Inside IALR

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
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Inside IALR explores the ways that the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) catalyzes economic transformation. Listen for a behind-the-scenes view of how our programs, people and partnerships are impacting Southern Virginia and beyond. Host Caleb Ayers and Producer Daniel Dalton interview someone new every episode, introducing listeners to IALR leaders and partners, promoting programs and highlighting opportunities to connect with us.   New episodes are published every other Monday.  

  1. HÁ 4 DIAS

    Skills, Certifications and Career Opportunities: ATDM Success Stories

    The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is preparing the next generation of skilled workers for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base. With an 85% job placement rate and graduates from nearly every state, ATDM is creating real career opportunities. In this episode, recent graduates Dylan Carter and Angel Gallaher describe how the program equipped them with technical expertise, industry certifications and career-ready confidence.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    24min

  2. 8 DE SET.

    Balancing Flexibility, Strategy and Exponential Growth: A Conversation with IALR Leadership

    In this episode of Inside IALR, we sit down with President Telly Tucker and Executive Vice President of Operations Dr. John Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, leadership and the mission of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. From managing exponential expansion to filling workforce gaps, Tucker and Hughes reflect on how IALR continues to transform lives in Southern Virginia and beyond. Along the way, they share candid insights on challenges, opportunities, and the people who make it all possible.  This episode offers a thoughtful look behind the curtain at IALR’s momentum, future regional economic transformation, leadership in action, and how innovation takes shape across research, manufacturing, workforce and education. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    29min

  3. 25 DE AGO.

    Women at the Torch: Leading and Inspiring at ATDM

    What is it like to be a woman teaching advanced manufacturing in a field where men make up the majority? Hear it from three members of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) instructional team: welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King. As the only women on a team of nearly 40 instructors and technicians, they share their career journeys, classroom experiences and what it means to mentor the next generation of manufacturing talent. Through their stories, you’ll hear how ATDM’s fast-paced, 600-hour program equips students for life-changing careers in welding, metrology and more—and why representation matters in the skilled trades. This conversation highlights the impact of teaching, perseverance, and opportunity. 🎙️Topics Covered: How each instructor found her way into manufacturing and teachingWhat it’s like to guide students in ATDM’s intensive four-month programChallenges and opportunities for women in male-dominated fieldsInspiring student success stories, from “last shot” moments to certification triumphsWhy role models matter in shaping the next generation of manufacturing talentThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    22min

  4. 11 DE AGO.

    Growing Talent at the CEA Innovation Center

    What happens when Ph.D. candidates, master’s students, undergrads and interns all share the same greenhouse? You get a powerful, layered research environment that grows more than just plants. In this episode of Inside IALR, we explore how the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center is not only advancing sustainable agriculture but also training the next generation of researchers and industry leaders. A partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech, the CEA Innovation Center blends hands-on research, mentorship and workforce development.  You’ll hear how students at four different educational levels are conducting applied research on plant disease management, beneficial microbes and nutrient optimization. From mentoring interns to designing dissertation-level experiments, these students are learning and growing.  🎙 Guests: Dr. Kaylee South – Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech (stationed full-time at IALR)Colin Fite – M.S. Student, Virginia TechPraveen Gajula – Ph.D. Student, Virginia Tech🔍 Topics Covered: What Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is and why it mattersHow beneficial microbes are being tested in vertical farms and greenhousesThe role of students in maintaining IALR’s demonstration farmMentorship across education levels—from intern to Ph.D.Career goals of students entering the CEA industryOpportunities for students to join the CEA Innovation CenterWhether you're an educator, student, grower or just curious about the future of agtech, this episode offers a glimpse into how research, education and industry come together under one greenhouse roof. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    24min

  5. 28 DE JUL.

    Inside the Internship: Stories from IALR’s Summer Interns

    What is it like to be an intern at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research? In this episode of Inside IALR, hear from five of the 18 interns who spent their summer working across IALR’s divisions—from applied research and economic development to manufacturing advancement and GO TEC. You’ll hear from: Grayson Snead, an ag tech intern researching bacterial endophytes in broccoli microgreensDilara Sultanova, a data-savvy Empower intern building automation tools and career resourcesDaniel Olasoko and Moiz Fakhri, who worked with machine learning models to support student success in the ATDM programDakotah Younger, who helped train teachers and guide students through hands-on technology with the GO TEC teamThey reflect on what they learned, the real-world impact they made, and how the experience is shaping their future careers.  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    26min

  6. 14 DE JUL.

    Tracking Plant Growth Pixel by Pixel

    What if you could track a plant’s health and growth every 15 minutes, all automatically and without ever touching it? In this episode of Inside IALR, Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, explores the SMART Platform—IALR’s Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table system. These high-tech tables combine robotics, precision imaging and automation to capture tens of thousands of data points per experiment, helping researchers analyze plant growth, stress response and even subtle movements in real time. Learn how the SMART Platforms allow for entire plant life-cycle testing for beneficial microbes and enable real-time monitoring of plant health. You’ll hear about how interns have played a central role in coding and refining the system, how companies can contract research on the tables and how this technology is helping lay the groundwork for more sustainable agriculture. Whether you’re into agtech, robotics, plant biology or data science, this episode connects it all. Plus, you’ll hear how this one-of-a-kind platform is opening doors for students and researchers alike. 🔍 Topics Covered: What makes SMART Platforms uniqueHow 80,000+ images become meaningful plant health dataIntern-driven innovation in Python and computer visionIndustry collaboration and commercialization opportunitiesThe future of AI in agriculture and early stress detectionThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    24min

  7. 2 DE JUN.

    Registered Apprenticeship Best Practices and Lessons Learned

    Registered apprenticeships pair paid, hands-on work with classroom lessons to grow dependable talent. In this Inside IALR episode, host Caleb Ayers talks with: Natori Neal – Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR’s EXTRA programJenny Spitzer – Co-owner, Spitzer Inc. (electrical contractors)Josh Arnold – Master Electrician and lead instructor at SpitzerJacob Oakes – Second-year electrical apprenticeThey share insights on: How a registered apprenticeship is structured, from day-one wages to a journeyman credentialBuilding curriculum around the employer’s real work Why covering tuition and books helps apprentices focus and stayChoosing the right mentors Starting with small cohorts to emphasize quality over head-countUtilizing the free support from IALR’s EXTRA program for designing, funding and sustaining apprenticeship programsThe Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    35min

  8. 19 DE MAI.

    The Life-Changing Impact of a Four-Month Training Program

    In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Patrick Crowley and Ronald Green, recent graduates from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Listen in as they share: Patrick’s transition from logistics to CNC machining for more impactful work.Ron’s journey from entrepreneurship in fashion to welding for career stability.Their intense and rewarding four-month ATDM training experience.How they overcame challenges and built camaraderie with classmates.The promising career opportunities awaiting them post-graduation.The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    31min
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Sobre

Inside IALR explores the ways that the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) catalyzes economic transformation. Listen for a behind-the-scenes view of how our programs, people and partnerships are impacting Southern Virginia and beyond. Host Caleb Ayers and Producer Daniel Dalton interview someone new every episode, introducing listeners to IALR leaders and partners, promoting programs and highlighting opportunities to connect with us.   New episodes are published every other Monday.  

Informações

  • Criado por
    Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
  • Anos de atividade
    2023 - 2025
  • Episódios
    53
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Inside IALR
  • Site do podcast
    Inside IALR