CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Oct. 2, 2025) – In the latest Innovations @ Research Park episode, host Tanmay Shah interviews Dr. David Ruzic on his path from professor to founder and how Research Park helped turn his academic research into a company.
Dr. Ruzic is professor emeritus in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering at the University of Illinois, founder of Research Park company Starfire Industries, and Director of the Illinois Plasma Institute.
“If you think science can’t be exciting, you haven’t met David Ruzic,” the podcast notes. His reputation for lighting up classrooms with his engaging teaching style and ability pushes the boundaries of plasma physics to make science accessible and engaging.
The Innovations @ Research Park podcast highlights Champaign’s thriving entrepreneurial and corporate innovation culture. It is hosted by Tanmay Shah, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus. Subscribe to The Innovations @ Research Park to catch up on the latest innovations and news on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast network.
Is there something you want to know about Research Park? Do you have an idea for a guest for the show or a story we should pursue? Do you want to provide other feedback? Contact Laura Bleill (lwbleill@illinois.edu).