The B-Xcellent Podcast

The New Skill Imperative: Why AI Literacy Is Non-Negotiable Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith speaks with Dr. Kofi Nyarko, a professor at Morgan State University and the founding director of the Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). Together, they discuss the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, what it means for our daily lives, and why equity is a criti...

Dr. Castillo returns to the podcast today, not to discuss his groundbreaking research, but to delve into his new book, Building Your Epic Life: Your Journey, Your Way, Your Masterpiece, and explore the philosophy behind it. Offering listeners a blend of personal stories and practical advice, he shares his insights on transforming values and dreams into a tangible blueprint for a fulfilling life. T...

Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith broadcasts from the podcast's new home at Morgan State University with a major announcement: the "B-Xcellent" vision is expanding into "DARE to STEM," a new movement designed to empower future STEM leaders. This initiative moves beyond the podcast to foster community, discovery, and hands-on engagement, transforming the platform into a comprehensive resource for students...

Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith is back with an in-depth exploration of imposter syndrome, a pervasive challenge that students and professionals alike may find themselves facing..  Through the story of Maya, a first-generation college student, Dr. Harrison-Smith illustrates the subtle pressures and biases that can trigger feelings of inadequacy, particularly for underrepresented groups in academia. He...

Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith sits down with two first-year engineering students, Jada Andrews and Brooke Sanders, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to college. They share their experiences with academic preparation, navigating the new learning environment, building support systems, and adjusting priorities. From pre-college programs to the importance of mentorship and embracing...

Embarking on a journey in higher education can be as daunting as it is exciting. To help ease this transition, I'm excited to share our latest episode from the B-Xcellent 7 Tip series: "Navigating New Beginnings in Academia."​ This episode is dedicated to students stepping into the world of higher education and aims to equip them with essential strategies for success. From creating a productive en...

Welcome back to the B-Xcellent STEM Talk series! In this special episode, 'Reflect & Advance: Season 1 Highlights & Season 2 Preview,' we journey back through the inaugural season to spotlight our top 7 sound bites. Each moment is a testament to the challenges and triumphs within the STEM community, particularly focusing on underrepresented voices. We'll reflect on the lessons learned, the...

🚀 Meet the engineer who’s not just solving equations but societal equations too, on this week’s episode of The B-Xcellent Podcast! Our guest, a driven PhD student from Purdue University, is at the cutting-edge of mechanical engineering, where fluid mechanics and flow control meet future-focused aviation innovation. 🛫. From India to Purdue, her journey is a blueprint for precision, efficiency, an...

Our guest, Dr. Brandon Pitts, is a renowned expert in the fields of human factors, cognitive ergonomics, human-automation interaction, adaptive interface design, and the exciting realms of autonomous driving and aviation. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, Dr. Pitts shares his incredible journey and success in these multifaceted domains. Tune in to gain unique insights from a tru...

 In this episode, we take a journey down memory lane with Dr. Luciano Castillo, an Endowed Chair in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Purdue University. We discuss topics such as staying academically curious and addressing issues of Climate Change. So get fired up and let’s learn together what it takes to B-Xcellent!

Join us as we discuss with PhD Candidate Sopuruchukwu Ezenwa the importance of having/finding a community for academic success.

Today we talk to Bereket Bekele as he discusses his experience as an international student and Ph. D. student in Chemical Engineering at Purdue University.  Join us as we also discuss the catalyst for change for improving the STEM field through Diversity. 

Today we talk to Dr. Green as we discover how went from growing tadpoles as a kid to a professor who explores the origami of DNA for different therapeutic applications.

In this episode, we meet at the intersection of imposter syndrome and navigating STEM. Dr. McClain discusses her journey from a young STEM scholar to an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Lets B-Xcellent.