Shelie Miller, a professor in the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems, spends a lot of her time in the weeds detailing the environmental impacts of our everyday choices.

But people wanting to live more sustainably can make the most meaningful gains by focusing on three big-picture categories, she says: food, transportation and energy usage. That's no different during the holiday season—except for that it's a time with a unique emphasis on feasts, travel and spending time with friends and family in cozy quarters.

Miller joins the Michigan Minds podcast to talk about taking on these big themes during the holidays without giving up our traditions or stressing over "green herrings" that aren't as sustainable as you might think.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Lopez joins the Michigan Minds podcast to discuss his findings on the effects of immigration raids, offering insight into how intensified enforcement efforts shape the well-being and resilience of students and their communities.

Michigan Minds is produced by Greta Guest and hosted by Michigan News staff. Jeremy Marble is the audio engineer and Hans Anderson provides social media animations. Listen to all episodes of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valeria Bertacco, the Mary Lou Dorf Collegiate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, joins the Michigan Minds podcast to talk about semiconductors – how ubiquitous they are in our lives, why manufacturing moved overseas, and what it will take to produce them in the U.S.

Bertacco's research explores hardware solutions for next generation computing and security. She is also the vice provost for engaged learning at the University of Michigan, supporting international partnerships and initiatives.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.