Stem Southwest Podcast

This week's guest is a highly-trained robotics bomb technician with a four-legged partner.  Michelle Tye has been protecting her community, first as a police officer, and then as a bomb technician at a major metropolitan airport.  Chances are if you've ever flown anywhere, she and her colleagues have been watching your back.  This important work challenges her physically and mentally while stretching her to stay on the cutting edge of technology, all which she absolutely loves.  Michelle made the decision to take on the challenging bomb squad training because, although she was afraid that she would fail, she didn’t want to not do it and not know if she could.          

This edition's guest, Matt Fetrow, is the Director of the Tech Engagement Office at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in New Mexico.  Matt is always looking for innovative ways to solve Air Force problems working in collaboration with entrepreneurs and businesses. He hopes that these relationships will become the norm rather than the exception, and has invested resources to ensure this is happening.  He is a great example of someone who has paired both science and business to create a rewarding career in STEM! Join us in welcoming Matt to the microphone!   Show Notes Matt Fetrow is the Director of the Tech Engagement Office at the Air Force Research Laboratory in New Mexico.  He leads the laboratory’s technology transfer, STEM outreach, commercialization, innovation, and community engagement activities in the state.   In addition, Matt has led numerous technology programs for the Air Force with a focus on space remote sensing, laser remote sensing, and advanced photonics.  Prior to his years of federal

This week’s guest is Steve Goodgame who is the Executive Director of the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics.  He is passionate about teaching students to code at a young age and uses the Botball competition as a tool to do just that.  Like us, Steve’s desire is to help teachers meet the challenges of implementing STEM in the classroom so that there can be sustainability.  Most weeks you will find Steve and his wife, Carol, traveling throughout the country in support of the Botball program that can be found at almost 1300 schools in 39 states and 7 countries.  Luckily for us, we were able to find him sitting still for an hour to talk about how his program is impacting STEM enrichment in the Southwest!   Show Notes Steve Goodgame is the Executive Director for the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (Institute), a not-for-profit educational organization that uses hands-on robotics programs in order to communicate the excitement, knowledge, and practical understanding of science, technology, engineering, and

There are STEM rockstars all over the Southwest and today's guest is one of them.  He is also a STEM evangelist and striving to make our programs more inclusive.  While we just recently met Shawn Hardina, our perspectives and experiences in STEM enrichment are parallel; us in New Mexico and him in Arizona.  He has a lot of great ideas on how we can radically change STEM education and make a difference in our future workforce so listen in here!   Show Notes Shawn Hardina has been asking hard questions, solving problems, and challenging the status quo his entire life.  Having been successful in school, but not particularly fond of the traditional education process, Shawn decided to become a science teacher to transform education and make it something that he wished he had growing up.  Shawn has been on this journey ever since.  Shawn has been in education for 27 years as a science and CTE teacher and a FIRST and VEX robotics coach and mentor.  He has a wide range of experiences having been a K – 6 Science and L

In our New Economy, where innovation and ideas are exploding, it’s important for STEM professionals to understand the different ways to protect their intellectual property.  Today’s guest, Richard Krukar, will share his tips and experience on this important issue. Show Notes Richard Krukar worked as a Research and Development engineer on both coasts and in the State of New Mexico after receiving a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico.  Richard moved to intellectual property law to see if it was fun and has spent the past 14 years as a lawyer. He Indicates that “it's been a life of building wonderful machines, writing elegant code, and helping others protect their own creations.” Loza and Loza LLP Richard Krukar United States Patent and Trademark Office World Intellectual Property Organization The "Alice" decision Becoming a Patent Attorney   Book Recommendation: Toy of the Gods, by Sonja Dewing Rule 34, by Charles Stross Books by Stephen Baxter Inancu v. Brunetti   Contact: R

In an effort to build the STEM Southwest Workforce, Albuquerque science museum, EXPLORA, is making a strong investment in teens and workforce education.  Leading the initiative is Allison Brody who shares her personal STEM journey, and the variety of programs and the exciting initiatives that we can be looking for at our family’s all-time favorite children's museum.  Allison has been a science educator for more than 20 years and listeners will be excited by her knowledge and passion for STEM educational programming. Show Notes Allison Brody, Director of STEM Education and Workforce Development, oversees the development and implementation of a variety of programs and community engagement initiatives, including training and educational programming, for formal and informal audiences throughout New Mexico.  Allison came to the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum from Las Vegas, Nevada, where she was a project manager at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and the Clark County Wetlands Park.  She has been

In this weeks episode, we talk with Parker, an amazing high school student working on creating and building a miniature satellite to launch into space! This young woman is not afraid of hard challenges and will inspire listeners young and old. She proves that young people really want to be challenged by hard things and that the only limit is what we think of ourselves.   Listeners can be a part of her project; just listen in to learn how!     Show Notes Parker is a rising junior in high school.  She has been interested in STEM for as long as she can remember, especially Aerospace Engineering.  She was recently accepted into a highly selective program at her school named the Odyssey Scholars Program, a two-year program in which students do an in-depth study of a subject of their choice.  For this program, she will be building a CubeSat, or a miniaturized satellite, that will measure the magnetic field of the Earth. Strandbeest Theo Jansen Lego Mindstorms EV3 Ender 3 3D-Printer Prusa i3 MK3 CubeSat Interor

Dr. Vincent P. Clark is an expert in Neuropsychology.  With an interest in brain stimulation for neuroenhancement and brain stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain, addiction, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and motor illness, Dr. Clark and his team are making a real difference in the way that we use science to heal.  Join us as we explore thoughts and ideas of how to harness the power of our brains with this week’s scientist. Show Notes Dr. Vincent P. Clark, Professor of Translational Neuroscience, has worked with the Mind Research Network (MRN) as Director of Neuroscience, then as Scientific Director recruiting scientists and helping MRN to increase its grant portfolio by expanding into new areas of research such as addiction, accelerated learning, and multimodal imaging.  In association with the Department of Psychology at the University of New Mexico where he is Founding Director of the new Clinical Neuroscience Center, he and his associates investigate the relationship between mind and brain.

This special episode of STEM Southwest is hosted by Shelly along with daughters Makenzie and Bethany.  Today we celebrate the power of STEM Moms!   Show Notes Ulrika Peroni, Professional Water Skier and mom coach of ‘Da Swedish Fish,' a team that competes in VEX robotics VRC competition.  Da Swedish Fish took robotics on the road that has led to an adventure across the country participating in robotics while traveling in a motorhome.  They turned to the robotics community for help when she had an accident while traveling that has become a real blessing to their family.  Ulrika shares how their journey has helped them to form new friendships, deepen sibling ties, and make a difference in the lives of kids she knows that were challenged.     Gwen Valentino, Massage Therapist and mom coach of the First Lego League H.O.T. Squad.   They will also participate this summer in the Apollo Competition.  “Forced” by her daughter to start a team over a trophy, this mom’s story is inspiring. Learning that competit

Russ Fisher-Ives This interview is certainly one of our favorites as we talk all things STEM in the Southwest and how the Southwest has influenced many countries beyond our borders including China, Japan, Estonia, Canada, Mexico and so many more! Russ Fisher-Ives is a science teacher turned robotics rock star. Years ago he teamed up with Intel and put his philosophy of Inquiry-based learning to work for students through his business, Inquiry Facilitators. His dynamic personality teams up with the heart of an educator to inspire students across the world as he challenges them to think big through the robotics competition he founded, RoboRAVE. Now an international program, Russ travels the globe inspiring both young and old with his dynamic energy and ability to get the world to communicate in one unified language…. Robots! Show Notes: RoboRAVE International RRPS Student Research Expo Inquiry Facilitators   STEM Hero and Rockstar George Gorospe Benjamin Franklin   Contact Information: Russ@gotoif.org Whatsapp

Today’s guest is an executive leader with 25 years of experience as an engineer and innovator who shifted from solving complex robotics programs at FANUC America to encouraging young people to solve complex robotics programs at the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation.  The students compete in VEX robotics competitions across the globe, and Dan’s leadership has promoted growth and development of a program that is making robotics education attainable and affordable for students worldwide. We met Dan at the Google Girl Powered event where, during his keynote address, he encouraged girls to take action and get involved in making a difference in the world during his keynote address.  In today’s episode, Dan shares some amazing things including how he worked with the Girls Scouts to establish an affordable, easy to implement badge curriculum on robotics engineering.  We are in agreement with Dan that our communities, and especially the many organizations that support competitive robotics (FIRST, B

Understanding our bodies and caring for them is critical to a long and happy STEM life.  Often, when people are striving to be their very best as STEM professionals, they are faced with the importance of self-care.  On this episode, our hosts speak with nutritionist, Shelley Rael, about the different self-care strategies that are critical for a healthy and wealthy life.                                                                                                                                                    Show Notes Contrary to her title, Shelley Rael, MS RDN doesn’t believe in diets.  A registered dietitian nutritionist since 1999, she helps people change their mindset about food, eliminating rules and judgment while supporting a lifestyle that gives you sustainable energy.  Rather than gimmicks, supplements, or fad diets, Shelley works with individuals to create Customized Nutrition Blueprints, or action plans, for sustainable all-day physical and mental energy.  Having worked in wellness, health p

Future space tourists will have today's guest, Chief Pilot David Mackay of Virgin Galactic, to thank for their adventures into the cosmos.  This fit family man is working with entrepreneurial king, Sir Richard Branson, to make travel into space accessible to all.  David recently completed a successful Virgin Galactic test flight where he traveled approximately 55 miles above the Earth’s surface and had with him the company’s first test passenger.  In this episode, David shares the pain of a sobering tragedy that killed Pilot Michael Alsbury as Virgin Galactic prepared to launch its space program.  David also gives listeners a vivid description of what Earth looks like from the vantage point of a pilot’s seat, and shares his thoughts on the upcoming transition of Virgin Galactic’s commercial space program from Mojave, California to Truth or Consequences, the location of Spaceport America.   Show Notes David Mackay was born in Scotland and studied Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Glasgow. He joined

Dr. Shelly Gruenig is typically the one on the show asking questions, but today we put her in the hot seat.  She recently won the Coach/Advisor of the Year at the annual STEMYs Excellence in STEM event hosted by the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  As a robotics coach since 2005, her teams have amassed a lot of wins.  What drives her most in continuing to coach are the victories that her students have achieved in preparing for their future and launching their lives through the opportunities provided as part of the robotics team.  Shelly has a strong desire to help others plan and launch their lives in a way that will bring them satisfaction and joy for years to come.  She is an expert in Workforce Development and has worked with companies such as Levi Strauss, American National Bank, University of California, and the Brunswick Corporation.  Shelly is on a mission to help others identify the steps that they need to take to ensure their best life launch! Joining us today is guest co-h

From construction to entrepreneur, today's guest has always incorporated cutting edge technology in order to innovate and challenge the status quo.  John Mierzwa is doing that in many places throughout the Duke City and the entire region.  His strong connections have helped him to broker important deals that are impacting the way the rest of the world sees the Computer Science Workforce of the Southwest! Show Notes John Mierzwa is CEO & Co-Founder of Ingenuity Software Labs.  He is the Founder of Deep Dive Coding Bootcamps, a software development bootcamp in Albuquerque, later acquired by Central New Mexico Community College.  John is also leading the DARTInitiative effort to create local software jobs and reverse brain drain by promoting New Mexico as the best value in the U.S. for software development.   Deep Dive Coding Ingenuity Software Labs CNM: Central New Mexico Community College DART Initiative Future Focused Education TechHire New Mexico New Mexico Technology Council   Website recommendations:

Peter Balyta, PhD will most certainly leave a STEM legacy to his own children and to millions of kids all over the world through his work as President of Educational Technology at Texas Instruments. This episode is full of so much information, listeners will want to grab pen and paper to take notes as Peter shares important STEM resources.  What started with a kick in the head, this sports enthusiast details how he was shocked into the pursuit of knowledge during his high school years.  We are amazed at how often you can find this once math and science teacher out in the community encouraging students at robotics competitions and STEM events.  Balyta is certainly a STEM Rockstar who is Inspiring Generation STEM!   Show Notes Peter Balyta, Ph.D., is vice president of academic engagement and corporate citizenship for Texas Instruments, and president of its Education Technology business. He is responsible for leading teams that focus on the mission of teaching, learning and being inspired by STEM subjects and th

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a part of a robotics team?  Our guests this week have been competing for years, and are going to share their experiences and knowledge with you!  Not only do they have great character, these four Presidents of R4Robotics led their team to the top BEST Award at the 2018 TX BEST Robotics competition that was held in December 2018!  Of course, you may realize that this is the team that we coach, and you even get to hear from our youngest daughter, Bethany, in this episode! On the night before our competition, we asked the entire team to raise their hand if they had learned anything during the robotics season.  We further asked them to raise their hand if they had fun or made a new friend.  Then, we asked them to look around at the raised hands at which time they realized that They Had Already Won!  That, in fact, it didn’t really matter what happened on the gamefield so as long as they did their very best.  Today’s guests took that message to heart and gave it their a

Phylecia Jones is affectionately known as the Budgetologist. As a motivational speaker and podcaster, she has been getting people to clean up their financial act and find ways to “feed their budget.”  Her recent Ted Talk has brought her back into the STEM community, something she thought was part of her past after retiring five years ago.  Her message is powerful and clear, i.e., we need to create new stereotypes to make the world a better place. Please join us as we delve into her background in STEM, baton twirling, and her passion for photography and travel.  Our biggest salute to this veteran who is making a difference in the world!   Show Notes With a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a Master’s in Systems Engineering, Phylecia Jones proudly served 13 years as a civilian Computer Scientist for the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense, supporting sailors and soldiers across the world, but realized that it was not enough.  At the age of 36 years old, she took an early retirement and started a journey that w

Today’s guest is a little untraditional, but we know you will find her absolutely magical!  Micaela Brown is bursting with great ideas and passion that is sure to capture your interest.  She launched herself into the entrepreneurial community and taught herself the technology needed to support her seven business plans.  You may have heard of Dinner en Blanc, Blush & Whimsey, or even the Whiskey Classic; these are all born of Micaela’s desire to create magic in everyday life. The science behind her cosmetic line is based on chemistry including special ingredients, body temperature and pH, but that is just the beginning of her story. She has some exciting events coming up…. but we can’t share that secret yet. First, let’s listen to the interview and then we’ll tell you more!  Show Notes An entrepreneur with a social media reach of over 100k followers, Micaela Brown has created a national event marketing voice with an audience interested in event marketing, marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship.  Micael

You might say that Jonathan Firth flew into New Mexico through suborbital space aboard Virgin Galactic. A native of the UK, he arrived in the Land of Enchantment with a short-term plan that has since led to a bit longer stay (as so many of us have experienced). He uses his vast knowledge of business, having worked for the Virgin brand for many years, to collaborate with others to build an undeniable STEM ecosystem in Southern New Mexico. A fourth-generation Mechanical Engineer (his son is the fifth), Jonathan shares many STEM lessons from the "States" and abroad. Listeners will be excited to mark their calendar for April 2019 when they can meet Jonathan in-person at the week-long Las Cruces Space Festival! Show Notes Jonathan Firth is the Executive Vice President at Virgin Galactic, the spaceflight company that is developing commercial spacecraft and aims to provide suborbital spaceflights for future astronaut customers and for space science missions flying from Spaceport America in Sierra County, New Mexico