Stem Southwest Podcast

Mark Hyatt could fly airplanes before he learned how to drive cars. His rich background in STEM began with his long career in the U.S. Air Force. After several retirements, he is now in a bonus career that is disrupting education in his home state of Colorado. Mark's initiative and program, Falcon Aerolab, is providing STEM training for students through a special innovation district. Mark is striving to add to the number of home-grown aerospace professionals and fill a pipeline that is currently being filled by importing professionals from out of state. In this episode, you will hear about Mark's program and the ways that he hopes to scale it to serve more students. Show Notes Mark Hyatt is a passionate educational entrepreneur. His favorite quote is: “If you save one child, you save the whole world.” Calling Colorado home since 1970, he’s served as a fighter pilot squadron commander in the Air Force; and advisor to the Secretary of Defense, and the current and previous White House Administration on school c

If you have been involved with any part of competitive robotics, you have most likely seen the smiling face of this week's STEM Rockstar, Karthik Kanagasabapathy.  When you listen to our conversation with Karthik, you will understand why he is often at the microphone at FIRST and IFI/VEX Robotics events.  He excels in communicating the fun and passion of competitive robotics, but also has the engineering background as a past competitor himself to understand the competitions.  We were so thrilled that our daughter Makenzie, who works at Innovation First International, was able to connect us with our special guest.  Our conversation with this internationally known STEM Rockstar was so engaging that listeners will get to enjoy two episodes with Karthik. Show Notes  Karthik spent nine years at Innovation First International where he was responsible for exciting young people about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education via participation in the VEX Robotics Competition in which he design

If you have been involved with any part of competitive robotics, you have most likely seen the smiling face of this week's STEM Rockstar, Karthik Kanagasabapathy.  When you listen to our conversation with Karthik, you will understand why he is often at the microphone at FIRST and IFI/VEX Robotics events.  He excels in communicating the fun and passion of competitive robotics, but also has the engineering background as a past competitor himself to understand the competitions.  We were so thrilled that our daughter Makenzie, who works at Innovation First International, was able to connect us with our special guest.  Our conversation with this internationally known STEM Rockstar was so engaging that listeners will get to enjoy two full episodes with Karthik. Show Notes Karthik spent nine years at Innovation First International where he was responsible for exciting young people about STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts, and Math) education via participation in the VEX Robotics Competition in which he des

The volunteer work of this next guest has impacted thousands of lives, including ours. Janne Ackerman is a longtime philanthropist with BEST Robotics, the competition in which we established a team to participate beginning in 2005. In 2008, we met Janne at a Regional Championship and have admired her and her husband Garry since as they have led TX BEST and mentored thousands of students over the years. What is amazing about Janne is that she just keeps giving… having “failed” retirement, she is enjoying the farm life, flying planes, and grandkids. Our listeners will love her energy and the smile that you can hear through the entire interview with this very successful engineer and pilot who has much wisdom to share. She is our first guest from Texas and a STEM Rockstar! Show Notes A current resident of Plano, Texas and long-time Raytheon employee (now retired), Janne Ackerman has had a varied career, including assignments in quality assurance, software and systems engineering, and program management.  Other hi

This week's guest may have gotten his love of STEM from a galaxy far, far away as his passion for Star Wars cannot be missed!  Paul Garver has brought an energy to the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum that cannot be denied.  Whether you find him talking with volunteers, interacting with his staff, or planning the next adventure, his enthusiasm will captivate you!  One of our favorite memories of Paul is when he lent his personal drone to one of our students, Ben, so he could learn to fly - who does that?  Only Paul.  He is someone who is all about enjoying life, living science, digging through history, and encouraging others to explore. Show Notes: Paul Garver is Manager of the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, and has over 30 years of experience working in museums, including working 11 years for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.  He is a devoted Star Wars fan, and often wonders what his life would be like if it weren’t for George

Angela Reed Padilla, CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of NM is passionate about helping youth become confident adults and productive citizens. The state of New Mexico chapter of BBBS actually has more mentors than chapters in larger cities such as Chicago. When you meet her, you will understand why so many people are getting involved in mentoring young people. STEM Southwest is a big advocate for this approach because we believe, like Angela, that this is a critical path to the success of our state and our nation.   Show Notes Angela Reed Padilla joined Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Nation’s premier mentoring organization, in 1996, with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.  As CEO, Angela has the opportunity to work with business and non-profit organization leaders, educators, legislators, and more to gain a broad perspective on the needs of the community and the shared vision for improving our quality of life.  Angela is passionate about advocating for our youth to increase their chances of success, a

Auri Vigil, In this week’s interview you will learn about an exciting annual event, ExperienceITnm. It is described by the New Mexico Technology Council as an opportunity to “Geek out on all things technology. Our community will gather the best and the brightest entrepreneurs, technicians, hackers, and tech fans for presentations, talks, meet-ups, and parties; all to highlight the vibrant tech community in our city.” Auri Vigil joins us to tell us more about the event.   Show Notes   Fat Pipe ABQ https://fatpipeabq.com/   Spaceport America https://spaceportamerica.com/   Women in Technology Peer Group https://nmtechcouncil.org/women-in-technology-peer-group/   Experience IT http://experienceitnm.com/   New Mexico Technology Council Events Calendar https://nmtechcouncil.org/events-calendar/   New Mexico Technology Council Jobs Board http://business.nmtechcouncil.org/jobs/   AFRL New Mexico http://www.afrlnewmexico.com/   Website Recommendation: Women Who Inspire (Los Alamos National Laboratory) https://www.

  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 https://www.roborave.org/   RRPS Student Research Expo https://www.rrps.net/students/r_r_p_s_student_research_expo   Inquiry Facilitators http://gotoif.

  Paul Szauter Today we have scientist and entrepreneur Paul Szauter as our guest. Listeners are going to be interested in the DNA Discovery that Paul and his team have made as well as how that discovery is disrupting the centuries-old industry of horse breeding. Listen is as Paul shares the challenges and plans they have as well as hear his thoughts on what it takes to be a scientist…. You might be surprised! Show Notes Human Genome Project National DNA Day DNA Day 23andMe EquiSeq, Inc. Book Recommendations: Game Storming, by Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, and James Macanufo Ready Player One: A Novel, by Ernest Cline STEM Hero and Rockstar Gregor Mendel Neil deGrasse Tyson Resources One Million Cups - Albuquerque Contact Information: Paul Szauter Pszauter@gmail.com  

Mike DeCock and Tristan Jameson. Today we have two guests who share their passion for cubing with the world. Sometimes, as we work with students we must invite them into STEM through an untraditional door. Solving the Rubik’s cube is a great way to open up the side door of opportunity and build the confidence of students so that they might pursue even more STEM opportunities. Learn more about how cubing invites students into STEM and is a great opportunity, no matter what your age! Show Notes Be Cubed Summer 2018; Friday, July 27, 2018, 8:00-4:30 p.m. Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Information and Registration World Cubing Association                                               The Home of Rubik’s Cube Rubik’s Book Recommendations: Tristan: You Can Do The Rubik’s Cube Mike: Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter, by Scott Adams  Cracking the Cube, Going Slow to Go Fast and Other Unexpected Turns by Ian Scheffler  

Melissa Ober, Science Girl  Encouraged to pursue and internship at her local Children’s Science museum, EXPLORA, Melissa Ober was mentored and discovered her passion to be a STEM performer. Since her first show, Melissa has worked with hundreds of students through school assemblies and their teachers at conferences. Perhaps you’ve seen her at a local STEM event perform the epic Elephant Toothpaste experiment. Join us today as Melissa shares her passion with the world where she shares science through experiences instead of simply experiments. Show Notes Young people are capable of so much more: Do Hard Things                       “Don’t be afraid to ask, the worst they can do is say no” Visit Melissa’s lab, find out more here: Science Girl’s Lab                              Science Girl’s Lab – Performance (Dr. Von Heister’s Hijinks)                                             Saturday, July 28th, 1:30-2:00 p.m.                                             Saturday, July 28th, 3:30-4:00 p.m.                  

Ron Eppes, Intel Community Engagement Manager: Ron is the perfect first guest for our podcast! While the sound quality isn’t great (we get better with time, promise) his stories and love of community are inspiring! Ron is a STEM Rockstar who works just down the road a few miles at Intel Corporation where he is passionate about ensuring Intel is a great corporate citizen. His story is interesting as he shares how someone important in Ron’s life with no apparent attachment to STEM had such a big influence on him ultimately pursuing a STEM career. Show Notes Corporate involvement in STEM education benefits everyone, with efforts such as this: Twelve Months of Math Ron’s Book Recommendation that relates to his belief that math is fun and powerful in engineering as well as everyday activities such as his running example:    How to Not be Wrong, the power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg                       Community Involvement and Recognition in STEM STEMYS:  Excellence in STEM Awards Ron Eppes Ron

This podcast is 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. Website address: www.STEMsw.com Email: info@STEMsw.com Facebook: STEMsw Twitter: STEMsw