Dave Schlom
Host, Blue DotDave Schlom has taught the physical sciences at Corning Union High School since 1991. A lifelong amateur astronomer and astronomy educator, he has a passion for both the earth and the space sciences, which are the principal areas of focus for guests on Blue Dot. He started doing radio interviews on space and astronomy topics for local stations like KFM and KPAY in the 1980s and into the 90s, where he was a popular go-to guest for local radio personalities. He is also an expert on the history and geology of Lassen Volcanic National Park, where he has served as a volunteer for decades. Dave enjoys a quiet life at home with his partner in life, Cheryl, and their two dogs, Elvis and Pearl, at their Red Bluff residence.
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Host Dave Schlom takes us on an aural field trip to one of his favorite places, Mono Lake in Eastern California, near Yosemite National Park. The saline lake is home to a fascinating ecosystem based on brine shrimp and alkali flies. -
Dave visits with Lee Vining High School junior Ellery McQuilkin about a very real science project that has earned her spots in the California State Science and Engineering Fair as well as the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair as a finalist.
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Dave talks with two scientists from the United States Golf Association about their efforts to make golf courses more environmentally friendly in a world where green spaces are highly valued, and water is an increasingly precious commodity.
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When Dave heard of the passing of one of his personal heroes, Glynn Lunney, he got on the phone to retired NASA Flight Director Gerry Griffin and they put together this special tribute episode for our Apollo@50 series. Glynn Lunney was the fourth NASA Flight Director and was integral to the space program's pioneering Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Projects. He passed away due to a bout with cancer on May 19, 2021.
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Dave visits with James Zimring, author of the new book What Science is and How it Really Works. In a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from the methodology of science, news flash, there really isn't a "Scientific Method" like the version you saw in your high school biology textbook, to some of the most important social issues of our day like the anti-vaccination movement and climate change science denial.
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If there is one most contentious issue in the history of California, it is probably water. From the Owens Valley water wars from the early 20th century…
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Dave talks to NASA's Jason Derleth, the executive in charge of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Program about some future proposals that are being…
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Dave talks to polar climate expert Jennifer Francis about the hows and whys of the north polar region's dramatic warming is affecting weather here at…
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Dave takes a deep dive into the science of black holes, which were the basis of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics which went to Roger Penrose, Reinhard…
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Dave investigates two very different but interrelated topics: the deep freeze that sent the power grid in Texas into near collapse and how our cities are…
