storytelling and the human side of science adds depth and relevance to the history of electrical engineering
• Understanding the context and personalities behind scientific discoveries enhances our appreciation for their significance

Connect with Kathy:

• Website: https://kathylovesphysics.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathyLovesPhysics
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILuvePhysics
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathylovesphysics/
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KathyLovesPhysicsHistory

Thank you for listening to the MacroFab Engineering Podcast! We’d love to hear what you think of the show so please tweet at us @MacroFab and join our slack channel at Macrofab dot com / slack or email us at [email protected].