Tina Dura joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about subduction zones, particularly the Cascadia Subduction Zone, earthquakes and tsunamis. She explained the mechanics of earthquakes, and how the geological record and fossilized algae are helping researchers better understand past occurrences and predict future ones. Dura emphasized the importance of translating scientific research into actionable information for the public, especially regarding tsunami preparedness and community resilience.

About Dura

Dura is an assistant professor in the Department of Geosciences and an affiliate of the Global Change Center where she leads Virginia Tech’s Coastal Hazards Lab. Her research specializes in subduction zone paleogeodesy, which combines a variety of scientific methods to reconstruct long-term histories of coseismic vertical deformation and tsunami inundation along subduction zone coastlines.

Guoliang “Greg” Liu joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about his journey in sustainability, focusing on the innovative process of converting plastic waste into soap. He shared insights on the challenges of controlling the chemical processes involved, the types of plastics used, and the potential for creating both liquid and solid soap products. He emphasized the importance of sustainability in the detergent industry and expressed hope for future commercialization of his work.

About Liu

Liu is a professor of chemistry in the College of Science, as well as an affiliated faculty member of the nanoscience program in the Academy of Integrated Science, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering, the Macromolecules Innovation Institute, and the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology. His research focuses on novel ways to integrate materials in order to solve energy and environmental problems.

James Harder joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, specially highlighting the Department of Computer Science’s initiative, CS/root. Harder shared his belief that the entrepreneurship process can be learned and applied to various novel ideas and the ways the program hopes to teach and support it, as well as the role it will play in putting emerging technology in more people’s hands.

About Harder

Harder is the external engagement manager for Virginia Tech's Department of Computer Science and the executive director of CS/root. The department’s program to support and encourage computer science-focused entrepreneurship. His research interests include agricultural applications of blockchain, as well as other emergent technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, and cybersecurity.