STEM Southwest Podcast

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 enthusi...

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 real...

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...

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 Cl...

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 undeniab...

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 striv...

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 engi...

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 engi...

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 y...

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 o...

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...

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 co...

  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...

  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...

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...

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...

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 a...

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, Ut...