David Brakke Explains How the Gnostics Influenced “The Matrix”

David Brakke, Professor and Joe R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity in the Department of History, studies and teaches the history and literature of ancient Christianity from its origins through the fifth century, with special interest in asceticism monasticism, Gnosticism, biblical interpretation, and Egyptian Christianity. He discusses why the Gnostics and their views were considered so dangerous and what the Gospel of Judas reveals about these beliefs.

How To Be Curious, With Doug Alsdorf

Doug Alsdorf, Professor in the School of Earth Sciences, researches satellite hydrology, large tropical wetlands, and geophysics. He describes himself as driven by curiosity, to ask “why is that there?” or “what is that over there?” Join him as he discusses the value of scientific curiosity and more with David Staley on this week’s Voices of Excellence.

Jesse Fox: Virtual Reality Mythbuster

Jesse Fox, Associate Professor in the School of Communication, researches the effects and implications of new media technologies, including virtual worlds, video games, social network sites, and mobile applications. Virtual reality has gone through booms and busts in the 15 years she’s been studying it, so she talks about what it can and cannot do (ex., VR isn’t an empathy machine) with David Staley on this week’s Voices of Excellence.

Siri, Which OSU Researcher Is On This Week’s Voice of Excellence? “It’s Michael White”

Michael White, Professor of Linguistics, researches how to enable computers to usefully converse with people in natural language. He’s seen the ability of predictive text become so good that it’s created concerns about the ethical uses of it. He discusses this and more with David Staley on this week’s Voices of Excellence