STEM Southwest Podcast

Designed to create STEM connections, cohesion, and elevation within the Southwest region of the United States. You have discovered a place where STEM enthusiasts gather to learn about the amazing STEM rockstars of the region as well as STEM activities that are impacting the world! Whether you are looking to learn more about STEM innovations in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California you are in the right place! If you have longed to be united with other STEM nerds, then you have found your people here at STEM Southwest! Check out our family-friendly show and events calendar designed to build problem solvers, thinkers, and innovators for the future. New episodes are released every other week.

059 Blasting Off with the U.S. Space Force, with Gabe Mounce and Captain Roger Anderson 10/20/2020

059 Blasting Off with the U.S. Space Force, with Gabe Mounce and Captain Roger Anderson In this special episode, we hear from two members of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Gabe Mounce and Captain Roger Anderson, as we discuss the innovative programs that AFRL is using to connect business and government through technology and innovation. Show Notes Fall STEM Learning offered by - online and in-person for learners. Also, check out the Be Greater Than Average webpage to get your copy of . Help us grow our STEM programs through the Facebook page. Gabe Mounce directs the Space Force Accelerator program for the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in New Mexico. In this capacity, he oversees the Hyperspace Challenge in Albuquerque and the Catalyst Space Accelerator in Colorado Springs, both focused on connecting the entrepreneurial start-up community to the US Space Force. He is also the Technology Commercialization Lead for AFRL where he oversees all aspects of technology transfer, community engagement, and marketing & publicity for Directed Energy and Space Vehicle technology. Mr. Mounce recently founded the New Mexico COVID-19 Emergency Supply Collaborative, bringing together government, non-profit, and private sector organizations from across the state to provide Personal Protective Equipment to Healthcare Providers in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Captain Roger S. Anderson oversees operations of Space Force Accelerators at the Air Force Research Lab for Space Vehicles at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. He aligns start-up company innovation with Space Force needs and vectors start-up technology for success through the Hyperspace Challenge and Catalyst Accelerator programs. He also oversees the Space Vehicles’ professional development program that immerses young acquisition professionals inside of innovation units and teaches agile acquisition concepts. Important links to other STEM Southwest Interviews that touch on factors that are involved in building the Second Golden Age of Space. Brian Barnett, Solstar Space; Rachel Gupton, Sandia National Laboratories, Shelly Gruenig, Be Greater Than Average, George Gorospe, NASA, Matt Fetrow, AFRL, Contact: /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/16468802

058 STEM Professionals Returning Home, with Maggie Werner-Washburne and Monica Sandoval-Johnson 09/25/2020

057 Powering up for the 21st Century, with Alaric Babej and Jon Hawkins 09/08/2020

057 Powering up for the 21st Century, with Alaric Babej and Jon Hawkins We often take electricity technology for granted, until it isn't there anymore. With one flip of a light switch, we become part of the largest machine in the country! During this week's episode, we will explore the importance of and developments in renewable energy, what careers are available, and how local and regional power companies are partnering with consumers to change what used to be a one-way road into a two-way street by using technology to build the smart grid. Join us as we discuss this and much, much more with our guests from PNM, Alaric Babej and Jon Hawkins. Show Notes Fall STEM Learning offered by - online and in-person for learners. Also, check out the Be Greater Than Average webpage to get your copy of Help us grow our STEM programs through the Facebook page. Alaric J. Babej is the Product Development Manager at PNM and works to design and implement customer programs for electrification and voluntary renewables. Major initiatives include transportation electrification to aid in the adoption of electric vehicles, and programs to assist customers meet their sustainability goals. Alaric has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island where he focused on automotive technology, and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington with a focus in renewable energy systems. He enjoys learning languages and playing hockey in his free time. Jon Hawkins is the Associate Director for Innovation and Communications at PNM Resources. Jon’s team is responsible providing research and development of new technologies used in the generation, distribution, and use of energy as well as design, implementation, and maintenance of telecommunications and network systems across PNMR. Jon has his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and has been author or co-author on multiple publications primarily focused on integration and optimization of PV with energy storage. Contact: /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/15919169

056 From Math to Money, with Ann Shubert 08/23/2020

056 From Math to Money, with Ann Shubert As a girl, Ann dreamed of being an astrophysicist. Her journey into a STEM career led her into the defense industry. After years of success, she enrolled in an MBA program and there, during a math class, she had the opportunity to help other women understand. That moment, when she taught until “the light came on,” and her classmates’ new confidence with math, changed them and her. That experience would change her and shift her career from math to money. Her dream is to support women in STEM to be comfortable building their financial success and designing their financial future. What small financial change could you make that would end in financial freedom? Show Notes Fall STEM Learning offered by - online and in-person for learners; the schedule will be released in late August. Also, check out the Be Greater Than Average page to get your copy of Help us grow our STEM programs through the Facebook page. Please check out , whose mission is to provide support for those organizations making valuable contributions to increase the number of STEM opportunities for students. Ann Shubert started her professional career planning to be an astrophysicist, receiving a BA in Physics from Princeton University and an MS in Astrophysics from the California Institute of Technology. After realizing that she was not cut out to be a pure research scientist, Ann shifted gears into a 30-year career in the defense industry, first designing and building software systems and later managing multi-million-dollar aerospace programs. In 2014, while enrolled in the University of New Mexico’s Executive MBA program, Ann made another major career transition, becoming a licensed Financial Advisor. Three years later, she co-founded Intentional Finance LLC, an independent, woman-owned, Registered Investment Adviser firm. Ann enjoys working with women in STEM, combining science-based approaches to financial planning, risk management and investing with her interest in behavioral finance and how people make decisions about money. Because she knows what it is like to be a woman in a male dominated workplace, Ann feels a special kinship with women in the STEM fields, and loves helping them to reach a place of confidence about their finances so they can keep their energies focused on their STEM passion, whether in research, education or business. Contact: Ann Shubert Intentional Finance LLC 7770 Jefferson Street NE, Suite 430 Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 563-4500 /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/15706871

055 Text Messaging to Space, with M. Brian Barnett 08/14/2020

055 Text Messaging to Space, with M. Brian Barnett Inspired by the Apollo missions to the moon, Brian Barnett has been dreaming of being an astronaut since he was a little boy. Not only does he plan to be a commercial astronaut in the near future, but he also hopes to inspire a new generation in the race to space. His innovation and ideas have led him to develop the Space Wide Web, allowing earth-to-space communications. Join this family man and hear how his children have been involved in his business, Solstar Space, from very early on. Listen in to some of his amazing stories and ideas for STEM-minded individuals. Show Notes Join Shelly and host, Betsy Jewell, on the latest episode of Fall STEM Learning offered by - online and in-person for learners; the schedule will be released in late August. Help us grow our STEM programs through the Facebook page M. Brian Barnett is a serial entrepreneur with 33 years’ experience in commercial space, the mobile satellite services industry, as an aerospace technologist at NASA, and at KPMG Consulting as a management consultant. He is Founder and CEO of Solstar Space Co. (Solstar), the first internet service provider for people, Internet of Things, and machines in space, that is developing technologies to build a Space Wide Web. On April 29, 2018, Solstar demonstrated the first commercial two-way data and wi-fi hotspot service in space and Tweet from space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard crew capsule, using Barnett’s patent-pending technology. Brian began his career at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center where he provided Space Shuttle payload integration services at the Payloads Project Office. He also provided astronaut crew training in the Mission Operations Laboratory for Spacelab missions. At Johnson Space Center, Brian worked in the Missions Operations Directorate, and later worked on JSC’s 1992 Strategic Plan. He also managed a contract to document all Space Shuttle operations processes as directed by Congress after the Challenger accident. Later, as a management consultant for KPMG’s Space and High Technology group, Brian wrote dozens of business plans and market assessments for commercial space companies. He led the Team that wrote the initial business plan and helped identify the best location for the spaceport that eventually became Spaceport America in New Mexico. Brian earned a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Oklahoma, a Masters in Administrative Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and is a graduate of the International Space University. He is a classically-trained rock and reggae drummer and is founder and producer of DrumsAstro®, an organization Connecting Artists and Musicians of all Genres to Space and Space Exploration. Contact: M. Brian Barnett (505) 389-2299 /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/15612239

054 STEM Excitement through Esports, with Dr. Miles Harvey 07/27/2020

053 The Science of Sleep, with Karen Crow 07/14/2020

052 The Digital Playground of Electric Playhouse, with John-Mark Collins 06/24/2020

051 Connecting through STEM Media Platforms, with the hosts of Nerd Talk 06/10/2020

050 Small Business in the COVID-19 Environment, with David Hughes and Dr. Simon Woodruff 05/27/2020

050 Small Business in the COVID-19 Environment, with David Hughes and Dr. Simon Woodruff Businesses both big and small are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are shutting doors while others are facing unprecedented growth. During this time in history, what predictors can we use to determine success of our small businesses and employers? While the unemployment rolls may be growing, the truth is that we are still facing an unprecedented STEM workforce crisis. Join us in this episode where we interview two different business owners, David Hughes and Dr. Simon Woodruff, who share their journey and how they are responding to the pandemic. We will also hear about how COVID-19 is shifting the job search and how there are still plenty of STEM career opportunities in the Southwest. Show Notes – David Hughes David Hughes was born in Montreal and, at age 15, moved to England with his family. David went to an English boarding school for three years, and then to university in Scotland to study philosophy and history. After university, David moved to Iowa where he developed an interest in energy; this led to a degree in Environmental Technology with a focus on renewable energy. After working in the energy efficiency field in Michigan, David moved to New Mexico and was able to start a career in the solar industry, eventually starting Affordable Solar in 1998, using an old Airstream trailer as his first office. David is married with two adult daughters and has lived in Albuquerque since 1994. Book Recommendation: , by Yuval Noah Harari Contact: David@affordable-solar.com Show Notes – Dr. Simon Woodruff After a decade of research into innovative fusion concepts at the University of Manchester (PhD), Lawrence Livermore National Lab (Postdoc), UC Berkeley Department of Nuclear Engineering (Visiting Scholar), and the University of Washington (Research Scientist), Dr. Woodruff founded Woodruff Scientific to help accelerate the development of economic fusion energy. Dr. Woodruff has performed work under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy, universities, national laboratories and to the private sector, building research devices, performing modeling and simulations primarily directed at simply-connected (hence more compact and simpler-to-engineer) fusion systems. Dr. Woodruff hosts an annual Scientific Computing Bootcamp for undergraduates, introducing many of the tools in common use for High Performance Computing. Dr. Woodruff has organized national workshops in fusion energy sciences, and is a current participant in two International Atomic Energy Agency initiatives on compact fusion neutron sources and private fusion development. Dr. Woodruff is a member of the American Physical Society and the Institute of Physics. Contact: simon@woodruffscientific.com /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/14579768

049 Infectious Diseases impacted by Technology, with Dr. Jason Harper 05/18/2020

048 The Science of Covid-19, with Dr. Paul Szauter 05/08/2020

047 #3Dprintingforgood during the COVID 19 Pandemic, with R4Creating 04/19/2020

046 Tech-Driven Online Platforms, with Travis Rosser 04/07/2020

045 Lights, Camera, Action and Tech, with Matt Johnson 03/22/2020

044 STEMpreneurs Shaping the Future, with Stuart Rose 03/08/2020

043 Satellites and Security, with Rachel Gupton 02/24/2020

042 Meow Wolf and Interactive STEAM, with Danika Padilla 02/09/2020

041 NASA Social Media to Space, with Shelly Gruenig 01/27/2020

040 Tips for Entering the STEM Workforce Pipeline, with Skyler Nix 01/15/2020

039 The BEST Robotics Story, with Ted Mahler and Steve Marum 12/23/2019

038 From Educator to NASA Engineer, with George Gorospe 12/01/2019

038 From Educator to NASA Engineer, with George Gorospe Today's guest is a true STEM Rockstar! After being raised in the Southwest, George Gorospe left behind all that he knew and headed east to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. The adjustment was tough for George, but with family support, and the support of other Native Americans at Dartmouth College, he made it work. His journey included a stint as a teacher at his alma mater, the Santa Fe Indian School, before he began to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In pursuit of more knowledge, George obtained an internship with NASA that grew into a series of amazing opportunities that would shape his career and open doors to his dreams. George continues to live out his dream of solving problems for NASA at the Ames Research Center, but also has a particular interest in become an astronaut for which he recently submitted an application. Show Notes George Gorospe, born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, attended high school at the Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, NM. After graduation, George attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH where he majored in Classical Studies. After Dartmouth, George returned to his community to become a full time high school teacher at the Santa Fe Indian School. While there, he decided to pursue an engineering degree at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. During his second undergraduate education, George completed multiple internships at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA. Once George completed his Mechanical Engineering B.S. degree, he participated in NASA’s premier leadership development program, the NASA Academy for Space Exploration. At the end of this program, George was hired to work in the Mission Design Center, where he helped develop conceptual space missions to send robotic explorers to the outer solar system. George is currently a member of the Diagnostics and Prognostics Research Group in the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center. There he manages the Systems Health Analytics, Resilience, and Physics modeling (SHARP) Laboratory. His research interests include: automated test systems, UAV electric propulsion systems, robotics, advanced diagnostics and prognostics, and GPU accelerated computing. Contact: /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/12230909

037 Less Pink, More Think, with Emily Ganley and Delaney Heileman 11/18/2019

036 Native American Women and STEM, with Sandra K. Begay 11/05/2019

035 To Infinity and Beyond, with Dale Dekker 10/29/2019

034 International Science and Engineering Fair, with Karen Kinsman and Taylor and Devin Roach 10/10/2019

034 International Science and Engineering Fair, with Karen Kinsman and Taylor and Devin Roach Have you ever entered a science fair? Today's guests are going to share their experiences as well as the best tips and resources on how to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held each spring. Karen Kinsman is a STEM professional working to champion STEM programs throughout New Mexico, and she introduces us to a brother and sister team who both participated in ISEF as a part of their STEM journey. Karen Kinsman is the Director of the UNM STEMH Center has worked to grow the program to “make it bigger” with the goal of championing STEM education. Karen also works closely with ISEF for which 1,800 student researchers compete from 80 countries; about 20% of these students have patents or in the process of getting patents. Karen has a lot of favorite projects from all of her years with the ISEF, including those of Taylor and Devin Roach, a brother and sister team who were actively involved with the Fair and to whom Karen introduces us. Taylor is pursuing her Master’s in Family Counseling. Taylor started science fair in 6th grade and loved working on behavioral studies. “The Effects of Productivity and Performance on Interruptions” was her first project. It was really fun for her because she would invite friends over to be her “human subjects” and participate in her research. Taylor also knows our past guest, Dr. Vincent Clark, and his positive psychology laboratory. Devin is pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Devin pursued research in nondestructive inspection to identify ways to determine the strength of a structure. This project took him to ISEF which helped prepare him to be ready to pursue his PhD. Devin has also co-authored Book Recommendations: Taylor: , by Michael White Devin: , by John & Stasi Eldridge Contact: Karen Kinsman, Taylor Roach, Devin Roach, /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/11587523

033 Collaboration and STEM, with ‘PT’ Money and Experience IT 09/22/2019

033 Collaboration and STEM, with ‘PT’ Money and Experience IT Show Notes In today’s episode, Bob and Shelly share their experiences about two recent events, and . FinCon19, Where Money and Media Meet, was held in Washington, DC. Attendees learned about new financial technologies as well as personal finances, and connected with others in order to plan future collaborations. We’ll be sharing about some of those technologies in upcoming episodes. At Experience IT, Shelly connected with STEM leaders and learned more about Virgin Galactic’s recent move to Spaceport America in New Mexico. Guest, Paige Prescott, and Shelly gave a presentation entitled, “The Future of Education,” about which they share with STEM Southwest listeners. Many people in STEM are actively pursuing side hustles or gigs - they may be consulting, writing, speaking, YouTubing, or a variety of others. STEM professionals have an opportunity to leverage their knowledge to benefit the world and make an impact. Personal Finance Conference - Chris Browning, host of , and . Documentary “” Bob shares his passion for writing, as well as his tips on financial technology. Two of his favorite financial apps that he recommends are: We understand that many times people need help in navigating their life and make career plans. Check out Shelly’s curriculum at . P.T or Philip Taylor, founder of a personal finance website which helps people build a second income, shares tips with listeners on getting started on their side hustles, including not trying to do it all alone. Rather, P.T. recommends collaborating and studying with others, and staying focused on a growth mindset. STEM Southwest listeners can support P.T. by checking out the digital marketing conference, , and the upcoming , schedule May 1-3, 2020 in St Louis, MO. P.T. also shares one of his favorite tech tools, , which is a Chrome extension with a free version that records screencast videos to aid in communication with team members. Our next guest, Auri Vigil, is a returning STEM Southwest guest. Auri works for , a local connector for technology that works hard to build collaboration. Auri speaks about and the Women in Technology Celebration. was a one-day annual conference that attracted over 420 attendees and was packed full of great workshops! Keynote speakers included three representatives from who shared with attendees the growing space technology taking place in New Mexico which includes commercial space flight that is expected to take place in the near future. The Women In Technology Celebration is scheduled March 26, 2020, and is a celebration to honor women in STEM. One can nominate a nominate a in technology here. Our last guest for today’s episode is Paige Prescott, who was a Women In Technology Award Winner this year. Paige has been working in Computer Science Education since 2007, and is currently the President of . In 2018, she also started a non-profit, . Paige shares information on important trends in Computer Science, including how we can make positive changes. Paige and Shelly speak about current data and the growing demand for the STEM career pipeline and how we might be able to address this in the workforce. Paige shares about many policy issues that states need to consider in growing the workforce and preparing teachers to help their students in K-12 so that more students have access to computer programming. She explains her Teacher Professional Development program that was designed to provide resources and knowledge to impact teachers and their students. This program is designed to build community, share resources, and collaborate in order to have a great impact on STEM throughout the region. Contact: Philip Taylor Auri Vigil Auri@nmtechcouncil.org Paige Prescott /episode/index/show/stemsw/id/11341571

032 STEM Dogs, Bombs and Keeping Things Safe, with Michelle Tye 09/08/2019

031 Air Force Research Laboratory reaching out to entrepreneurs, with Matt Fetrow 08/22/2019

030 Keep it Simple Silly: KISS Institute creating sustainable STEM, with Steve Goodgame 08/11/2019

STEM Southwest Podcast

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