Kristen is an Associate Professor at The Jackson Laboratory where her research focuses on the effects of age on brain function and dementia risk. As a first-generation college student, Kristen's path to doing cutting edge basic research is both inspirational and informative.

Kristen was one of the 5 Minute Genius™ speakers at this past year’s Maine Science Festival; you can see her talk on our YouTube channel.

This conversation was recorded in June 2025.

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The Maine Science Podcast is a production of the Maine Discovery Museum. It is recorded at Discovery Studios, at the Maine Discovery Museum, in Bangor, ME. The Maine Science Podcast is hosted and executive produced by Kate Dickerson; edited and produced by Scott Loiselle.

The Discover Maine theme was composed and performed by Nick Parker.

To support our work: https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/donate.

Find us online:

Maine Discovery Museum

Maine Discovery Museum on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Bluesky

Maine Science Festival on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Maine Science Podcast on social media: Facebook Instagram

© 2025 Maine Discovery Museum

Asheesh is a mechanical engineer with over 15 years of experience in research, teaching, and entrepreneurship. He's an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Director of Research at the Composites Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), at the University of Southern Maine. He teaches materials science and math-based courses at USM, where he also gets to shoot stuff with lasers, break stuff apart, and put things together.

Asheesh was one of the 5 Minute Genius™ speakers at this past year’s Maine Science Festival; you can see his talk on our YouTube channel.

This conversation was recorded in June 2025.

~~~~~

The Maine Science Podcast is a production of the Maine Discovery Museum. It is recorded at Discovery Studios, at the Maine Discovery Museum, in Bangor, ME. The Maine Science Podcast is hosted and executive produced by Kate Dickerson; edited and produced by Scott Loiselle.

The Discover Maine theme was composed and performed by Nick Parker.

To support our work: https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/donate.

Find us online:

Maine Discovery Museum

Maine Discovery Museum on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Bluesky

Maine Science Festival on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Maine Science Podcast on social media: Facebook Instagram

© 2025 Maine Discovery Museum

Lydia grew up in Bangor and has been immersed in mechanical engineering since entering college at the University of Maine. A four-year varsity athlete, Lydia was was UMaine's co-valedictorian in 2024, and in her graduate work has focused on textile properties, blending her love of running with interest in engineering.

This conversation was recorded in April 2025.

~~~~~

The Maine Science Podcast is a production of the Maine Discovery Museum. It is recorded at Discovery Studios, at the Maine Discovery Museum, in Bangor, ME. The Maine Science Podcast is hosted and executive produced by Kate Dickerson; edited and produced by Scott Loiselle.

The Discover Maine theme was composed and performed by Nick Parker.

To support our work: https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/donate.

Find us online:

Maine Discovery Museum

Maine Discovery Museum on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Bluesky

Maine Science Festival on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Maine Science Podcast on social media: Facebook Instagram

© 2025 Maine Discovery Museum