STEM Southwest Podcast

Bob And Dr. Shelly Gruenig
STEM Southwest Podcast

Designed to create STEM connections, cohesion, and elevation within the Southwest region of the United States. You have discovered a place where STEM enthusiasts gather to learn about the amazing STEM rockstars of the region as well as STEM activities that are impacting the world! Whether you are looking to learn more about STEM innovations in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California you are in the right place! If you have longed to be united with other STEM nerds, then you have found your people here at STEM Southwest! Check out our family-friendly show and events calendar designed to build problem solvers, thinkers, and innovators for the future. New episodes are released every other week.

  1. 02/13/2024

    092 What's New in Fintech - FINCON 2023, with Russell Faigen and Lily Vittayarukskul

    This episode is for you if you have ever wondered how to make financial decisions, or you will one day to have to make decisions regarding elder care for a loved one or yourself! Join Bob and Shelly for another year of celebrating tech and finances at FinCon23.  Listen in as they talk about AI and making it your collaborator and not your competitor.  First up is Bob who speaks with Russell Faigen from moomoo, a one-stop destination for financial investing and resources. However, don’t worry as there will never be any high-pressure investors from moomoo giving advice.  Then, listen in as Shelly learns more about the compelling personal story of Lily Vittayarukskul and how the burden of long-term care for an elderly family member strongly influenced her life and how her idea, Waterlily, is helping to understand financial planning for the elderly.  Waterlily utilizes AI in a way to help predict and build a custom plan for each family having or will be having an elderly family member for whom they will need to provide support now and into the future.  Ultimately, Waterlily was awarded the top prize at this year's Fintech competition and we couldn't be happier to cheer them on and tell you more! Show Notes Watch episode here   Russell Faigen is the Strategic Influence Business Development Manager for moomoo, an innovative online trading platform and commission-free app providing power tools, real-time market data, and educational resources.  Russell graduated from Drexel University with a BS in Finance and Business Analytics, and has been a financial educator and content creator since September 2020, using his social media platform, investwithruss, as the primary means to do so.    Lily Vittayarukskul is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Waterlily Planning.  She previously worked from 2019 to 2021 at a computer vision telemedicine startup involved in product development, AI prototype building, successful product launches, and scaling of an IoT AI telemedicine platform; Lily led commercialization efforts which included launching the company's first product, developing market positioning, strategy, and sales training.  Prior to that, Lily worked as a Data Scientist Consultant at STELLARES from 2018 to 2019; held roles as Head of Technology and Head of Growth and Development at Research to the People in 2018; worked as a Scientist Intern (Software Developer) at DNAnexus in 2017; served as an intern with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2013.  moomoo Waterlily The Waterlily Blog   The Fioneers How to Money   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Russell Faigen, Strategic Influencer Business Development Manager moomoo (650) 999-6872  rfaigen@us.moomoo.com  LinkedIn Instagram X   Lily Vittayarukskul, Founder and CEO Waterlily Planning (510) 239-7411 lvittayarukskul@gmail.com LinkedIn Instagram X

    37 min
  2. 10/12/2023

    091 Reaching for the Stars, with Dr. Misty Carty

    In this episode, Bob and Shelly take a look at the sky just days before the next solar eclipse.  Join us as Dr. Misty enthusiastically shares her wealth of knowledge about the sun, moon, and stars - and why we seem to be having more solar events!  Finally, join us as we speak about the upcoming Balloon Fiesta and the excitement surrounding this event. Let's blast off with this next out of this world STEM Southwest podcast! Show Notes Watch episode here Dr. Misty Carty has over two decades of experience as an informal science educator, inspiring young students to develop a love for science.  Her journey in science began with a spark of curiosity when she learned that Pluto had moved inside the orbit of Neptune and was not currently the last planet in the solar system - at a time when scientists still defined it as a planet.  This ignited her passion for learning and sharing knowledge. Misty holds a Bachelor's in Physics from McDaniel College, located just outside Baltimore, MD.  She further pursued her academic goals by earning her Master's and Doctorate in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park.  Misty has donned various hats as a science educator and communicator throughout her career, including professor, author, and museum science educator.  Through her involvement with the Balloon Museum Foundation and R4 Creating, she actively supports and raises funds for STEAM education.  In addition, she is dedicated to empowering young women and girls in science and technology.  She takes pride in advocating for girls in STEAM and inspiring them to pursue careers in these fields through the Girls into Tech program of Be Greater than Average. Pluto Planet Day (New Mexico) Clyde Tombaugh NASA Eclipses Annular Solar Eclipse Annular Solar Eclipse Path Total Solar Eclipse Total Solar Eclipse Path NOAA, NASA, NSF events at Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum   Solar viewing glasses and filters must be ISO 12312-2 certified! Eclipse Eye Safety Eclipse Eye Safety (Pinhole Viewers) Pinhole Box Viewer Solar Viewers/Eclipse Glasses   Where Did The Sun Go, by Dr. Misty Carty A Little Science: Inquisitive Science Books for ALL Ages (Dr. Misty Carty)   I.S.S. Tracker   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Dr. Misty Carty misty.carty@gmail.com

    46 min
  3. 10/03/2023

    090 Safety in Numbers, with Ann Shubert

    Join us in this episode to learn why we took an extended break. Then, dive in with one of our favorite repeat guests speaking about a favorite subject.... money. Whether you are stressed about money, trying to understand how to make more money, or simply want a plan to invest, this episode is for you! Ann Shubert has launched a new blog that stands at the intersection of STEM and Money! Her message today gives us all hope - it's never too late, or too early to be making financial plans! Show Notes Watch episode here   Ann Shubert started her professional career planning to be an astrophysicist, receiving a BA in Physics from Princeton University and an MS in Astrophysics from the California Institute of Technology.  After realizing that she was not cut out to be a pure research scientist, Ann shifted gears into a 30-year career in the defense industry, first designing and building software systems and later managing multi-million-dollar aerospace programs.  In 2014, while enrolled in the University of New Mexico’s Executive MBA program, Ann made another major career transition, becoming a licensed Financial Advisor.  Three years later, she co-founded Intentional Finance LLC, an independent, woman-owned, Registered Investment Adviser firm.  Ann enjoys working with women in STEM, combining science-based approaches to financial planning, risk management and investing with her interest in behavioral finance and how people make decisions about money.  Because she knows what it is like to be a woman in a male dominated workplace, Ann feels a special kinship with women in the STEM fields, and loves helping them to reach a place of confidence about their finances so they can keep their energies focused on their STEM passion, whether in research, education or business. Intentional Finance LLC Ann-splaining Ann-splaining (Resources) Federal Student Aid   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Ann Shubert ann@intentionalfinancellc.com (505) 563-4500 Linkedin

    1h 9m
  4. 11/23/2022

    088 Building a Successful STEM Business, with Ivy Slater

    Are you ready to lead, build, and scale your business?  This Is what our guest Ivy Slater of Slater Success asks others. In her podcast, Her Success Stories, Ivy highlights gutsy women in business and recently interviewed our co-host Shelly regarding the future and shaping the future of technology.  While Ivy is not from the Southwest, she brings a wealth of knowledge that everyone in the STEM Southwest audience needs to hear - how to effectively lead our businesses to make our communities even greater.  With all of that in mind, we welcome best-selling author, accomplished business owner, and coach to C-suite executives, Ivy Slater, to STEM Southwest Podcast. Show Notes Watch episode here As the CEO of Slater Success, Ivy Slater works closely with C-Suite executives and upper-level managers to advise and create clear strategies that provide instant and long-term impact on businesses.  From generating team synergy and launching new sales initiatives, to holding mastermind retreats and corporate trainings on communication, finances, or strategic planning, Ivy is an expert at cultivating and facilitating relationships that are the hallmark of any successful business. Slater Success Her Success Story podcast Slater Success blog Youtube (Ivy Slater) From the Barre to the Boardroom, by Ivy Slater   Shelly comments in intro: Hyperspace Challenge Girls Into Tech Subscribe to Be Greater Than Average newsletter Shaping the Future of Technology, Shelly’s podcast interview with Ivy Slater   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Ivy Slater Ivy@SlaterSuccessCoaching.com Linkedin Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

    45 min
  5. 10/16/2022

    087 Growing Fintech at FinCon22, with Ryan Ruff and Jason Parker

    This week’s episode is a celebration of tech and finances!  Bob and Shelly attended FinCon22 and share with you two great interviews for their second annual report on Fintech.  Join them as they spend time with the host of the Fintech competition, Ryan Ruff of ASA, to hear the latest on the impact of technology on financial learning. They also interview Jason Parker with Retirement Budget Calculator, one of the competitors in this year's FinTech Competition and he walks through the powerful tool designed to help all people answer the question, When Can I Retire? Show Notes Watch episode here Ryan Ruff is Head of Fintech Relations at ASA, bridging the gap with the creators of tech and those who want to invest in the development of tech.  He is leading the way to create a bridge between technology development and those who want to invest in the future expansion of important tech. Jason, RICP® is the best-selling author of Sound Retirement Planning, and the host of the podcast Sound Retirement Radio.  He has been seen as a frequent guest on ABC, FOX, & MSNBC.  He is the inventor of the retirementbudgetcalculator.com.  He has earned the advanced retirement designation of a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®).  Jason is the President of Parker Financial LLC, which is an independent, fee-based, registered investment advisory firm, and operates as a fiduciary. FinCon22 Fintech Startup Competition SpendPal ASA Parker Financial, LLC Sound Retirement Planning Podcast Retirement Budget Calculator Retirement Calculator: How much money do I need to retire, by Jason Parker   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Ryan Ruff Ryan.ruff@asa.financial (801) 473-5749 Linkedin   Jason Parker info@parker-financial.net (360) 337-2701 Linkedin

    42 min
  6. 08/01/2022

    086 STEM Squared, with H. Puentes

    Big apologies for our summer hiatus from posting new episodes....it's been a crazy, wonderful time for Bob and Shelly, but we are happy to be back at it and sharing a new episode with our amazing audience. H. Puentes is a kindred spirit and we can't think of a better way to dive back into STEM Southwest.  In addition to this amazing interview, we have some exciting interviews lined up for the Fall and can't wait to share them with you!  Thanks for joining us for this amazing interview, and please consider sharing this episode and inviting friends to join us and listen in to STEM Southwest Podcast. Show Notes Watch episode here H. Puentes is the co-founder and executive director of San Diego Squared, a nonprofit that he founded with San Diego biotech pioneer, Bill Rastetter, that works to increase diversity in STEM careers through mentoring, scholarships, and other programming.  As a freshman in high school, H. earned perfect scores in math for the entire year. His teachers were impressed, but that was where it ended. No one followed up to encourage him in math, to inform him about potential careers in STEM, or considered introducing him to professionals who shared his background.  “Now, I am a father to two diverse children and I want them to know that, not only do they belong in STEM, but that STEM-driven companies want them to be successful,” he says. San Diego Squared Fellows (San Diego Squared) Scholars (San Diego Squared) Interns (San Diego Squared) STEM Capsules (San Diego Squared)   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: H. Puentes, Co-Founder and Executive Director San Diego Squared team@sd2.org Linkedin Twitter Linkedin (San Diego Squared) Twitter (San Diego Squared) Instagram (San Diego Squared)

    1h 13m
  7. 05/15/2022

    085 Regulating Cancer for the Cure, with Dr. Steve Worland

    Today's episode will take a deep dive into the science of cancer, asking the hard questions and discussing how regulation may lead to a cure.  Our guest. Dr. Steve Worland, has a strong background in pharmaceuticals, research and molecular biology that led to a powerful discussion with Bob and Shelly. Show Notes Watch episode here Dr. Steve Worland has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of eFFECTOR Therapeutics and as a member of its Board of Directors since its inception in May 2012.  Previously, Dr. Worland served as Chief Executive Officer of Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, from August 2007 until its acquisition by Roche Holding AG in 2011.  Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Worland served as its Chief Scientific Officer and President, Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dr. Worland was Vice President and Head of Antiviral Research at Pfizer Inc. and Vice President at WarnerLambert Co., where he was responsible for worldwide anti-infectives strategy.  Dr. Worland has served on the Board of Directors of Tracon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, since February 2015.  Dr. Worland was an NIH postdoctoral fellow in molecular biology at Harvard University and completed a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.  He received his B.S. with Highest Honors in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. eFFECTOR Therapeutics Selective Translation Regulation Inhibitors Pipeline of Selective Translation Regulation Inhibitors Patients and Clinical Trials - eFFECTIVE Therapeutics Investors - eFFECTOR Therapeutics   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact:   Steve Worland, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer eFFECTOR Therapeutics 142 North Cedros Avenue, Suite B Solana Beach, CA 92075 (858) 925-8215 info@effector.com Linkedin eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. (Linkedin) eFFECTOR_Rx (Twitter)

    1h 1m
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Designed to create STEM connections, cohesion, and elevation within the Southwest region of the United States. You have discovered a place where STEM enthusiasts gather to learn about the amazing STEM rockstars of the region as well as STEM activities that are impacting the world! Whether you are looking to learn more about STEM innovations in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California you are in the right place! If you have longed to be united with other STEM nerds, then you have found your people here at STEM Southwest! Check out our family-friendly show and events calendar designed to build problem solvers, thinkers, and innovators for the future. New episodes are released every other week.

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