In this week\u2019s episode, host Kristin Hayes talks with Helena Khazdozian, a senior technology manager at the US Department of Energy and program manager for the agency\u2019s Critical Materials Institute. Khazdozian and Hayes discuss why the materials that the institute prioritizes are important to future decarbonization efforts. They also talk about supply chains, research efforts, and breakthroughs happening more broadly with other teams throughout the Department of Energy.\n\nReferences and recommendations:\n\n\u201cSecuring America\u2019s Clean Energy Supply Chain\u201d from the US Department of Energy; https://www.energy.gov/policy/securing-americas-clean-energy-supply-chain\n\n\u201cHis Dark Materials\u201d trilogy of books by Philip Pullman, including \u201cThe Golden Compass,\u201d \u201cThe Subtle Knife,\u201d and \u201cThe Amber Spyglass\u201d; https://www.philip-pullman.com/hdm\n\n\u201cHappy-Go-Lucky\u201d by David Sedaris; https://www.davidsedarisbooks.com/titles/david-sedaris/happy-go-lucky/9780316392457/