ORISE Featurecast Special episodes of ORAU Further Together podcast spotlight ORISE-related topics
ORISE Featurecasts are special episodes of the ORAU Further Together podcast that focus specifically on ORISE-related topics. Hosts Michael Holtz and Jenna Harpenau interview ORISE experts who are demonstrating how their work is supporting the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies' missions to strengthen the nation's science education and research initiatives. ORISE Featurecast episodes have focused on ORISE leadership, research at the Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory, workforce development and K-12 STEM education.
The episode guide below will allow you to listen to each edition on Blubrry.com. You can also find Further Together on the Apple Podcasts app for iOS devices, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Latest Episode
Among the Quiet Professionals: Meet Dr. Mark Ervin, new associate director of REAC/TS
Dr. Mark Ervin has experienced a lot of firsts in his career, but joining REAC/TS as the new associate director in the middle of a pandemic certainly stands out. In this episode, you'll learn about Dr. Ervin's background, work experience, hopes for the future of this ORISE crown jewel, and even hear about the Zen of fishing without bait. Jenna and Michael had a great conversation with Dr. Ervin for this episode of the ORISE Featurecast. We hope you'll join us.
Listen to Episode 46
Transcript for Episode 46
Previous Episodes
This episode of the ORISE Featurecast is a conversation with Chic Thompson, founder of WAGI Labs, and Kayla Canario, ORISE K-12 program manager. ORISE and WAGI Labs are working together to help students learn the concepts of design thinking, entrepreneurship and empathy so they can solve problems in their communities. Together, ORISE and WAGI Labs have created a free game that helps students learn these concepts. Learn all about during this episode of the ORISE Featurecast.
In May, ORISE launched a mobile app called ORISE GO. The app offers college students, recent graduates and postdoctoral students a mobile tool to search and apply for hundreds of science, technology, engineering and math internships, fellowships and research opportunities at national labs and facilities across the United States. The ORISE GO app also provides a platform to remain engaged, connected and informed during the ORISE experience—from application, to offer, through the appointment and even as an ORISE alum. Join hosts Michael Holtz and Jenna Harpenau as they invite Leslie Fox and Chelsea Gibson to hang out around the virtual coffee table.
Jill Latchana says it's the little things that bring her joy, like a dance party with her five children to celebrate 15 years of marriage to her husband, Neil. Here five children each have different ethnic backgrounds, all are adopted or being fostered, and they clearly bring her joy. You'll hear in her voice as she talks about balancing work, life and caring for her kids during the COVID-19 lockdown in Maryland. Latchana manages the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Program for ORISE. Jenna and Michael talk to Jill about how she and Neil balance work with life as foster parents (they've fostered 18 kids), how they made the decision to adopt, how they pour love into the lives of their foster kids, and so much more. Life is always interesting, and Jill says it takes a village. She talks about her village people too.
ORISE manages two two-week summer residential programs for students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and teachers who want to hone their STEM skills. JSTI APG will take place in Baltimore and JSTI ABQ will take place in Albuquerque. Students and teachers work side-by-side with researchers in academic or government research laboratory settings. Jennifer Tyrell and Kayla Canario of the ORISE K-12 team talk about everything students and teachers need to know about these programs. Applications are now open and the programs, including travel, are free.
ORISE has been tracking stay rates for foreign nationals who come to the United States to earn doctoral degrees in science, engineering and other STEM-related fields since the 1970s. Why is this information important? What does it tell us about higher education in the United States? And what does the future look like for foreign nationals who come here to get their degrees? Leigh Ann Pennington and Mike Finn are experts at tracking this data, and explaining what it all means. Join us for an enlightening conversation.
Craig Layman, Ph.D., associate director of workforce development for ORISE, is openly passionate about scientific workforce development, the people who work at every level of his organization, and their impact on the scientific workforce. In this wide-ranging discussion, we discuss K-12 STEM education, research participation programs at the Department of Energy and other federal facilities, longitudinal research studies and so much more. Get ready for an insightful episode of the ORISE Featurecast, a special edition of the Further Together podcast.
Dr. Howard Hall is a member of the ORISE Distinguished Scientist Advisory Board, an external panel of recognized experts in scientific and technical disciplines that validates the ORISE vision is maximizing DOE's strategic objectives. Dr. Hall talks about trading his national laboratory career to work in academia at the University of Tennessee. Working for the DSAB combines the best of both worlds.
Desmond Stubbs was an academic late-bloomer. While working as a hotel cater waiter, a chance encounter sparked his pursuit of an academic career in chemistry. In November 2019, Dr. Desmond Stubbs was honored as this year's HBCU Pioneer by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. The award is given to those who have dedicated a substantial part of their career to the support of historically black colleges and universities, as well as to other underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Stubbs is the director of diversity for ORISE, linking HBCUs with opportunities for students at federal research institutions around the country. Join us for a fun and fascinating conversation.
Julia Steed is a senior at Oak Ridge High School. She spent part of her summer alongside Katie Schuman, a research scientist who specializes in artificial intelligence at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Her experience in ORNL's Next Generation STEM Internship Program has fueled Steed's interest in computer science. She and Schuman discuss the research they conducted, the importance of mentorship for young scientists and the importance of the NEXTGENS program.
Imagine discussing internship and research opportunities with world-renowned scientists from your laptop or mobile device in the comfort of your living room while wearing pajamas. Virtual career fairs allow applicants to do exactly that, which reduces anxiety for applicants, saves money for organizations looking to place candidates, and lets recruiters spend more time with applicants. Amanda Hurley, ORISE section manager for workforce development, and C.J. Mitchell, social media and digital analyst, discuss the importance of virtual career fairs for ORISE.
Janie Kimble and Melissa Jones teach math and science, respectively, at Carlin Combined Schools in rural Carlin, Nevada (population 2,300). They have transformed STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in their school, from how they teach to offering a STEM Club, a robotics team, and so much more. This transformation is possible thanks in part to the Joint Science and Technology Institute, a two-week residential program for high school students and teachers that exposes them to scientific research through hands-on projects. JSTI is managed by ORISE and is sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Joint Science Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense.
Dr. Adayabalam Balajee, technical director for the ORISE Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory has had a storied research career, including a stint at the National Institutes of Health. In this conversation, Dr. Balajee talks about the important work of the CBL in helping determine whether someone has been exposed to radiation and how much; REAC/TS, the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site, which trains medical professionals to respond in the event of a radiation emergency; as well as his research, which includes research with bioprinted tissue. Dr. Balajee's work is fascinating. You don't want to miss this episode!
Jim Vosburg, the director of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, which is managed by ORAU for the Department of Energy, talks about his varied career, the programs ORISE offers (scientific workforce development, scientific peer review, the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site, worker health, and independent cleanup verification) and much more. This is an interesting and fun conversation not to be missed!
Nicie Murphy, ORISE K-12 education group manager, discusses the importance of educating students at a young age and how it correlates with building up the nation’s scientific workforce. She also talks about the value of partnering with businesses and community organizations to ensure STEM education reaches as many young people as possible.