EP#390: Kathy Joseph and The Lightning Tamers

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 podcast@macrofab.com.