Bridging Academia and Society
Research shapes the future. Yet much of it remains accessible primarily within academic circles.
REACH: From Research to Reality is an interview platform created to bridge the gap between academic research and the wider public. The initiative translates rigorous research into structured, accessible conversations that highlight real world relevance, societal contribution, and future impact.
The platform was born from my engagement with researchers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and members of the public during conferences, doctoral training activities, and interdisciplinary collaborations. A recurring theme became clear. Research is advancing rapidly, yet its broader narrative is not always communicated in a way that connects with society.
REACH exists to address that gap.
Thank you for your patience. I am are happy to premiere the First Episode today, 9th April 2026!!!
Getting Involved
Researchers interested in featuring on REACH or institutions seeking partnership are welcome to make contact via the Contact page.
The wait is over and Episode 1 of REACH: From Research to Reality is now live!!!
Thank you for your patience. We invite you to watch, reflect, and be part of the conversation.
In this episode of REACH: From Research to Reality, I speak with Tida Moyo about his work on energy harvesting for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
His research focuses on developing droplet- and motion-based micro-energy harvesters using reverse electrowetting (REWOD) and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), with the aim of enabling small sensing systems to operate without conventional batteries.
We explore how these innovations could reduce maintenance demands while offering more cost-effective and sustainable approaches to powering IoT devices. The conversation also touches on potential applications in remote sensing, including AgriTech, where environmental energy sources such as rain and vibration could support distributed sensor networks.
In this episode of REACH: From Research to Reality, we speak with Rodrigo Puentes, a PhD student at Emory University, regarding his vital research on the physiological impacts of heat exposure among farmworkers workers in Florida.
Rodrigo is using unique data—including biological samples and real-world temperature monitoring—to study how the body reacts to extreme conditions. His ongoing work explores:
Meet the Researcher: Driven by environmental justice and his ties to Latin America, Rodrigo uses statistical expertise to address health disparities in marginalized communities.
"Agricultural workers endure strenuous conditions with little shade or hydration. The effects are devastating, especially when precarious living conditions prevent the body from recovering after a shift."
Why this matters: Managing heat exposure is a vital public health priority. This research is essential for protecting society's most vulnerable, including farmworkers, the elderly, and outdoor laborers.
Tunde Okeowo
Air Quality & Sustainable Development Researcher
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