SIIP and Share Podcast

SIIP and Share Podcast
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED DAILY

A podcast highlighting education innovations in the Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign!

  1. 6D AGO

    Scaffolding Success: Dr. Koloutsou-Vakakis on Collaboration, Coding, and Curriculum Reform

    Dr. Sotiria Koloutsou-Vakakis, Senior Lecturer and Research Scientist in Civil and Environmental Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss her SIIP project focused on integrating computational thinking across the civil and environmental engineering curriculum. She shares how her team introduced tools like R and Python into 200- and 300-level courses, redesigned assignments to reflect real-world engineering challenges, and connected coding to societal impact. The episode highlights the role of community-driven curriculum design, shifting student perceptions of coding, and how embedding computation into engineering education better prepares students to solve complex, real-world problems.  Guest(s):   Sotiria Koloutsou-Vakakis Link:https://cee.illinois.edu/directory/profile/sotiriak Host: Holly Golecki  Engineered by: Piper Pascarella   Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias      Continue the conversation!     Follow us on socials!      Visit the SIIP and Share website  ⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram  ⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X  Follow us on LinkedIn

    38 min

  2. MAY 1

    Early Research and Real-World Impact: Marci Pool on Cancer Scholars, Mentorship, and Transforming Engineering Education

    Dr. Marci Pool, Assistant Director of Education at the Cancer Center at Illinois and Teaching Associate Professor in Bioengineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss the Cancer Scholars program, a long-running SIIP initiative designed to engage students in cancer research from their first year. She shares how the program integrates research, mentorship, and interdisciplinary coursework to build students’ skills in experimental design, science communication, and innovation. The episode highlights the importance of early research exposure, supporting first-generation students, and creating pathways that connect engineering education to real-world healthcare challenges and long-term impact in cancer research. Guest(s):  Marci Pool Link: https://cancer.illinois.edu/people/marcia-marci-pool/ Host: Blake Johnson Engineered by: Piper Pascarella  Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias    Continue the conversation!  Follow us on socials!    Visit the SIIP and Share website ⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram ⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X Follow us on LinkedIn

    34 min

  3. APR 28

    Teaching at Scale with AI: Abdu Alawini on Generative AI, Personalized Feedback, and the Future of Engineering Education

    Dr. Abdu Alawini, Teaching Associate Professor in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, joins SIIP and Share to discuss his SIIP project exploring generative AI in engineering and computing education. He shares how AI-powered tools, such as personalized feedback systems, knowledge graphs, and Illinois Chat, support learning at scale while preserving meaningful instructor -student connections. The episode highlights ethical considerations, curriculum redesign, and how AI can help prepare students for an evolving, technology-driven workforce. Guest(s):  Abdu Alawini Link: https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/about/people/faculty/alawini  Host: Holly Golecki Engineered by: Piper Pascarella   Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias      Continue the conversation!     Follow us on socials!      Visit the SIIP and Share website  ⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram  ⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X  Follow us on LinkedIn

    1h 2m

  4. APR 24

    Writing to Learn in Engineering: John Popovics on Technical Communication and Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

    Dr. John Popovics, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss his SIIP work on improving technical writing in engineering education. He shares how collaboration between engineering and writing studies faculty led to practical strategies for teaching communication, supporting TAs, and helping students learn through writing. The episode highlights faculty development, scalable instructional change, and how SIIP projects support education research.   Guest(s):   John Popovics Link: https://cee.illinois.edu/directory/profile/johnpop Host: Jenny Amos Engineered by: Piper Pascarella   Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias      Continue the conversation!  Follow us on socials!     Visit the ⁠⁠SIIP and Share website⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on X  Follow us on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

    25 min

  5. APR 21

    Rethinking Exams at Scale: Craig Zilles on Computer-Based Testing, Assessment, and Academic Integrity

    Dr. Craig Zilles, Professor of Computer Science, joins SIIP and Share to discuss the development and impact of Illinois’s Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF), which began as a SIIP project. He shares how CBTF enables flexible, secure, and scalable assessment for large-enrollment courses, supports frequent low-stakes testing, and addresses academic integrity challenges in the age of generative AI. The episode highlights how thoughtful assessment design can enhance student learning, alleviate anxiety, and transform instructional practices.     Guest(s):   Craig Zilles Link: ⁠https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/about/people/faculty/zilles⁠   Host: Blake Johnson  Engineered by: Piper Pascarella   Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias      Continue the conversation!     Follow us on socials!     Visit the ⁠SIIP and Share website⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠⁠⁠⁠ on X  Follow us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

    57 min

  6. APR 16

    Bringing Parallel Computing into the Classroom: Yuting Wu Chen on Curriculum Innovation and Teaching at Scale

    Dr. Yuting Wu Chen, Teaching Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, joins SIIP and Share to discuss her SIIP project, which focuses on modernizing the ECE curriculum by introducing parallel computing concepts earlier in students’ academic journey. She shares how her team developed scalable, modular learning experiences, integrated through flipped classroom techniques and supported by extra credit opportunities, to enhance engagement in large-enrollment courses. The episode highlights cross-course collaboration, the role of teaching assistants in curriculum development, and how early exposure to emerging computing concepts can better prepare students for advanced coursework and evolving industry demands.  Guest(s):  Yuting Wu Chen  Link: https://ece.illinois.edu/about/directory/faculty/ywchen   Host: Blake Johnson  Engineered by: Piper Pascarella   Produced by: Natalie Taylor and Evelyn Ochoa Arias      Continue the conversation!     Follow us on socials!     Visit the SIIP and Share website  ⁠@SIIPandSharePodcast⁠ on Instagram  ⁠@SIIPandSharePod⁠ on X  Follow us on LinkedIn

    36 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    PrairieLearn, Group Work, and the Future of Teaching: A Conversation with Dr. Silva

    In this episode of SIIP and Share, host Dr. Ashleigh Wright talks with Dr. Mariana Silva, Teaching Associate Professor and Education Innovation Fellow in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Silva shares how her early work in mechanical engineering evolved into large-scale innovations in computer-based learning, group collaboration, and flexible assessment. From transforming linear algebra courses with real-world computational tools to helping develop and scale PrairieLearn, Dr. Silva’s passion for accessible, engaging education shines through. She also discusses her vision for the future of learning—where flexibility, collaboration, and student autonomy take center stage. Learn more about Prof. Silva here.

    38 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    From Circuits to Storylines: How Games Engage Engineering Students

    In this episode of SIIP and Share, host Holly Golecki talks with Dr. Ali Ansari, Teaching Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, about his creative approach to teaching through play. Dr. Ansari shares how he uses games—from MATLAB challenges to smoothie-themed puzzles—to make complex engineering concepts more approachable and fun. He also discusses his plans for a future SIIP project focused on building and sharing classroom games that engage students and inspire learning.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast highlighting education innovations in the Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign!

Information

  • Creator
    SIIP and Share Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SIIP and Share Podcast
  • Show Website
    SIIP and Share Podcast