DeanCast

William and Mary's School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics

DeanCast is hosted by Doug Schmidt, the Dean of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics at William & Mary. In each episode Doug talks with a member of the W&M community - both past and present - to explore the research questions that drive them, the discoveries that excite them, the experiences they’ve had as teachers and students, and the societal impact of their work. Theme: 'Upbeat Summer Background Music' by DELOSound via pixabay.com

Episodes

  1. 12/18/2025

    Inside GlueX: Discovery, Collaboration, and Subatomic Particles

    In this episode of DeanCast, we sit down with Dr. Justin Stevens, Associate Professor of Physics and spokesperson for the international GlueX Collaboration. Justin explains how GlueX uses high-energy photon beams to probe the strong nuclear force, search for exotic hadrons, and reveal new structures of quarks and gluons. He also shares how large-scale, international collaborations drive discovery and how collaborations with other William & Mary departments are transforming particle identification and detector simulation. The conversation highlights the powerful partnership between William & Mary and Jefferson Lab, which provides students extraordinary access to world-class research.

    19 min
  2. From Curiosity to Impact: Insights from AI Club Vice President Andrew Yowell

    12/03/2025

    From Curiosity to Impact: Insights from AI Club Vice President Andrew Yowell

    In this episode of DeanCast, we sit down with Andrew Yowell, a sophomore at William & Mary studying economics and serving as Vice President of the AI Club. Andrew shares how a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to “learn by doing” have shaped his journey - from implementing accessible AI tools in commercial real estate to helping build one of W&M's fastest growing student organizations.  Andrew discusses the link between economics and machine learning, the challenges of leading an AI Club with a diverse level of AI fluency, and the importance of lowering the barrier to entry for those new to using AI. He also reflects on the influence of mentors, the balance between AI use and critical thinking, and his evolving interests in applying AI for societal benefit. This conversation highlights how students are taking the lead in shaping William and Mary's AI culture and preparing for a future where AI fluency is essential.

    13 min

  3. 11/12/2025

    Inside William & Mary’s Rise in Computer Science

    In this episode of DeanCast, we sit down with Professor Evgenia Smirni, Chair of William & Mary’s Department of Computer Science, to explore the department’s extraordinary rise in national prominence. From a dramatic 28-place leap in the U.S. News & World Report rankings to groundbreaking faculty hires in AI, cybersecurity, and robotics, Evgenia shares how strategic growth, innovative teaching, and student excellence are redefining computing at William & Mary. Hear how the department balances cutting-edge research with the university’s hallmark personalized approach — preparing graduates not just to keep pace with the AI revolution, but to lead it.

    11 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    Data, Humanity, and the Future: Dr. Dan Runfola on the Science of Thriving

    In this episode of DeanCast, Dean Schmidt sits down with Dr. Dan Runfola, Chair of Data Science at William & Mary, to explore the fascinating intersection of satellites, artificial intelligence, and human well-being. From mapping poverty from space to modeling thousands of online personalities, Dan’s work asks a powerful question: what makes humans thrive?They discuss how a childhood art competition led to a lifelong curiosity about technology, why solving climate change requires understanding people as much as the planet, and how global satellite data can help predict, and ideally prevent,human crises. Dan also shares how his GeoLab empowers undergraduates to lead real-world projects and how William & Mary is preparing students for the era of generative AI through innovative coursework and a new minor in AI.

    15 min

  5. 10/08/2025

    Debugging the Future: AI, Trust, and the Next Generation of Software Engineers

    In this episode of DeanCast, we sit down with Dr. Denys Poshyvanyk, Chancellor Professor of Computer Science at William & Mary, whose pioneering research bridges AI and software engineering. From early skepticism about machine learning to the dawn of self-repairing code, Denys shares how AI is transforming how developers debug, test, and trust their tools and the future of teaching computer science in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

    20 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

DeanCast is hosted by Doug Schmidt, the Dean of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics at William & Mary. In each episode Doug talks with a member of the W&M community - both past and present - to explore the research questions that drive them, the discoveries that excite them, the experiences they’ve had as teachers and students, and the societal impact of their work. Theme: 'Upbeat Summer Background Music' by DELOSound via pixabay.com

Information

  • Creator
    William and Mary's School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © William and Mary's School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics
  • Show Website
    DeanCast