Every day, faculty members at schools and universities throughout the world are making discoveries that shape our ways of thinking and redefine our understanding of today's knowledge-driven society. Since 1990, The Best of Our Knowledge has highlighted breakthroughs across disciplines and across the globe, putting you in touch with the men and women at the forefront of their fields.
A reanimated vampire film and a corn maze
Guitarist and composer Gary Lucas breathes new life into a nearly century-old vampire film.
We’ll learn about how farmers create a seasonal corn maze.
And we’ll take a trip to the weight room.
10/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Scary stories and a sensory room
What’s your favorite scary story? We’ll speak with Jeremy Dauber, author of American Scary. The book chronicles the history of horror in America.
And we’ll learn about how libraries are creating sensory-focused spaces.
10/14/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Climate storytelling and oyster glue
With Americans divided over climate change, communicating the issue can be a daunting task. We’ll speak with a University of Buffalo researcher who says storytelling is the key to finding solutions for a warming climate.
And a Colgate University physics professor’s research on oysters could lead to advancements in the medical and construction industries.
10/7/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Electronic devices and life balance
As discussions over a state policy in New York to restrict cell phones in schools continue, we’ll speak with elementary school counselor about how students are affected by electronic devices.
And Hartwick College, a private liberal arts school in Oneonta, New York, rolls out a new “life balance” initiative.
9/30/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Academic writing and college presidents
Let’s face it, academic writing can be…boring.
We’ll speak with author Leonard Cassuto about his book, “Academic Writing as if Readers Matter.”
And we’ll catch up with a pair of college presidents.
9/23/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Academic writing and college presidents
Let’s face it, academic writing can be…boring.
We’ll speak with author Leonard Cassuto about his book, “Academic Writing as if Readers Matter.”
And we’ll catch up with a pair of college presidents.
9/23/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
“Dark matter and native plants”
Scientists are continuing their celestial search for dark matter from an underground facility in South Dakota.
We’ll visit a native plant farm in upstate New York.
And we’ll celebrate the return of Friday night lights at a new field in Massachusetts.
9/13/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
“Dark matter and native plants”
Scientists are continuing their celestial search for dark matter from an underground facility in South Dakota.
We’ll visit a native plant farm in upstate New York.
And we’ll celebrate the return of Friday night lights at a new field in Massachusetts.
9/13/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Peter Godfrey-Smith: "Living On Earth”
Peter Godfrey-Smith is a scuba diving philosopher, professor at the University of Sydney, and author. His new book, “Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World,” explores the riddle of life on this planet.
We’ll speak with Godfrey-Smith about his latest work.
9/9/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Peter Godfrey-Smith: "Living On Earth”
Peter Godfrey-Smith is a scuba diving philosopher, professor at the University of Sydney, and author. His new book, “Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World,” explores the riddle of life on this planet.
We’ll speak with Godfrey-Smith about his latest work.
9/9/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Saving democracy and creative partnership
A new course at Bennington College in Vermont seeks to examine challenges facing democracy. And we’ll learn about the longtime creative partnership between children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle and editor Ann Beneduce.
9/2/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Saving democracy and creative partnership
A new course at Bennington College in Vermont seeks to examine challenges facing democracy. And we’ll learn about the longtime creative partnership between children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle and editor Ann Beneduce.
9/2/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Understanding Long COVID
The cause of long COVID, where patients experience symptoms months after their initial illness, is a mystery. Now, a new study might bring scientists a step closer toward understanding the disease. And we’ll visit students who are learning STEAM concepts through cooking.
8/26/2024 • 18 minutes, 1 second
Understanding Long COVID
The cause of long COVID, where patients experience symptoms months after their initial illness, is a mystery. Now, a new study might bring scientists a step closer toward understanding the disease. And we’ll visit students who are learning STEAM concepts through cooking.
8/26/2024 • 18 minutes, 1 second
“Alfie & Me”
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll have a conversation with Dr. Carl Safina, an ecologist and author of Alfie & Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe.
The book tells the story of an orphaned owl who was cared for by Carl and his wife Patricia during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the large impact a little owl had on their lives.
8/12/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
“Alfie & Me”
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll have a conversation with Dr. Carl Safina, an ecologist and author of Alfie & Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe.
The book tells the story of an orphaned owl who was cared for by Carl and his wife Patricia during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the large impact a little owl had on their lives.
8/12/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Marine photography and paper stories
Marine photographer Brian Skerry has traveled the globe, capturing dramatic and moving images of the ocean and the life it supports. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll hear about his latest work documenting change in the Gulf of Maine.
And we’ll have a conversation with author and cut-paper illustrator, Laura Homsey.
8/5/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Marine photography and paper stories
Marine photographer Brian Skerry has traveled the globe, capturing dramatic and moving images of the ocean and the life it supports. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll speak about his latest work documenting change in the Gulf of Maine.
And we’ll have a conversation with Laura Homsey, author, illustrator, and creator of Petit Paper Stories.
8/5/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Competitive Scrabble and the Penguin and the Egg
For some, Scrabble is more than just a board game. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge we’ll attend a competitive Scrabble tournament.
We’ll learn about a high school graduate who has devoted himself to recording the stories of veterans.
And NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is marking two years of science operations.
7/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Competitive Scrabble and the Penguin and the Egg
For some, Scrabble is more than just a board game. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge we’ll attend a competitive Scrabble tournament.
We’ll learn about a high school graduate who has devoted himself to recording the stories of veterans.
And NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is marking two years of science operations.
7/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Strengthening student journalism
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll learn about the students and faculty at Stony Brook University who have created a resilience tool kit for student journalists.
And we’ll learn about a national initiative to expand local news coverage through academic partnerships.
7/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Strengthening student journalism
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll learn about the students and faculty at Stony Brook University who have created a resilience tool kit for student journalists.
And we’ll learn about a national initiative to expand local news coverage through academic partnerships.
7/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Student demands and a record-setting genome
The spring 2024 semester was marked by student protests across the country. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll speak with an organizer at Bard College, where administration officials reached an agreement with Pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
A new public authority is hoping to steer the future of a recently-closed college in Albany, New York.
And we’ll learn about a rare fern with a record-setting genome.
7/15/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Student demands and a record-setting genome
The spring 2024 semester was marked by student protests across the country. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll speak with an organizer at Bard College, where administration officials reached an agreement with Pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
A new public authority is hoping to steer the future of a recently-closed college in Albany, New York.
And we’ll learn about a rare fern with a record-setting genome.
7/15/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
College textbooks and civic preparedness
College textbooks can be a necessary part of coursework, but they’re often pricey. On this week's episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we'll hear about a new report examining automatic textbook billing practices.
And a new effort is seeking to assist college presidents in preparing students for civic life.
7/8/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
College textbooks and civic preparedness
College textbooks can be a necessary part of coursework, but they’re often pricey. On this week's episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we'll hear about a new report examining automatic textbook billing practices.
And a new effort is seeking to assist college presidents in preparing students for civic life.
7/8/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
The Education Wars
America is experiencing renewed efforts to ban books, pass so-called parents' rights legislation, and vilify teachers unions. We’ll speak with the authors of "The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual," about who and what is putting schools at the center of the culture war.
7/1/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
The Education Wars
America is experiencing renewed efforts to ban books, pass so-called parents' rights legislation, and vilify teachers unions. We’ll speak with the authors of "The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual," about who and what is putting schools at the center of the culture war.
7/1/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Reimagining graduation requirements
New York education officials have unveiled a proposal that would transform the state’s graduation requirements.
Lucas Willard speaks with state Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty Rosa.
6/24/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Reimagining graduation requirements
New York education officials have unveiled a proposal that would transform the state’s graduation requirements.
Lucas Willard speaks with state Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty Rosa.
6/24/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Overcoming student loneliness
Research shows that college students are increasingly lonely. We’ll dive into a study that examines students’ mental health and how colleges and universities are fostering community and belonging.
And the use of artificial intelligence in writing scientific research has skyrocketed. But does it create accuracy concerns?
6/17/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Overcoming student loneliness
Research shows that college students are increasingly lonely. We’ll dive into a study that examines students’ mental health and how colleges and universities are fostering community and belonging.
And the use of artificial intelligence in writing scientific research has skyrocketed. But does it create accuracy concerns?
6/17/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
FAFSA’s troubled rollout and advocating for school safety
The rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, has been rocky this year. We’ll dig into how the bumpy rollout could affect colleges and universities.
It’s been more than 6 years since the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Florida. We’ll speak with Parkland parent and school safety advocate Max Schachter.
And high school students in upstate New York are exploring careers in trucking.
6/10/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
FAFSA’s troubled rollout and advocating for school safety
The rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, has been rocky this year. We’ll dig into how the bumpy rollout could affect colleges and universities.
It’s been more than 6 years since the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Florida. We’ll speak with Parkland parent and school safety advocate Max Schachter.
And high school students in upstate New York are exploring careers in trucking.
6/10/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Nate Powell and the legacy of "Lies My Teacher Told Me"
Published in 1995, James W. Loewen’s “Lies My Teacher Told Me” continues to challenge the U.S. education system and everything we thought we knew about American history.
The book has now been adapted into a graphic novel. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge we’ll speak with illustrator and National Book Award-winning comics artist Nate Powell.
6/3/2024 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Nate Powell and the legacy of "Lies My Teacher Told Me"
Published in 1995, James W. Loewen’s “Lies My Teacher Told Me” continues to challenge the U.S. education system and everything we thought we knew about American history.
The book has now been adapted into a graphic novel. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge we’ll speak with illustrator and National Book Award-winning comics artist Nate Powell.
6/3/2024 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Leonardo da Vinci’s machines and children’s theater
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
For five centuries, the world has benefitted from the artistic and scientific contributions from Leonardo da Vinci. A touring exhibit brings the Renaissance polymath’s ideas to life.
We’ll go behind the scenes at America’s largest theater company for young people.
And it’s time for students preparing for college to fill out their federal student aid applications.
5/27/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Leonardo da Vinci’s machines and children’s theater
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
For five centuries, the world has benefitted from the artistic and scientific contributions from Leonardo da Vinci. A touring exhibit brings the Renaissance polymath’s ideas to life.
We’ll go behind the scenes at America’s largest theater company for young people.
And it’s time for students preparing for college to fill out their federal student aid applications.
5/27/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Bioacoustics and a cacophony of cicadas
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to listen in on the animal kingdom.
Periodical cicadas this spring are singing in enormous numbers across the United States. It’s reunion hundreds of years in the making.
And we’ll speak with young students who are exploring careers in education.
5/20/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Bioacoustics and a cacophony of cicadas
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to listen in on the animal kingdom.
Periodical cicadas this spring are singing in enormous numbers across the United States. It’s reunion hundreds of years in the making.
And we’ll speak with young students who are exploring careers in education.
5/20/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
An AI-assisted commencement and blending art with tech
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's bicentennial commencement will feature a special guest, brought to life with artificial intelligence technology.
Students at Union College blend traditional fine art with advanced technology.
And an indigenous student graduating from a South Dakota high school shares his ideas with an international audience.
5/13/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
An AI-assisted commencement and blending art with tech
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's bicentennial commencement will feature a special guest, brought to life with artificial intelligence technology.
Students at Union College blend traditional fine art with advanced technology.
And an indigenous student graduating from a South Dakota high school shares his ideas with an international audience.
5/13/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Fantastic Fungi and evolving frogs
The 2019 documentary Fantastic Fungi continues to mesmerize audiences with its time-lapse photography and perspectives on perhaps the most misunderstood kingdom of life. The film has been remastered and is now showing in theaters. We’ll speak with director Louie Schwartzberg.
And new research shows frogs are evolving faster than we thought.
5/6/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Fantastic Fungi and evolving frogs
The 2019 documentary Fantastic Fungi continues to mesmerize audiences with its time-lapse photography and perspectives on perhaps the most misunderstood kingdom of life. The film has been remastered and is now showing in theaters. We’ll speak with director Louie Schwartzberg.
And new research shows frogs are evolving faster than we thought.
5/6/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
The closing of Saint Rose
The College of Saint Rose, a private four-year institution in Albany, New York, will close at the end of the spring semester. We’ll hear from students and faculty who are facing important decisions on their education and employment.
4/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
The closing of Saint Rose
The College of Saint Rose, a private four-year institution in Albany, New York, will close at the end of the spring semester. We’ll hear from students and faculty who are facing important decisions on their education and employment.
4/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Protecting soil and scanning collections
The documentary “Common Ground,” a follow-up to 2020’s “Kiss the Ground,” examines the U.S. agricultural system and the industrial threats to the nation’s farmland. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll speak with film co-director Josh Tickell.
And advanced 3D imaging is letting scientists examine and share museum specimens in a new way.
4/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Protecting soil and scanning collections
The documentary “Common Ground,” a follow-up to 2020’s “Kiss the Ground,” examines the U.S. agricultural system and the industrial threats to the nation’s farmland. On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll speak with film co-director Josh Tickell.
And advanced 3D imaging is letting scientists examine and share museum specimens in a new way.
4/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
The Night Visitors
Hairy bodies. Compound eyes. Feather-like antenna. The perhaps misunderstood moth is in the limelight in the experimental documentary film, “The Night Visitors.” The movie provides a glimpse into a world many of us overlook. We’ll speak with filmmaker Michael Gitlin.
4/15/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
The Night Visitors
Hairy bodies. Compound eyes. Feather-like antenna. The perhaps misunderstood moth is in the limelight in the experimental documentary film, “The Night Visitors.” The movie provides a glimpse into a world many of us overlook. We’ll speak with filmmaker Michael Gitlin.
4/15/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Atmospheric study and shoeing horses
The April 8th solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions. We’ll meet students who are using balloons to study the celestial event.
And what’s better than a sturdy pair of shoes? Horseshoes, that is. We’ll learn about a program that is educating future farriers.
4/8/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Atmospheric study and shoeing horses
The April 8th solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions. We’ll meet students who are using balloons to study the celestial event.
And what’s better than a sturdy pair of shoes? Horseshoes, that is. We’ll learn about a program that is educating future farriers.
4/8/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Eclipse research and space commerce
From Mexico to Maine, the April 8th solar eclipse will carve a path of darkness across North America. We’ll learn how NASA is preparing to study the event.
And commercial interest in space is at an all-time high. We’ll learn more from the U.S. Office of Space Commerce.
4/1/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Eclipse research and space commerce
From Mexico to Maine, the April 8th solar eclipse will carve a path of darkness across North America. We’ll learn how NASA is preparing to study the event.
And commercial interest in space is at an all-time high. We’ll learn more from the U.S. Office of Space Commerce.
4/1/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Board games and woodworking
What’s your favorite board game? We’ll explore the history of board games in America.
And we’ll visit an upstate New York woodworking shop that is opening its doors to the community.
3/25/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Exploring the ARChive
In an age of smartphones and streaming, where physical media is disappearing, we’ll take a trip to the largest collection of popular music in the world – and meet the man who has dedicated most of his life to cataloguing recordings and historic materials.
And we’ll attend a groundbreaking for a new middle school in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
3/18/2024 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Seacoast monitoring and space-faring technology
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: In a changing climate, researchers around the world are asking citizen scientists to use their smartphones to help monitor beach erosion and storm damage.
And we’ll find out why company Columbia Sportswear is currently displaying its logo on the moon.
3/11/2024 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Club swimming and adventure education
Beyond teaching a life-saving skill, competitive swimming can forge life-long bonds. We’ll visit a club swim team in the Hudson Valley.
A college in Colorado offers a unique major in Adventure Education.
And a student research project at the University of West Florida is shining a light to help detect Alzheimer’s disease.
3/4/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Prescribed fire and music education
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: A mild winter allows for an early prescribed fire. We’ll speak with acclaimed jazz trumpeter and music educator Sean Jones. And a push by public colleges and universities in New York aims to get more students involved in producing local news.
2/26/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Hamilton College’s next president and climate science in the classroom
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: Hamilton College has named its next president. We’ll speak with Steven Tepper, who is currently serving as a dean at Arizona State University.
And a new summer program aimed at helping middle and high school teachers incorporate lessons on ecology and climate change into their curriculums.
2/19/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Miriam Piilonen: Theorizing Music Evolution
The theories of 19th Century evolutionists Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer changed how scientists view the world.
But one topic that seemed to stump both great thinkers was music. We’ll speak with music theorist and author Miriam Piilonen about her book, which lends a fresh eye to old ideas about music and evolution.
2/12/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Campus speech and indigenous agriculture
Following the resignation of former president Claudine Gay, Harvard University is at the center of the debate over free speech on college campuses. On this week's episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll speak with a member of a faculty organization defending the rights of students to protest violence against Palestinians. And we’ll speak with the supervisor of the Onondaga Nation Farm.
2/5/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Fermentation science and evolving teacher education
1/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 11 seconds
Teaching AI and record heat
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: Universities across New York state studying AI are banding together to unlock the potential of the technology to benefit public good. We’ll speak with a researcher who has been working to develop classroom curricula surrounding the rapidly advancing technology.
And 2023 was the warmest year on record. We’ll learn more from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
1/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Deadly animals and ice yachts
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
We’ll learn about the world’s most formidable creatures. National Geographic writer Jen Szymanski will speak with our Jody Cowan about her latest book for young readers, “Deadliest Animals on the Planet.”
And we’ll learn about ice yachts – the fastest craft on the planet at the turn of the 20th Century.
1/16/2024 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Alfie & Me
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
We’ll have a conversation with Dr. Carl Safina, an ecologist and author of Alfie & Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe. The book tells the story of an orphaned owl who was cared for by Carl and his wife Patricia during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the large impact a little owl had on their lives.
1/8/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
War and speech
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: The Israel-Hamas war has intensified debate over free speech on college campuses. And we’ll speak with an internationally-known advocate for human rights in the West Bank about how the war has affected learning and the natural environment.
1/1/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
A new chancellor and an ancient tradition
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: The Vermont State Colleges system, which is transforming into the Vermont State University, has selected a new chancellor. We’ll learn about an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated during the winter solstice. And the race is on to establish a national semiconductor technology center.
12/25/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Boosting classroom morale through tech
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: Many educators will say teaching can be a thankless job. A new app aims to help the entire school community share praise. We’ll speak with the CEO of company HiLight. And with the College of Saint Rose set to close in June, a nearby college wants to help students continue their studies.
12/18/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
A closing campus and sled hockey
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
The College of Saint Rose, a private liberal arts college in New York, recently announced it would close at the end of the academic year.
Education advocates brace for budget cuts in the nation’s largest public school system.
And varsity hockey players try a new version of their sport.
12/11/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Forgiving student debt and a LEGO challenge
On this week's The Best of Our Knowledge:
As American students are facing more than $1.7 trillion dollars in student loan debt, some private sector companies are now exploring their own student loan repayment programs.
A LEGO building challenge gets kids to dive into a fun learning experience.
Hearings were held in Vermont to examine changes to how the state’s Agency of Education approves independent schools.
And a new program in one public school system is working to foster a more productive and supportive community.
12/4/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Regulating AI and a science policy fellowship
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
President Biden in October issued an executive order on artificial intelligence. We’ll unpack the order meant to mitigate the risks of the technology.
A new fellowship aims to bring scientists and researchers into state government.
And an exhibit at Vassar College highlights the personal papers of a renowned 2oth Century poet.
11/27/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Trail cameras and parasitoid wasps
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
An invasive insect, the Emerald Ash Borer poses threats to America’s forests. A federally-supported study is using parasitoid wasps to control the arboreal pasts. And we’ll visit an environmental science professor in the field, as students collect trail cameras as part of a national study on mammal populations.
11/20/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Collecting ticks and detecting smoke
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: We’ll join researchers collecting ticks during the fall peak of arachnid activity. After a smoky summer, wildfire smoke detectors have been installed across New York state. A championship basketball coach gears up for a fresh challenge. As more colleges and universities are making courses in STEM a priority, one university is also bolstering its efforts to help students retain their education in complex subjects. And officials in Burlington, Vermont recently energized a solar facility that will serve as a research and training facility for university students.
11/13/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Experimental music and a school of rock
On this week's episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
We’ll attend a demonstration of an experimental instrument – one that when installed can take up an entire concert stage.
A new music school gives more than just guitar and piano lessons.
And we’ll visit a new community college lab that is training students for high-tech jobs.
11/6/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Supernatural stories and reading science
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge:
The home of Gilded Age writer Edith Wharton celebrates the supernatural. The largest donation ever made to one public university will support its efforts to improve literacy. And we’ll learn more about the New York Air National Guard’s mission to support research in Antarctica.
10/30/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Invisible wonders and urban forestry
National Geographic scientist-photographer Anand Varma captures images of beautiful secrets hiding in plain sight. We’ll speak with Varma about his book “Invisible Wonders: Photographs of the Hidden World.”
And we’ll learn about a federally funded initiative that is researching urban forests.
10/23/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
#1725: Re-imagining Student Housing and Reading Banned Books | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, college campuses are reimagining student housing. Researchers at teaming up with astronauts aboard the International Space Station to find ways to cool electronic equipment more efficiently. And a university hosts a banned book read-out.
10/16/2023 • 28 minutes, 48 seconds
#1724: Learning Through Play and Expanding a Prison Learning Program | The Best of Our Knowledge
With a massive, multi-year expansion project finally completed, staff and educators at the Strong Museum of Play are eager to welcome new and returning crowds. After two college-in-prison programs in New York hosted by private universities collapsed earlier this year, Bard College will pick up the slack.
10/9/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
#1723: "Goin’ Places" and Foliage Predictions
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: A novelty high school steel drum band formed in the 1970s brought students around the world. Lawmakers in New York are celebrating record levels of state education funding. And with a chill in the air, we’ll explore the science as to why leaves change colors in the autumn.
9/29/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
#1722: What Do Americans Really Think About College? | The Best of Our Knowledge
A new poll shows that while Americans mostly see the value in a college degree, many don’t think colleges are doing a great job in educating students. We’ll speak with the professor behind a new academic program focused on accessible instruction. A high school is giving more students individualized learning programs. And new technology could aid school personnel and responders in an emergency.
9/22/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
#1721: Move-in Day and Monarch Monitoring | The Best of Our Knowledge
Students are back on campus, and for first-year students, one of the most daunting tasks of settling into college life is moving everything into the dorm. A partnership between a public community college and a private four-year institution aims to assist refugees. And we’ll monitor milkweed for monarch butterflies.
9/15/2023 • 28 minutes, 26 seconds
#1720: Back to School and a Disappointing Time Capsule? | The Best of Our Knowledge
It’s back to school season! On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll explore how educators prepare for the return of students to the classroom. A time capsule at West Point turns out to be a bit of a letdown. A Florida high school social studies teacher tours sites of the Holocaust in Europe. And the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is offering free community college to adults over age 25.
9/8/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
#1719: Decoding Brain Patterns and Ethics in Writing | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: Scientists have used artificial intelligence to decode brainwave patterns and reconstruct music – and rock band Pink Floyd is playing a part. In an age of increasing political polarization, a new initiative at Bard College aims to develop critical reading and writing skills through its new Center for Ethics and Writing. Massachusetts lawmakers want to prevent book bans at public libraries. And a museum and science center in New York is repatriating Indigenous remains that had been part of its collection.
9/1/2023 • 28 minutes, 29 seconds
#1718: A Big Shakeup at a Small College and Connecting Agriculture to Academics | The Best of Our Knowledge
The conservative takeover of a small liberal arts college in Florida has drawn eyes from across the country, as the state’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, runs for president.
A program in New York aims to get more school staffers connected with local farms.
And a U.S. Senator is pushing for student loan forgiveness for teachers.
8/25/2023 • 28 minutes, 28 seconds
#1717: Homesteading on a Half-Acre and Lyme Disease Research | The Best of Our Knowledge
The harvest season is here. We’ll learn about homesteading from planning to canning. New research suggests an old cancer treatment is effective in fighting tick-borne illness. And education officials in New York announce funding for mental health.
8/18/2023 • 28 minutes, 27 seconds
#1716: Student Podcasting and Teacher Retention | The Best of Our Knowledge
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge drew more than 3,000 submissions this year, but only about two dozen were selected as finalists. We’ll speak with two of the students recognized in the competition for their piece. And a new report examines gaps in teacher retention.
8/11/2023 • 28 minutes, 21 seconds
#1715: A Prolific Toy Inventor and the Borscht Belt| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: A new museum explores the comedic history of the Borscht Belt in New York’s Catskill Mountains. A 101-year-old toy inventor will share stories about his ideas over a long career. And a recently-closed liberal arts college will welcome a new kind of class this fall.
8/4/2023 • 28 minutes, 28 seconds
#1714: One Year of Webb and Regulating AI in Politics |The Best of Our Knowledge
On this week's The Best of Our Knowledge: The James Webb Space Telescope has been sending detailed glimpses of the universe to Earth for a year now. A bill in New York State government would require political campaigns disclose when they use artificial intelligence. A library in Springfield, Massachusetts has digitally archived school yearbooks. The Vermont State University system is now in operation.
7/28/2023 • 28 minutes, 16 seconds
#1713: Studying Change and Stepping Up to Protect Adirondack Lakes| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll set sail! A Vermont science teacher is embarking on a mission to study the effects of climate change on New York’s Adirondack Park by sailing as many lakes as he can this summer. And a new smartphone app is informing property owners on Lake George on what they can do to protect water quality.
7/21/2023 • 28 minutes, 26 seconds
1712: The Supreme Court and Education Policy | The Best of Our Knowledge
The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued decisions affecting student borrowers and admissions policies at colleges and universities. On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll discuss with experts the decisions that struck down President Biden’s student debt cancellation program and made it unlawful for colleges and universities to consider race as a factor in admissions.
7/14/2023 • 28 minutes, 27 seconds
#1711: Quantum Computing and Student Government | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute plans to become the first university in the world to house a new advanced quantum supercomputer; a young woman is named valedictorian of a private high school’s first co-ed graduating class; and newly passed legislation in New York aims to protect student government clubs.
7/7/2023 • 28 minutes, 29 seconds
#1710: Connecting Students and Stop-Motion Creativity| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: the pandemic exposed the connectivity gap at a time when more children are learning online. We’ll speak with U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona about a push by the White House expand broadband access; Students in Hudson, New York recently showcased their first forays into stop-motion animation; We'll visit the "Q-Bus," a mobile education station in Queensbury area; and a community college in upstate New York is planning a new workforce training center.
6/30/2023 • 28 minutes, 15 seconds
#1709: A Conversation with John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll speak with John Flansburgh of rock band They Might Be Giants. John and co-founder John Linnell have been making records for more than 40 years, with several albums written to entertain and educate kids.
6/23/2023 • 28 minutes, 24 seconds
#1708: Alzheimer’s Research and Electric Buses| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers are continuing to study drugs that can improve the lives of people suffering from the disease. We’ll speak with neurologist Dr. Richard Holub about his latest research; And the school bus you remember riding to school will soon be no-longer. We’ll take a ride on a zero-emissions electric bus.
6/16/2023 • 28 minutes, 32 seconds
#1706: Preserving History and Wildlife Rehabilitation| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: students are participating in an oral history project to preserve the stories of the workers in an area known as Slate Valley; a wildlife rehabilitator in the Adirondacks is writing a series of books to get youth excited about nature and animals; a U.S. military installation in Virginia was renamed in honor of two pioneering Black Army officers; and the New York State Museum is examining American Revolution-era remains discovered in a construction site.
6/9/2023 • 28 minutes, 21 seconds
#1706: School Monikers and Supporting Native-led education | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: a New York education policy is requiring school districts to remove Native American names, mascots, and imagery – with an exception for schools that have a standing relationship with a recognized tribe. We’ll speak with the superintendent of one such school district; and most students love a class field trip. How do teachers find new ways to teach outside the classroom?
6/2/2023 • 28 minutes, 28 seconds
#1705: Distance Learning and a New Union Leader| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: the pandemic changed the way students learn, including the widespread adoption of remote learning. But how did the pandemic affect schooling that was already online? And one of the nation’s most powerful teachers’ unions has a new leader. We’ll speak with the new president of New York State United Teachers.
5/26/2023 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
#1704: College Graduation Rates and Drone Soccer| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: a new study shows only 51 percent of college students complete their studies; drone soccer, a brand-new competitive sport, is sweeping the country; and a new study by the National Park Service shows forests in the eastern U.S. are at risk.
5/19/2023 • 28 minutes, 22 seconds
#1703: A Lab for Learning Differences and a School for Aspiring Emcees| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: a new lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seeks to accommodate students with different styles of learning; an online school based in the Bronx is graduating hip hop lyricists; and the Vermont State University system is reversing a plan to remove books from shelves and create digital libraries.
5/12/2023 • 28 minutes, 21 seconds
#1702: Engineering for Workers with Disabilities | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: Engineering students at the University at Albany show off their award-winning invention that aims to help workers with physical limitations succeed in their careers; and a NASA scientist discusses the agency’s fleet of satellites monitoring a changing Earth.
5/5/2023 • 28 minutes, 41 seconds
#1701: Communicating Climate and Eclipse Preparations | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: PBS and NOVA month have released new films as part of an initiative to more effectively communicate climate change; preparations are underway for the April 2024 solar eclipse at one university that will be in the path of totality; and spring is here, and in colder climates, so are amphibians and reptiles.
4/28/2023 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
#1700: Unclouding New York’s Cannabis Industry | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: First Lady Jill Biden visited BETA Technologies, an emerging aerospace company in South Burlington, Vermont, as part of her Investing in America tour; Joshua Mirsky, manager of the Stage One Dispensary in New York prepares to open shop upstate; and a new study out of UMASS Amherst takes a closer look at Lyme disease.
4/21/2023 • 28 minutes, 9 seconds
#1699: Early College and Congress in the Classroom| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge: students get the chance to meet with former U.S. House representatives as part of a program that brings Congress to campus; graduating high schoolers share their experiences with an early college learning program; and we’ll speak with SUNY New Paltz's Darrell Wheeler, who will be inaugurated this month.
4/14/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
#1698: Improving School Meals and a Student Podcasting Competition | The Best of Our Knowledge
How does U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack want to improve school meals programs? A national competition is welcoming submissions from student podcasters; and two schools in Albany, New York are adding programs to attract new applicants.
4/7/2023 • 28 minutes, 44 seconds
#1697: Locating Missing Persons and Studying Hate| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: A new awareness campaign to find missing persons and solve cold cases is coming to a gas station near you; a new study measures the annual economic impact of hate crimes in the U.S.; students come together to hold a prayer service for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria; and a northern New York researcher looks for new ways to utilize beech trees.
3/31/2023 • 28 minutes, 25 seconds
#1696: AI in the Lecture Hall and Rallying for Affordable Education| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: how do artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT fit into the future of higher education? A Manhattanville College English professor shares his thoughts and a poem; students rallied at the New York State capitol in Albany for free tuition; and an effort to repatriate Native American makes slow progress in Connecticut.
3/24/2023 • 28 minutes, 27 seconds
#1695: Graphic Novels and Drawing Deportation | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: a new book aims to build an understanding of the U.S. immigration system by telling the stories of immigrant children through their creative expression; and we’ll learn what it takes to write and illustrate your own comic book.
3/17/2023 • 28 minutes, 19 seconds
#1694: Microbial Nanowires and Inflation’s Shrinking Effect on School Aid | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: researchers are using microbes to create tiny nanowires – technology that could be used to “sniff out” disease; a new state-of-the-art cancer treatment is available to Vermont residents; and student advocates lobby for financial aid dollars in New York State.
3/10/2023 • 27 minutes, 43 seconds
#1693: Young Learners Rally For HBCUs | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: young learners at a New York charter school attend a pep-rally for Historically Black Colleges and Universities; a new tool aims to predict the routes of migratory birds; and as several New York public colleges change their official designation to “university,” we’ll speak with a university president about the change.
3/3/2023 • 28 minutes, 20 seconds
#1692: Student Entrepreneurs and Library Defenders| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge we’ll meet a group of high school seniors who are running their own company before receiving their cap and gown.
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is preparing to become the next president of the NCAA.
And a plan to reimagine a college library in Vermont to all-digital system is getting pushback.
2/24/2023 • 28 minutes, 25 seconds
#1691: Books For Babies and Universal Pre-K | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge we’ll learn how a hospital is partnering with a public library to give babies their first book. Although the name is often used, only three states in the country have true universal pre-kindergarten for young students. A new report examines pre-K in Vermont, Florida, and Oklahoma. With state budget negotiations underway in New York, advocates are seeking more funding for afterschool programs. And we’ll speak with the next president of Albany Law School, the country’s oldest independent school of law.
2/17/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
#1690: Poetry and a Spelling Bee| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge…
Elementary and middle school students compete in a district-wide spelling bee in Schenectady, New York.
Online program Poem Renovation lets users explore poetry in a new way.
And independent Hyper Saturation Magazine digs into the cultural landscape of upstate New York.
2/10/2023 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
#1689: Robots and Eagles| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge:
Students compete to advance in the FIRST Robotics Competition in Albany.
Bald eagles have made a comeback in New York’s Hudson Valley. We’ll learn about the Teatown Hudson River EagleFest.
Middle and high school students participate in a conference to address bias, bullying, and prejudice.
And some colleges in New York are changing their designations to “university.”
2/3/2023 • 28 minutes, 39 seconds
#1688: Student Debt and Backyard Ecology| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode on The Best of Our Knowledge:
A series of winter nature walks is aimed at bringing upstate New York residents closer to native plants and animals.
We’ll learn about the importance of ants in the agricultural economy.
And Jody Cowan will speak with an artist who is drawing attention to the student debt crisis with a unique exhibit in western Massachusetts.
1/27/2023 • 28 minutes, 22 seconds
#1687: Political Education and a Historic Inauguration| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode on The Best of Our Knowledge…
As Democrat Kathy Hochul begins her term as New York’s first elected female governor, local students share some of the inaugural spotlight. Our associate producer, Jody Cowan, will have more.
Bob Schneider of the New York State School Boards Association will provide analysis of Hochul’s education goals for 2023.
The upstate New York video game industry gets a powerup with state funding. And 2022 proved to be the sixth-warmest year on record in Massachusetts.
1/20/2023 • 28 minutes, 22 seconds
#1686: Field Trips and the Peace Corps | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode on The Best of Our Knowledge…
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, public school students are seeing the return of an exciting tradition – the school field trip. Jody Cowan will bring us more. The Peace Corps is sending its first deployment of volunteers around the world since the lockdown of 2020. Host Lucas Willard will speak with a recent graduate preparing for her two-year tour. And a storybook is helping young children affected by the war in Ukraine.
1/13/2023 • 28 minutes, 28 seconds
1685: School Mascots and Big Trees | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge:
New York State is requiring school districts that utilize Native American imagery to change their nicknames and mascots. Jody Cowan will speak with school officials about how they’re preparing for the change.
Host Lucas Willard will speak with arborist Fred Breglia about finding what could be New York’s largest living tree.
And we’ll visit a new learning lab in Troy, New York.
1/6/2023 • 28 minutes, 22 seconds
1684: Remembering Sandy Hook | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode, host Lucas Willard will speak with Katie Bisset, a survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, about a tenth anniversary remembrance she recently organized at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.
We’ll also learn about an upcoming webinar series focused on addressing mental health in education.
12/30/2022 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
#1683: College Prepares For Closure | The Best of Our Knowledge
Cazenovia College, a small private institution in Cazenovia, New York, announced on December 7th, 2022 that it would close after the spring 2023 semester.
As the college prepares for closure, we’ll speak with Cazenovia College President David Bergh and a third-year student about their upcoming last semester at the college.
12/23/2022 • 28 minutes, 21 seconds
#1682: Hudson Mural Project | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode, we’ll learn more about the Hudson Mural Project, an initiative now in its third year that encourage school age children and community residents to explore the concept of self and city.
In addition to speaking with a visual artist involved with the Hudson Mural Project, we’ll also listen to a sound poem produced as of the 2022 project.
12/16/2022 • 28 minutes, 15 seconds
#1681: Rockets and International Relations| The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode, students at an upstate New York High School get a primer on international relations during a visit with U.S. and Korean officials.
Host Lucas Willard with Skidmore College astrophysicist Mary Odekon NASA’s Artemis program and the concept of retro-futurism.
And The Best of Our Knowledge’s Dave Lucas reports on the role machine learning could have in predicting the next pandemic.
12/9/2022 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
#1680: Mobile Art and Historic Acquisitions | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode, host Lucas Willard will visit the FLOCKArt mobile gallery at an upstate New York school to speak with the artists, teachers, and students that are bringing art to young learners in a new way.
And The Best of Our Knowledge's Jim Levulis will speak with staff at Fort Ticonderoga about the fort’s recent acquisition of thousands of historic artifacts.
12/2/2022 • 28 minutes, 15 seconds
#1679 Social Media and Science Communication | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode, host Lucas Willard will speak with Cate Larsen, a geologist and science communicator based in upstate New York, about how social media can play a critical role in education.
And The Best of Our Knowledge's Ian Pickus will speak with scientist Lija Treibergs, who is embarking on a three-month trip to Antarctica. It’s all next on The Best of Our Knowledge.
11/25/2022 • 28 minutes, 24 seconds
1678: New Americans and Indigenous Studies | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of the Best of Our knowledge, we’ll attend naturalization ceremonies for new Americans – to hear from some of the country’s newest citizens and to speak with high school students who hosted a ceremony as part of their education on government.
And a $50 million endowment will support Bard College’s new Native American and Indigenous Studies program.
11/18/2022 • 28 minutes, 36 seconds
#1677: Insights from a college president | The Best of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, host Lucas Willard will speak with Darren Reisberg, who was recently inaugurated as Hartwick College’s 11th president.
And The Best of Our Knowledge’s Jody Cowan will report on how some institutions are looking to connect graduating students with industry to address the labor shortage.
11/11/2022 • 28 minutes, 24 seconds
#1676: Writings from incarcerated individuals | The Best of Our Knowledge
A new anthology of creative writings by incarcerated individuals in Northern New York, and in a seasonal project, an attempt pressing apple cider at home.
11/4/2022 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
#1675: Making the outdoors open to all | The Best Of Our Knowledge
On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll learn more about a report from the Open Space Institute that examines how to make the great outdoors accessible to all. Host Lucas Willard speaks with OSI’s Kathy Mosher. We’ll explore New York State’s definition of a sound and basic education, with a report from WMHT’s Dan Clark. And we’ll have a taste test with potato chip historian Alan Richer.
10/28/2022 • 28 minutes, 14 seconds
#1674: Exploring a virtual painting| The Best of Our Knowledge
The Best of Our Knowledge, WAMC’s long-running program on education, research, and ideas, has a new host. On the next episode, WAMC’s Lucas Willard will explore a virtual painting and learn about a university course that examines doing…nothing!