In this first pilot episode of "The Forest and the Trees," we talk with Dr. Alex Badillo, an assistant professor at Indiana State University, who was inspired and encouraged by two students to make use of special equipment in his temporary garage lab to help people on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Alex Badillo is starting his third year as assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Systems at Indiana State University. He is also the founder of the Geospatial and Virtual Archaeology Laboratory and Studio, or GVALS, at ISU. 

After receiving new 3-D printers, that were ordered before the coronavirus attacked the world, Dr. Badillo was encouraged by two students to use the printers to make "ear savers," which are simple devices that improve the comfort of wearing a face mask for extended periods.

We also cover these news headlines: 

• Princeton Review ranked Indiana State University among the “Best in the Midwest” in its annual list of “Best Colleges: Region by Region.”
• Washington Monthly ranked Indiana State in the top third “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges in the Midwest.”
• Indiana State reported a 69% one-year retention rate for last year’s freshmen progressing to this year’s sophomores.

This podcast is a pilot program, and we are interested in your feedback. If you like it and want to continue getting updates on the people and programs that make Indiana State great, please email the ISU Alumni Association at [email protected].

We would love to hear what you think of the program and what topics you would like us to cover. Email us at [email protected] - be sure to use “dot info,” not “dot com.”

SHOW LINKS

• News Headlines - 0:49
• Pacesetter Sports ad - 3:10
• Feature Interview with Dr. Badillo - 4:05

CREDITS
Thank you to Dr. Badillo for graciously sharing his story; the ISU Marketing Staff for the news stories; Dr. Scott Buchanan, Director in the School of Music, Annika Clawson, Student Services Assistant, and the Indiana State University bands for providing our music.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Dr. Alex Badillo
  Assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Systems
  Founder and Director, Geospatial and Virtual Archaeology Laboratory and Studio
• More about Dr. Badillo
• “People of State” written profile of Dr. Badillo and the mask ear savers he created
• Webpage for Dr. Badillo’s Geospatial and Virtual Archaeology Laboratory and Studio and 3D models from the lab.
• Indiana State University Department of Earth & Environmental Systems (EES)
• Monte Alban Digital Archaeology Project (MADAP) with recent 360 virtual tour of Building J
• Facebook page for ISU's Department of Earth & Environmental Systems (ISU EES)
• Twitter: @EESatISU
• Instagram: @ees_indstate  and @gvals_isu