The B-Xcellent Podcast

The New Skill Imperative: Why AI Literacy Is Non-Negotiable

The New Skill Imperative: Why AI Literacy Is Non-NegotiableDr. 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 critical part of its development. The conversation covers how AI is changing education and the workforce for everyone.
Dr. Harrison-Smith and Dr. Nyarko explore the practical definition of artificial intelligence and its relationship to machine learning. Dr. Nyarko explains that AI systems are designed to mimic human thinking, and machine learning is one popular method used to achieve this. They also discuss the importance of using AI responsibly, highlighting the differences between predictive and generative AI. The conversation examines the risks of "hallucination" in AI models and how users can apply critical thinking to evaluate AI-generated content. Finally, they address the future of AI in education and the skills needed to adapt to a changing job market.
Episode Highlights:Defining artificial intelligence and its relationship to machine learning.Understanding the key difference between AI's ability to mimic human thought and true intelligence.Breaking down the two main types of AI, predictive and generative, and the risks of "hallucination" in models.Why AI must be developed and tested responsibly to ensure fairness and minimize harm.The necessity of using critical thinking to evaluate AI outputs and avoid misinformation.How AI is transforming the classroom, presenting both challenges for faculty and new opportunities for learning.How AI will reshape industries and create a significant advantage for those who learn to use it effectively.An overview of the efforts at CEAMLS to address bias and build more equitable AI systems.
Key Takeaways:"I think most people should just understand that AI at its core is just a system mimicking human thinking and human reasoning.""I like to use the term responsible AI... we like to use it responsibly. So we like to train responsibly, we like to put it in practice responsibly, and also to continue to test and evaluate.""Be a critical thinker. Don't always just take what comes out and just run with it.""I like to use AI to help me do some of the mundane things that's kind of difficult to do. For example, craft quizzes.""AI gives you such a leg up that you would be at a great disadvantage if you don't figure how to use it responsibly in what you do.""AI to me is going to be the same thing. We don't really know what's going to open up... But it's going to open up so many new opportunities that if you do not engage now, most likely you will be disadvantaged in the future.""Don't be afraid of AI taking your job... Be afraid of the person who uses AI well to come take your job."
Links:B-Xcellent Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@b-xcellentpodcastDr. Kofi Nyarko: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kofinyarko/Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS): https://www.instagram.com/centerforequitableai/

Living Your Epic Life with Dr. Luciano Castillo

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.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Castillo conducts an exploration of the profound themes of resilience, mentorship, and intentional life design. He opens up about his personal struggles and how they inspired him to write a book focused on helping others navigate their own challenges, emphasizing the importance of viewing failures as learning opportunities. Highlighting the power of having a strong support system of mentors and role models, the discussion also covers practical strategies for creating a roadmap for your life, complete with actionable exercises to help you define your purpose and stay on track. This episode is truly overflowing with wisdom for anyone ready to build their own epic life.
Episode Highlights:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Luciano Castillo and his new book02:07 - The personal struggles that inspired "Building Your Epic Life"05:15 - Developing a resilient mindset to overcome obstacles07:27 - Embracing failure as a key to resilience and success19:13 - The importance of mentors and role models for growth29:00 - Designing a "life blueprint" based on your values37:00 - Using the book's exercises for actionable steps40:14 - The five pillars of a well-rounded life42:25 - What's next for Dr. Castillo and the book's message47:47 - Who the book is for and where to find it
Key Takeaways:"As big as you could see somebody is, behind that, there's a lot of failures.""I'm always asking, even in any experience... what is the lesson behind that?""When we're talking about the struggle, I mean, it is real. We all have a real struggle.""Failure, if you learn and you keep at it, could be the biggest lesson for you.""You have to adapt.""You want people that you could resonate with, that you could connect with. And you don't even have to have the same religious view or political views.""A leader is there to serve others. It’s not about glorifying themselves.""When you know where you're going, there's something different about you."
Links:B-Xcellent Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@b-xcellentpodcastBuilding Your Epic Life: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/building-your-epic-life-luciano-castillo/1147940980

B-Xcellent Is Back!

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 and professionals in the STEM fields.
Born from community feedback, "DARE to STEM" is built on four pillars: Discover, Achieve, Reach, and Empower. The initiative relaunches the "Step into STEM" hands-on science event and introduces a library of career resources for navigating internships, grad school, and the workforce. As you will hear, the podcast's core mission of amplifying authentic voices in STEM remains central, providing strategies and stories to inspire excellence.
Episode Highlights:
The podcast moves to its new home at Morgan State University.
The "B-Xcellent" brand expands into the "DARE to STEM" movement.
DARE stands for Discover, Achieve, Reach, and Empower.
The podcast continues with a new season featuring diverse industry voices.
"Step into STEM," a hands-on community science event, is relaunched.
New career resources will guide students through internships and beyond.
The core mission remains: helping you be excellent in STEM.

Imposter Syndrome

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 explains how imposter syndrome manifests in various forms, including perfectionism and fear of failure, and reveals the ways these feelings undermine confidence and performance. 
Dr. Harrison-Smith then goes on to offer valuable strategies to recognize, understand, and combat imposter syndrome, encouraging listeners to embrace their abilities and navigate challenges with confidence. Ultimately, this episode highlights that imposter syndrome does not have to limit one’s academic or professional success. Instead, with the right mindset and tools, listeners can turn self-doubt into an opportunity for growth, unlocking their full potential.
 
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Imposter Syndrome
01:09 Maya’s Story A First Generation Student’s Struggle
04:41 What is Imposter Syndrome?
05:50 Types of Imposter Syndrome Explained
06:46 How Imposter Syndrome Affects Performance
07:20 Key Drivers of Imposter Syndrome
07:47 Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome
09:10 Important Reminders as You Begin This New Semester
Key Takeaways:
"Imposter syndrome is a pattern where an individual doubts their accomplishments and fears being exposed as a fraud."
 
"Maya's story is one that many first-generation and underrepresented students can relate to."
 
"The microaggressions, though small in isolation, accumulated, leaving Maya feeling isolated and unsupported."
 
"Imposter syndrome may affect as many as 82% of people at some point in their life."
 
"Recognize that it's okay to feel this way. Acknowledging it is your first step."
 
"Challenge those negative thoughts. Replace 'I'm not good enough' with 'I've worked hard to be here and I deserve this.'"
 
"Learning thrives from the meeting of minds and the collective generation of ideas."
 
"Connect with others. Sharing your feelings can be incredibly liberating."
 
"Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and reassurance. They've likely been where you are."
 
"Your potential is not measured by how easily you succeed, but how resilient you are as you navigate your path to success."
 
Links:
B-Xcellent Podcast: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Academics/Graduate/b-xcellent/index_html

Freshman Year Advice: What I Wish I Knew Before College

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 failure, Jada and Brooke offer valuable insights for current and future college students. Dr. Harrison-Smith adds his perspective, providing advice on extracurricular involvement, time management, and the importance of viewing college as a journey of self-discovery and career exploration.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and guest introductions02:37 Academic preparation for college04:01 Pre-college programs and their effectiveness05:15 Reflecting on pre-college preparation06:18 Academic challenges and support systems09:30 Utilizing campus resources: tutoring, office hours, study groups11:08 The challenge of seeking help & overcoming the ego13:00 Finding community and support through MEP (Minorities in Engineering Program)15:00 Accessing and utilizing academic support systems16:00 Time management and self-directed learning18:05 Shifting priorities and balancing academics and personal life20:30 Lessons learned and strategies for success22:25 Learning how to fail and bounce back24:10 Advice for incoming college students25:20 Seeking mentorship and guidance27:10 The importance of networking and connections28:20 Q&A: Students ask Dr. Harrison-Smith for advice29:50 Prioritizing academics and extracurricular activities31:00 Approachability of professors32:20 Dr. Harrison-Smith’s experience with failure and the importance of resilience35:30 Viewing college as a journey of self-discovery and career exploration
Key Takeaways:
"Even if you understand everything that's going on in class, you do have to take the time on your own to go back and review everything." - Jada
"Just be aware that college is different than high school. You have more freedom." - Brooke
"Maybe failing a test will kind of help you get that mentality where it's like, it's okay, the world is not ending." - Brooke
"It's not about failing, it's about what you do after you failed." - Dr. Harrison-Smith
"College is just so fun and inviting… remember the main thing is the main thing, and that's getting your degree." - Dr. Harrison-Smith
"Your GPA don't matter at that point [job applications]. So what is the main focus? The main focus is getting that degree." - Dr. Harrison-Smith
"Each semester, each class you take, each internship, each interaction you have should really dictate what you plan to do with your life." - Dr. Harrison-Smith
Links:
B-Xcellent Podcast: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Academics/Graduate/b-xcellent/index_htmlPurdue MEP (Minorities in Engineering Program): https://www.purdue.edu/learningcommunities/profiles/engineering/engr_bootcamp.html

Navigating New Beginnings in Academia

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 environment and setting SMART goals to staying organized, we've compiled seven key tips that are crucial for navigating this new chapter.​
Whether you're a freshman or returning to academia after a break, these insights are designed to help you build a solid foundation for your educational journey. Here’s what you can expect to learn:​
- Crafting Your Success Space​
- SMART Goal Setting: What It Is and How to Do It​
- Organizational Strategies for Academic Excellence​
…and more.​
We believe that success in academia is not just about hard work; it's about working smart and creating a supportive ecosystem for your studies. So, if you or someone you know is about to start their academic journey, this episode is a must-listen.​
🎧 Tune in to "Navigating New Beginnings in Academia" and start your educational journey on the right foot. 

Season 1 Highlights and Horizon

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 stories shared, and the community we've built together. But we won't just look back – we'll also share exciting plans for Season 2, promising more in-depth discussions, innovative perspectives, and continued commitment to STEM equity. This episode is perfect for long-time fans seeking to relive the best moments and newcomers eager to discover what B-Xcellent STEM Talk is all about. Join us as we recap, reflect, and set the stage for an even more inspiring Season 2. Your journey towards understanding and impacting the STEM landscape continues here.

Innovating for Impact - Engineering Solutions to Social Challenges

🚀 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, and social consciousness in engineering. She's applying her mastery of noise reduction and energy conservation to pave the way for quieter skies and a cleaner world.
In our conversation, we uncover the riveting process of turning complex design challenges into tangible, socially responsible engineering solutions. Discover how her statistical acumen and product development skills are not just advancing aviation but are also addressing pressing social challenges like migration and gender inclusion in STEM. 🌍
Her story is a powerful narrative that interweaves the robust technicalities of engineering with the delicate fabric of societal needs, exemplifying how innovative minds are crucial to engineering a better world for all.
🔊 Join us for an inspiring dialogue that captures the essence of engineering with purpose.

Engineering Success: Dr. Brandon Pitts Secrets to Thriving in Human Factors, Automation, and Beyond

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 true trailblazer in the world of technology and human-centered engineering. 

”STEM, Climate, and Excellence: A Journey Through Turbulence and Academic Curiosity”

 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!