Episode 9.4: Solutions to life’s mechanical problems

John Crepeau is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Idaho who has had a hand in making all sorts of things, from a nuclear-powered Mars hopper to reimagined medical equipment. In this episode, he talks about his experiments and the role he’s playing in the future of sustainable jet fuel.

Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.

Have you ever had a problem you just lived with because you assumed it couldn’t be fixed?

Synopsis text: Crepeau has 30 years of experience solving some of the world’s mechanical problems. He’s worked on everything from fluid mechanics to the “Mars Hopper” — a Mars exploration vehicle that uses nuclear power to jump across the planet’s surface, bypassing the slow-moving rovers.

Crepeau highlights how his academic role lets him — and his students — explore a diverse range of projects. They’ve worked on medical devices, like a redesigned catheter to help reduce infections, and even helped a tetraplegic medical student design a device that would let her perform CPR from a wheelchair. These projects are not just fun for him; they have a direct impact on improving lives. He also shares his excitement for his upcoming Fulbright fellowship in Austria, where he’ll help optimize hydrogen as a fuel for aviation — a clean and sustainable alternative with huge potential.

Throughout the conversation, Crepeau emphasizes how rewarding it is to solve real-world problems, mentor students and make a difference through research.

Time stamps

(00:00) Introduction
(03:51) Getting to know John
(07:27) Mars hopper
(10:55) Medical devices
(15:55) Stefan problem
(17:35) Sustainable jet fuel
(23:00) Joys of academia
(24:25) Conclusion

Music

“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified. 
“Fun and Games” by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo.