Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich as she interviews Saskia Wilson-Brown,  the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Art and Olfaction. In this interview, they will discuss many subjects including olfactory studies, the history of the perfume industry, and the Institute for Art and Olfaction. Saskia Wilson-Brown founded the pioneering non-profit Institute for Art and Olfaction in 2012 in order to foster access and experimentation in perfumery. She went on to launch numerous programs designed to promote independent practices with scent and open-source principles in perfumery, including the Art and Olfaction Awards, Open Source Scent Culture, and the Experimental Scent Summit. In 2019 she served as a visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art (London), and in 2020 she was a Ballen Scholar at New Mexico Highlands University. In 2023 she launched the pandemic-delayed Scent Week, a week-long festival of smell for Los Angeles. In addition to running the IAO, her current projects include producing Perfume on the Radio for Lookout FM, pursuing a PhD at University College Dublin’s SmartLab, and writing a book.

Join Haptics Expert Yulia Sion as she interviews Greg Gerling, Professor of Systems Engineering at the University of Virginia In this interview, they discuss Greg’s research in massage and soft touch, different types of affective touch, and the future of touch technology. Gregory J. Gerling serves as Professor of Systems and Information Engineering at the University of Virginia, with courtesy appointments in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering. His research interests include haptics, computational neuroscience, biomechanics, and human-computer interaction. He is currently the Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on Haptics and an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Haptics. He was previously the Co-Chair of the IEEE Haptics Symposium, Associate Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE World Haptics Conference. He earned the Ph.D. degree from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, The University of Iowa, USA.

Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich as she interviews Pamela Dalton of the Monell Chemical Senses Center.  In this interview, they will discuss loss of smell, smell’s role in heritage and culture, malodors and non-lethal weapons, and the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Pamela Dalton is a Principal Investigator/Member at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, a nonprofit, multidisciplinary, basic research institute devoted to the study of smell, taste and chemical irritation. Dr. Dalton received her PhD from New York University and her Masters degree in Public Health from Drexel University. Her research program explores the human response to odors, incorporating both sensory and cognitive experimental approaches. Her work has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, with additional funding from the DOD, private foundations and industry collaborations. The research she conducts utilizes precision olfactometry, laboratory chamber studies and field studies to investigate a variety of topics in chemosensation, including how our emotions and behavior are shaped by the olfactory world around us.Dr. Dalton was the team leader for the Olfaction domain of the NIH Toolbox and a member of the Sensory Functioning Team (Taste and Olfaction) in the National Children’s Study Scientific Committee for Health Measurement. More recently, she led a team to develop SCENTinel, a rapid smell test for COVID-19 surveillance. She is a consultant to many groups in the chemical, food, household products, and fragrance industries, as well as government and community organizations involved in odor issues.

Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich as she interviews President of the Digital Olfaction Society, Jesús Lozano. In this interview, they will discuss E-Noses, digital olfaction, and the Digital Olfaction Society. Jesús Lozano received the B. Sc. degree in Electronic Engineer in 2001 and Ph. D. degree in 2005 from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. He has worked in instrumentation systems at Electronics Department of the University Complutense of Madrid, in chemical sensors and electronic noses at the Laboratorio de Sensores, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, in control, modelling and simulation at Naval Engineering School of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Presently he works as full professor at the Industrial Engineering School of Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz. From 2019 He is President of the Digital Olfaction Society. His research interests include machine learning and pattern recognition techniques, instrumentation and measurement systems, chemical sensors and electronic noses.

Join Sound Expert Tyler Heaton as he interviews Idan Meir, Co-Founder and CEO of RightHear, an advanced accessibility solution that allows people who are blind or visually impaired to acquire better orientation in public spaces. In this interview, they will discuss the inspiration behind the company, why it’s useful for many individuals and companies, and other senses that play a role. Idan Meir is an entrepreneur based in Rockville, Maryland, with a passion for making the world more accessible. As the co-founder of RightHear, a Techstars portfolio company, Meir has helped develop an advanced accessibility solution that empowers people with visual impairments to navigate public spaces independently.  Originally from Israel, and having been moulded by the 'can do' attitude of the Start-Up Nation, Idan is driven by the motto "Aim for the moon. If you miss, you might hit a star," and he continues to drive RightHear forward in its mission to make the world more accessible, 'one building at a time'.

Join Haptics Expert Yulia Sion as she interviews Linda Ricci, an emerging technology strategy consultant, speaker, author,  artist, and evangelist. In this interview, they discuss Linda’s background in VR/XR, the benefits and challenges of integrating haptics within VR/XR, and the future of art in sensory technology. Linda Ricci is a seasoned Senior Strategist with a dedicated focus on the impact of emerging technologies and XR (VR/AR/MR/Metaverse). With a strong background in tech, strategy, and innovation she advises global leaders on entering, marketing, and commercializing transformative tech. Prior to her 2022 role at Meta, where she led partnerships for the $150 Immersive Learning Fund, Linda consulted for major international brands including TDK Electronics, Alantra, Altria, Bacardi, Canon Professional, Technicolor and Faith Popcorn. She has also directed digital strategy for top Madison Avenue ad agencies, merging consumer insights and next-gen technology into experiences that generates results. An evangelist for the XR ecosystem, Linda serves on the board of the Virtual World Society and is a global speaker on the impact of AI, XR and Web 3.0. Beyond strategic work, she's a skilled interdisciplinary artist (including virtual reality) and holds an MBA from Rotterdam School of Management. A dual EU-US citizen, she's lived extensively in both The Netherlands and The UK.

Join our host and Sight Enthusiast Joel Garrison as he interviews Elizabeth Strickler, who operates at the forefront of media entrepreneurship and innovation as the Director of Media Innovation at Georgia State University's Creative Media Industries Institute. In this interview, they talk about Elizabeth’s background in digital art, the value and protection of art, and the evolution of digital art and NFT’s.Elizabeth shares her expertise in media innovation to a diverse range of students, from undergraduates to graduates, and collaborates with leading industry labels and iconic cultural figures to pioneer strategies in web3, blockchain, and virtual experiences. Her 2021 TEDx talk is recognized as a foundational resource in the NFT, metaverse, and AI realms, making her a frequently sought-after speaker in this rapidly evolving space. Beyond this, Elizabeth bridges the academic gap between the Business School and the College of Arts and Sciences, securing grants for research on creativity, innovation and XR's role in higher education. She is driven by a vision: to ignite entrepreneurial spirits, craft immersive worlds, and build our cultural economy. Elizabeth operates on the premise that learning is universal, enjoyable, and limitless. Reflecting her broad-ranging passions, her academic pursuits encompass a BA in Philosophy, a BS in Computer Science, and an MFA in Digital Filmmaking and Art.

Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich as she interviews Professor of Interaction Design at Malmö University, Sweden, Simon Niedenthal. In this interview, they will discuss olfactory play in games and media, Simon’s own background and research in the world of smell, and many other aspects to olfactory research and design.  Dr. Niedenthal uses game studies frameworks and user-centred methodologies to study olfaction, the sense of smell, in interactive contexts, with the aim of contributing to new applications of the educational, rehabilitative and playful uses of scent. Dr. Niedenthal’s educational background is eclectic: he holds a B.F.A. in photography, an M.A. in medieval English literature, and a Ph.D. in interaction design. In 2008 he defended his Ph.D. thesis 'Complicated Shadows: the Aesthetic Significance of Simulated Illumination in Digital Games’ in the area of game lighting and its effect upon the emotions and behavior of the player. Since 2010 he has employed his multidisciplinary background to explore the history and potentials of smell-enabled gaming and the playful uses of scent.

Join Sound Expert Tyler Heaton as he interviews producer, director, Founder, and CEO Gen Cleary of Sound Connective. In the interview, they’ll discuss Gen’s immersion into the industry, the science behind sound and hearing, and what they see in the future of sound. With more than 25 years in the entertainment industry as a lead creative mind, producer and director, Gen Cleary has been known as a pioneer who helped shape the Nightlife industry to become a 1.3B$ success story on the US West Coast and was named in the top 16 most influential women in Las Vegas by Vegas Magazine. Working closely with brands and super star artists such as Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Tiesto, Martin Garrix, Kaskade, Paul Oakenfold and so many more, she was part of the Dance Music movement that took the world by storm, by being one of the top creative mind to shape and direct through live performances, wild and original acts and costuming, sensorial design and staging…for top Mega Clubs and tours worldwide.

Join Haptics Expert Yulia Sion as she interviews Gijs Huisman, Assistant Professor of embodied interaction at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at TU Delft. His main interest is in how our sense of touch plays a role in technology-mediated social interactions, in particular in shaping social presence, intimacy, and empathy. Gijs' research is grounded in theories of embodied cognition that he applies to the research and design of digital/physical systems. Before joining the IDE faculty, Gijs completed a PhD on Social Touch Technology at the University of Twente, a postdoc at the 4TU Centre for Humans and technology focussing on multi-sensory VR, co-founded a startup where he worked on the design of haptic products for social interactions, and coordinated work on digital/physical systems grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences' Digital Society School.

Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich during the second part of our 2 part series as she interviews neuroscientist and world leading expert on the psychological science of smell, Rachel Herz. They discuss the differences between taste and smell, how smell affects our wellbeing, smell and cognitive function, and more.  Rachel Herz, PhD has been actively conducting research on the senses, emotion, perception, motivated behavior and cognition since 1990. Dr. Herz is a TED speaker, has published 100 original research articles to date, and has received numerous awards and grants. She is on the faculty at Brown University, a professional consultant to various aromachemical industries, and is frequently called upon as an expert witness in legal cases involving the sense of smell. Dr. Herz is also actively involved in outreach, advocacy, and education on the senses of smell and flavor, and is a founding advisory board member of Fifth Sense, and Smell and Taste Association of North America, Innovation Advisor to The World Taste and Smell Association, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for AChemS, and the Chief Scientific Advisor for OVR Technology.

Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich during the first part of our 2 part series as she interviews neuroscientist and world leading expert on the psychological science of smell, Rachel Herz. They discuss the differences between taste and smell, how smell affects our wellbeing, smell and cognitive function, and more.  Rachel Herz, PhD has been actively conducting research on the senses, emotion, perception, motivated behavior and cognition since 1990. Dr. Herz is a TED speaker, has published 100 original research articles to date, and has received numerous awards and grants. She is on the faculty at Brown University, a professional consultant to various aromachemical industries, and is frequently called upon as an expert witness in legal cases involving the sense of smell. Dr. Herz is also actively involved in outreach, advocacy, and education on the senses of smell and flavor, and is a founding advisory board member of Fifth Sense, and Smell and Taste Association of North America, Innovation Advisor to The World Taste and Smell Association, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for AChemS, and the Chief Scientific Advisor for OVR Technology.

Join Sight Enthusiast Joel Garrison as he interviews XR director, educator, and performer Jonathan David Martin. In this interview, they discuss Jonathan’s myriad of impressive projects and performances, what it means to work in immersive technology, what works and what doesn’t work in augmented reality, and much more. Jonathan is a creative producer, educator, and performer working at the intersection of immersive technology and live performance. Over a 20 year career spanning Broadway, immersive installation, documentaries, and live performance in virtual reality, his projects have often pursued complex contemporary social issues like online extremism, immigration, and climate change. At the University of Maryland, he is a faculty member in the Immersive Media Design (IMD) program. There, he is leading research into the narrative possibilities of augmented and virtual reality and training students from across campus for future careers that will utilize spatial technologies.

Join Haptics Expert Yulia Sion as she interviews Michael Banissy Psychological Science Professor and author. They discuss several subjects including Michael’s recently published book and the power of touch in many facets. Michael Banissy is a Professor of Psychological Science and Head of the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol (UK). He has produced over 100 scientific articles and is the author of the internationally acclaimed book ‘When We Touch’ (UK Edition) / ‘Touch Matters’ (US Edition). An expert in social interactions and relationships, Michael studies affection, communication, empathy, sleep, and touch. Michael has received awards from the British Psychological Society and the European Society of Cognitive Psychology for outstanding contributions to psychological research.

Join Sight Enthusiast Joel Garrison as he interviews Humberto Coronado, the Director for the MS in Supply Chain Management at the Robert H Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. They discuss how Humberto has recently innovated his students’ learning experience through implementing virtual reality in the classroom. Humberto has over 15 years of industry experience in logistics and supply chain management and also teaches Business and Supply Chain Management graduate level courses. He is passionate about blogging about supply chain strategic issues and teaching and coaching young professionals for career success in supply chain management. His topics of interest include Supply Chain Strategy, Supply Chain Finance, Supply Chain Process Improvement (Lean Six Sigma), Demand Planning and Forecasting, The Role of Supply Chain Strategy in Building Competitive Advantage and Process Improvement Techniques among others.

Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich as she interviews academic, author, and gallery owner, Andreas Keller.  They discuss psychophysics, olfactory art, what it’s like to own an olfactory art gallery, and much more. Andreas Keller is a New York-based academic with PhDs in neuroscience and philosophy who is interested in olfactory perception. He has over a decade of experience in olfactory psychophysics and the clinical aspects of olfaction. The results of his psychophysical studies have shed light on human olfactory capacities, on the relation between the structure and smell of odor molecules, and on the perceptual consequences of variability in odorant receptor genes. He is the author of The Philosophy of Olfactory Perception and the owner of Olfactory Art Keller, an art gallery dedicated to olfactory art.

Join Haptics Expert Yulia Sion as she interviews Dario Pittera, the Behavioural Research Scientist at Ultraleap. They discuss how Dario's journey into haptics research and his work in mid-air haptics. Dario Pittera is a Behavioural Research Scientist and Neuropsychologist currently working at Ultraleap, company leader in hand tracking and mid-air haptic technology. He is currently involved in multiple EU research projects pushing the future of mid-air haptics. His research interests include the perception of mid-air haptic technology through the use of psychophysical methods and UX techniques.Below are a few resources that Dario mentions within his interview: - https://hapticsif.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Recommended-Practices-for-Automotive-Haptics.pdf (in-car haptics guidelines - Haptics Industry Forum)- https://haptipedia.is.tuebingen.mpg.de/ (list of haptic devices)- https://www.haptiverse.com/explore (platform to share haptic sensations)- https://www.learnhaptics.org/ (IEEE Intro to haptics – here you can find other resources on the knowledge-sharing topic)- https://www.cs.ubc.ca/~seifi/VibViz/main.html (this one you know it, categories vibrational sensations for pleasantness, and urgency)

Join Smell Expert Sofia Ehrich as she interviews Marie Clapot, the Associate Educator for Accessibility at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They discuss how Marie has implemented the use of smell to make the Met a more immersive and inclusive experiences for all attendees. Marie Clapot is an educator, sensory museologist and disability justice advocate. She consults with schools, museums and other organizations on accessibility and inclusive practices. She currently is the associate museum educator for Accessibility at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. In that capacity, she crafts sensory-based programming, including olfactory events for disabled and non-disabled visitors and implements museum-wide strategies to embed olfactory practices in interpretation.

Join Sight Enthusiast Joel Garrison as he interviews Samantha Wolfe, co-author of Metaversed: See Beyond The Hype.Samantha G. Wolfe is the Founder and CEO of PitchFWD, an award-winning strategic consultancy focused on communicating the creative and business opportunities of emerging technologies. PitchFWD partners with some of the most innovative companies like Agile Lens, Bose, HaptX, Molex, Tilt5, and Healium, as well as forward-thinking academic institutions like Columbia University and University of Maryland, on their branding, marketing, and business strategies.

Join Smell Enthusiast and Expert Sofia Ehrich as she interviews Mark Kohoot of Aeroscena about the science of aromatherapy and uses in health and wellness. Aeroscena® is the leader in clinical aromatherapy research and development.  Aeroscena delivers scientifically-formulated clinical aromatherapy solutions. Backed by research from leading medical institutions, our goal is to allow those experiencing distressing medical symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, lethargy and attention deficits, to live their healthiest lives via the Science of Scent™.