In this episode, I am joined in the studio by Melika Baghooe, an early career researcher working at the intersection of AI, computer vision, and ecology. Currently a PhD fellow at the Centre for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics at Aarhus University in Denmark, Melika shares her journey from biosystems engineering to insect biodiversity research, and how she went from being afraid of insects to caring deeply about their future.

We explore how computer vision and multimodal AI can support insect identification, address the taxonomic impediment, and improve how we measure biodiversity through traits such as size and biomass. Melika explains her work using Entoscan, a modified flatbed scanner, alongside malaise trap samples, and why standardised data collection is essential for understanding insect decline.

We also discuss the importance of interdisciplinary science, the challenges faced by early career researchers, and what gives her hope, from collaborative research communities to the growing momentum around AI for biodiversity.

Protecting biodiversity matters for people, planet, and profit. And, as Melika reminds us, for engineering ecosystems in space.

This episode features Dr Ivón Hassel, founder of ®StoryBranch, an initiative combining science, art and education to bring the magic of nature to life.

Ivón shares her background, from growing up in northern Argentina surrounded by forests, to studying in Japan, where she deepened her connection with trees, biodiversity, and cultural traditions. She explains what inspired her to write "The Magic Within a Tree" a children’s book that takes young readers inside the anatomy of a tree, blending scientific detail with creative storytelling.

We hear about her collaborations with schools, including how her book is now being used in Mexico to teach biodiversity and respect for nature, and her hopes to reach more children around the world. Ivón also discusses the challenges of social entrepreneurship, from funding to distribution, and the difficulties of promoting sustainability education in places where basic needs remain unmet.

Despite these hurdles, she describes her motivation — seeing children light up with curiosity, respect, and care for the natural world. Looking to the future, Ivon highlights the need for cross-disciplinary projects that link science, engineering, and society, reminding us that education and creativity are vital for building a more sustainable and hopeful future.

Find out more: www.thestorybranch.com

In this episode, I speak with Associate Professor Dr. Fiffy Saikim, Director of the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Fiffy shares her journey from aquatic resource management into ecotourism and conservation, and why she believes that protecting biodiversity in Borneo can only succeed when local communities are at the center.

She discusses her work living alongside hunter and fishing communities, highlighting indigenous traditions like tavol and tagal that show how conservation is deeply rooted in generations of knowledge and culture. Fiffy also unpacks the challenges of balancing development and conservation, the urgent need to fund fundamental research in universities, such as taxonomy and biodiversity monitoring, and the lessons she’s learned from the resilience and wisdom of local people.

Her message is clear: achieving true sustainability requires harmony between people, planet, and economy. Or, as she puts it, “Don’t be ego — be eco.”