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Climate Correction - A Climate Change PodcastAuthor: Shannon Maganiezin
Looking for our Spanish Podcast? Listen here: https://volofoundation.org/es/climate-correction-podcast/ David S. Vogel is a world-renowned data scientist and predictive modeler. He has won the prestigious KDD Cup several times and the Heritage Health Prize in 2013. His wife, Thais Lopez Vogel, an attorney, manages VoLo Foundation. Together, they are raising six kids. David's research led them to become aware of the devastating economic impact of human reliance on uncapped fossil fuels and other greenhouse gases. They knew they had to do something - for their kids and future generations. VoLo Foundation exists to be the bridge between the science community and everyone else. The Foundation's work accelerates change and global impact by supporting science-based climate change solutions, enhancing education, and improving health. Climate Correction is the premier climate solutions event in the Southeast. The mainstage event brings top minds in climate solutions to one stage. Now, their cutting-edge research and solutions-focused education are available for streaming all year long on VoLo's Climate Correction Podcast. Podcast Host Shannon Maganiezin is part of VoLo's robust and talented Communications team. She previously hosted GIVE - A Philanthropy Podcast. Learn More https://volofoundation.org/climate-correction-podcast/ Language: en Genres: Earth Sciences, Education, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Meet the 2026 VISTA Award Winners
Episode 132
Sunday, 1 March, 2026
In this special episode of Climate Correction Podcast, we celebrate the power of student-led climate innovation and announce the 2026 VoLo VISTA Award Winners. The VISTA Award, created by VoLo Foundation, recognizes students who exemplify leadership, vision, innovation, sustainability, technology, and action-oriented climate solutions. This year's winning project does all of that and more. We are joined by an extraordinary research team from the University of Miami Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering. The team includes Jasmine Rodriguez, a first-year PhD student; Farzad Rezaeicherati, a second-year PhD candidate; Sevil Ozsut, also a second-year PhD candidate; and their advising professor, Dr. Ali G. Together, they are advancing a breakthrough solution at the intersection of materials science, climate mitigation, and Florida's natural ecosystems. Their winning project is called Functionalization and Pre-Carbonation of Florida-Native Algae Biochar for Carbon Negative Cementitious Composites. It reimagines one of the most carbon-intensive materials on Earth: concrete. Cement production alone accounts for roughly eight percent of global CO₂ emissions. This team is tackling that challenge head-on by replacing a significant portion of cement with algae-derived biochar sourced from Florida-grown algae. In simple terms, the team transforms algae into a charcoal-like material that naturally traps carbon. They then chemically treat, or "functionalize," this biochar so it bonds effectively with concrete, overcoming a major limitation seen in past biochar-concrete experiments where strength and durability were compromised. Their innovation doesn't just maintain structural performance; it enhances it. Even more importantly, the process permanently stores CO₂ inside the concrete itself, turning a traditionally high-emissions material into a carbon-storing one. During the episode, Jasmine walks us through the science behind the process, the climate and construction challenges they set out to solve, and how this novel idea emerged. The team explains how they measure success through rigorous lab testing at the University of Miami, evaluating strength, durability, workability, and long-term carbon storage. We also explore what large-scale, real-world application could look like, from infrastructure and buildings to broader adoption within the construction industry. The conversation turns toward what's next: scaling the research, refining the material, and moving closer to real-world deployment. The team shares how the $25,000 VISTA Award grant will directly support advanced testing, materials optimization, and the next phase of development needed to bring this solution closer to market. Then comes the moment no one saw coming. The interview was presented as a screening with "finalists." At the end, host Shannon Maganiezin reveals the truth. This team isn't just in the running; they are the 2026 VoLo VISTA Award Winners. The episode closes with a raw, joyful reaction that captures the heart of climate innovation, young leaders doing serious science, rooted in place, and driven by the belief that better solutions are possible. This episode is a reminder that the future of climate solutions is already being built in university labs, by students who refuse to accept the status quo, and by ideas bold enough to turn algae into carbon-negative concrete.
