Sentinel Soundbytes

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

Join us on Sentinel Soundbytes, the official podcast of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). This series offers a deep dive into the unique experiences and opportunities available at ASCTE, a tuition-free magnet school focused on integrating cyber technology and engineering across all academic disciplines. From the school's inception to its current status as a leader in STEM education, each episode provides insights into various aspects of life at ASCTE.

  1. 17.12.2025

    Episode 13: Inside the ASCTE Research Institute: A New Era of Cyber & AI Innovation

    In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we sit down with ASCTE President Matt Massey and CTO Chase Golden for an inside look at one of the school’s most ambitious initiatives yet—the newly approved ASCTE Research Institute. They break down what a research center actually is, why it matters, and how it positions ASCTE as a global leader in cyber education. Matt and Chase walk through the Institute’s four research labs, the statewide impact of the Alabama Center of Excellence, and the strategic partnerships driving innovation across K–12, higher education, industry, and government. We also dive into the physical expansion coming to campus, the 2027 opening timeline, and how student internships, capstones, and emerging-technology curriculum will be shaped by this new hub for collaboration. This episode offers a clear look at how ASCTE is preparing students—and the State of Alabama—for the future of cyber, AI, and engineering workforce development.

    10 Min.

  2. 12.11.2025

    Episode 12: Inside ACCEL: Inspiring Alabama’s Next Generation of Cyber & Engineering Leaders

    In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we dive into ACCEL — Advancing Cyber Concepts & Engineering Learning, ASCTE’s statewide outreach initiative delivering hands-on cyber and engineering education to schools across Alabama and beyond. MaryClair Wright and Dr. Chris Brown — educators who transitioned from industry to the classroom — share how ACCEL is expanding access to high-quality STEM learning. From coding micro: bits and “teleporting ducks” to launching water rockets, ACCEL brings interactive engineering and cybersecurity experiences to middle-school students who may have never seen technology like this before. The goal? Spark curiosity, build confidence, and help every student realize:You belong in the world of cyber and engineering. We then welcome two ASCTE seniors and ACCEL interns, Phoebe and Micah, who share their first-hand experience traveling the state (and even to rural Alaska) to teach and inspire younger students. They discuss mentoring future innovators, having meaningful conversations about AI with middle-schoolers, and what it’s like to serve both as students and as part of the ASCTE team. From statewide impact to student leadership and global outreach, this episode highlights how ACCEL is shaping the next generation of cyber and engineering leaders — one school visit, one rocket launch, and yes, even one teleporting duck at a time.

    26 Min.

  3. 03.09.2025

    Episode 11: Bridging STEM and Storytelling at ASCTE

    On this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re joined by two outstanding educators from the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering — Jessy Bryan, Lead Language Instructor, and Angela Pelle, Engineering Instructor. As orientation kicks off and students return to campus, we explore how ASCTE weaves engineering into its core subjects. Jessy shares her journey from teaching AP Literature and Language to creating innovative projects that connect classics like The Great Gatsby to engineering principles, while celebrating record-setting AP exam pass rates. Angela brings her extensive background in civil and environmental engineering to the classroom, showing how hands-on projects — like building windmills inspired by The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind — give students a tangible link between reading and real-world applications. Together, they highlight the power of collaboration between departments, the blending of technical and communication skills, and how ASCTE prepares students to think critically and solve problems in every field.

    23 Min.

  4. 13.08.2025

    Episode 10: Teaching Cybersecurity and Ethics at ASCTE

    In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re joined by two Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering faculty members who are shaping the next generation of leaders in tech: Beth Blair, Lead Counselor and Ethics Instructor, and Peter Speak, Cybersecurity Instructor. Beth shares her journey to ASCTE, starting before the school’s opening in 2020, and how her role has evolved to include developing and teaching the school’s ethics curriculum. She explains how she helps students—many just beginning high school—develop critical thinking, personal values, and the ability to navigate complex decisions in both life and technology. Peter reflects on his transition from industry into teaching, the advanced skills ASCTE students are learning at an early age, and the responsibility that comes with giving them “dark arts” cyber capabilities. He describes how ethics is woven into his cybersecurity classes, from analyzing real-world breaches to hands-on simulations of attacks and defenses. Together, they discuss the balance between technical skills and moral responsibility, how ASCTE prepares students for high-stakes environments, and why critical thinking and perspective-taking are as vital as technical expertise. If you’re interested in how future innovators are being trained to combine cutting-edge cyber skills with strong ethical foundations, this conversation offers a unique inside look at ASCTE’s approach.

    21 Min.

  5. 23.07.2025

    Episode 9: Inside the Clinic: Supporting Student Wellness at ASCTE

    On this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we sit down with ASCTE’s school nurses, Lacey Wright and Jennifer Raburn, to explore what student wellness looks like at a residential STEM high school. From daily meds and emergency protocols to parent communication and local healthcare partnerships, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the systems in place to keep ASCTE students safe, healthy, and supported, both in and out of the classroom. Whether you're a prospective parent or just curious about the unique demands of a boarding school environment, this episode sheds light on the heart and coordination behind student care.🎧 Tune in to hear: What a “day in the life” looks like for ASCTE nurses How onboarding works for students with medical needs What happens when a student gets sick far from home The collaboration between nurses, faculty, and residential staff Advice for families preparing to send their students to ASCTE

    18 Min.

  6. 27.06.2025

    Episode 8: Powering the Future: TVA and ASCTE's Cyber Internship Program

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rosemary Hodges of ASCTE and Lauren Pelto from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to explore the powerful partnership between education and industry. They dive into how internships and partnerships provide hands-on, real-world experiences that prepare students for critical workforce needs—especially in cybersecurity, engineering, and infrastructure. Hear how ASCTE students are gaining unique access to TVA’s cyber teams, ethical hacking exercises, and even out-of-state internships at TVA’s Chattanooga headquarters — all while contributing to the workforce development that’s helping power the rapidly growing Tennessee Valley region.

    16 Min.

  7. 04.06.2025

    Episode 7: Letting Go, Leaning In: A Parent’s Perspective on ASCTE Life

    In this special end-of-year episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re recording on the campus of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering during one of the busiest—and most emotional—days of the year: move-out day, awards day, and the official last day of school. In this episode, we sit down with residential student Carolyn Robertson and her father, Alan, for a heartfelt conversation about their family’s journey through Carolyn’s first year at ASCTE. They reflect on what it was like to make the decision to attend a boarding STEM school three hours from home, how they navigated long-distance parenting, and the unexpected personal growth Carolyn experienced through new friendships, academic challenges, and extracurricular involvement—from volleyball to theater. Alan, who also serves as a principal at a public school in Alabama, offers a unique dual perspective—as both a parent and an educator—on the culture, communication, and care that set ASCTE apart. Whether you’re a prospective parent, a curious student, or an education leader, this episode offers an inside look at what it means to be part of the ASCTE community.

    16 Min.

  8. 21.05.2025

    Episode 6: Leading the Charge: How ASCTE Is Bringing AI Literacy to High Schools Across the State

    In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re joined by ASCTE Chief Technology Officer Chase Golden and Cybersecurity Instructor and Curriculum Developer Mary Claire Wright to explore an exciting new initiative that’s shaping the future of education in Alabama. Together, they dive into ASCTE’s partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education to create a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence curriculum for high school students across the state. Mary Claire shares her experience transitioning out of the classroom to lead the development of this accessible, project-based course designed specifically for Alabama teachers and students—many of whom are working with limited resources. From equipping educators with a full "course in a box" to making AI concepts approachable on everyday devices like Chromebooks, this conversation breaks down how ASCTE is empowering a generation of students with foundational AI literacy—regardless of their background or future career path. Plus, hear how this curriculum aligns with the school’s mission to disrupt traditional models of STEM education and create a more informed, AI-ready workforce. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or just curious about the role of AI in classrooms, this episode is a must-listen.

    11 Min.
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Info

Join us on Sentinel Soundbytes, the official podcast of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). This series offers a deep dive into the unique experiences and opportunities available at ASCTE, a tuition-free magnet school focused on integrating cyber technology and engineering across all academic disciplines. From the school's inception to its current status as a leader in STEM education, each episode provides insights into various aspects of life at ASCTE.

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  • Erstellt von
    Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
  • Jahre aktiv
    2025
  • Folgen
    13
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
  • Sendungswebsite
    Sentinel Soundbytes