Launchpad: Voices of Innovation

What goes through your mind when you look down and see fresh Sumatran tiger tracks circling your campsite? For most people, it’s a cue to leave—but for a wildlife biologist, it’s just another day at the office. From tracking 150-pound mountain lions through the snow on muleback to navigating the remote, crocodile-infested swamps of Indonesia, fieldwork isn't just a job; it’s an unpredictable,...

If Texas summers bring severe droughts, then what happens when the skies finally open up? It turns out the answer is flash floods—and a lot of water. But before you assume our infrastructure is completely safe, these extreme weather events might actually be the most important, undervalued challenge keeping engineers on their toes across the state of Texas. In this episode of Launchpad, host John E...

If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring? It turns out the answer is insects—and a lot of them. But before you go grabbing a can of heavy pesticide, these tiny creatures might actually be the most important, undervalued workers keeping the entire state of Texas alive. In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Jessica Beckham, an environmental sci...

Do you ever feel like you're literally melting the second you step outside into the relentless Texas summer? It turns out that extreme heat might be doing a lot more than just making you uncomfortable—it could actually be taking years off your life. In this episode of  Launchpad , host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Howard from the Department of Public Health at UT San Antonio. Dr. H...

MATRIX AI researchers Amina Qutub, Amanda Fernandez and Mark Goldberg share insightful knowledge about artificial intelligence's role in advancing research in science and healthcare. They explain why they are optimistic for the future with this technology and how their AI research is already making an impact on society. 0:00 - Introduction 0:54 - Life lessons through experience 3:15 - Students...

UT San Antonio and MATRIX AI researchers William Severa, Panos Markopoulos and Fidel Santamaria share insightful knowledge about neuromorphic computing and how to make artificial intelligence trustworthy. They explain the challenges of communicating these subjects and provide understanding about how this research is benefiting society.0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - The origins of intellectual curiosit...

Dhireesha Kudithipudi, founder of the MATRIX AI Consortium, shares her personal story with artificial intelligence and how her upbringing inspired the formation of MATRIX. She provides insightful thoughts about the evolution of AI and explains the role MATRIX plays in elevating the use of AI in our community. 0:00 - Introduction 0:47 - Humble beginnings in India 2:27 - Childhood lessons to AI lead...

Launchpad: Voices of UT San Antonio explores the bold new chapter in higher education. This podcast brings you front-row access to the voices who are shaping the future of The University of Texas at San Antonio and the world. Produced by UT San Antonio's Office of University Strategic Communications, Launchpad features candid conversations with university leaders and faculty about innovative r...

In the fifth episode, Karl Miller Lugo, senior vice president for Advancement and Alumni Engagement at UT San Antonio, explains how integration will improve and strengthen UT San Antonio’s contributions to the Texas workforce. Lugo talks about how the university’s robust partnerships are helping students reach their full potential and how the university is building the region’s workforce today and...

In the fourth episode, Heather Shipley, provost and senior executive vice president for Academic Affairs at UT San Antonio, talks about the academic trajectory of the new university. Shipley highlights potential opportunities for interdisciplinary studies and career-engaged learning, and how those efforts could lead to addressing workforce development needs in healthcare, technology and more. 0:00...

In the third episode, Jennifer Potter, senior executive vice president for research and innovation at UT San Antonio, discusses the value and outlook for the university after combining two R1 research institutions into one. From eliminating barriers to inspiring interdisciplinary research, Potter says the endless possibilities of integration will turn ambition into impact. 0:00 Intro0:48 Introduci...

In the second episode, UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy and Francisco Cigarroa, senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system, discuss how bringing UTSA and UT Health San Antonio together as one world-class university will make lives better throughout the region. Listeners will hear how the integration will inspire exciting opportunities for collaboration in groundbrea...

In the series opener, UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy and Francisco Cigarroa, senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system, discuss how the integration of two top-tier research institutions will create a world-class university for San Antonio. Listeners will learn more about their vision for the newly-integrated university and how it is poised to bring transformation...