• Tech Explorations Podcast

  • 著者: Peter Dalmaris
  • ポッドキャスト

Tech Explorations Podcast

著者: Peter Dalmaris
  • サマリー

  • Tech Explorations Podcast is a podcast where every two weeks Dr. Peter Dalmaris interviews professional engineers and scientists for their take in the latest developments, their practices, and advice, as well as makers about their projects, their favorite tools (software and hardware), and the problem-solving techniques they apply when tackling problems.
    Copyright Peter Dalmaris
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あらすじ・解説

Tech Explorations Podcast is a podcast where every two weeks Dr. Peter Dalmaris interviews professional engineers and scientists for their take in the latest developments, their practices, and advice, as well as makers about their projects, their favorite tools (software and hardware), and the problem-solving techniques they apply when tackling problems.
Copyright Peter Dalmaris
エピソード
  • Ahmad Burse and The Importance of Communication and Leadership Skills in STEM
    2024/09/17
    Welcome to another episode of the Tech Explorations podcast! Today, we are honored to have Ahmed Burse, a distinguished veteran with over 30 years of leadership experience in the military and federal government sectors. Ahmed has dedicated his career to fostering communication skills and leadership development within the STEM community. His unique perspective emphasizes the importance of soft skills in complementing technical proficiency, a topic that is often overlooked in STEM circles.

    Ahmed begins by sharing his journey, starting from his time in the military where he first recognized the critical role of effective communication and leadership. He explains that successful leaders, regardless of their level, must communicate in a way that is understood by everyone, from the most junior to the most senior personnel. This skill is not just about conveying information but also about motivating and inspiring others to achieve their goals. Ahmed highlights that these soft skills, which include emotional intelligence and the ability to read a room, are essential for any leader.

    Transitioning from the military to the federal government, Ahmed worked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Here, he encountered highly skilled engineers who excelled technically but struggled with leadership roles due to a lack of communication skills. Ahmed's role often involved mediating conflicts and helping these technical experts develop the necessary soft skills to lead effectively. He observed that many engineers viewed problems in black and white terms, which is effective for technical tasks but not for managing people. This realization led him to focus on helping STEM professionals develop their communication and leadership abilities.

    Ahmed's journey into the STEM community continued as he became an information technology teacher at a local college. In addition to teaching technical skills, he also taught career development, including presentation skills, goal setting, and interviewing techniques. This experience further solidified his understanding of the gap in soft skills among STEM professionals. He noticed that many students, especially non-traditional ones, excelled technically but lacked the skills needed to advance their careers.

    In the podcast, Ahmed discusses his current work, which involves coaching individuals to improve their communication and leadership skills. He emphasizes that leadership is about influencing others and that effective communication is a continuous process. Ahmed believes that anyone can develop these skills, regardless of their background. He shares practical advice on how to improve communication, such as active listening, observing non-verbal cues, and seeking to understand others before being understood.

    Ahmed also touches on the importance of finding one's authentic voice and the role of organizations like Toastmasters in developing both communication and leadership skills. He encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, volunteer for new roles, and continuously seek opportunities for growth.

    Throughout the interview, Ahmed's passion for helping others shines through. He believes that by improving communication and leadership skills, STEM professionals can not only advance their careers but also positively impact their organizations and communities. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to develop these essential skills.

    Tune in to this enlightening episode to learn more about Ahmed Burz's journey and gain practical tips on enhancing your communication and leadership abilities in the STEM field.
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    54 分
  • Jacob Strickling: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists through Practical Learning Experiences
    2024/09/17
    In this episode of the Tech Explorations podcast, host Peter Dalmaris sits down with Jacob Strickling, a mechanical engineer turned science educator with a passion for making science accessible and engaging for students of all ages. Jacob's journey from a curious child experimenting with candles and matches at the kitchen table to a seasoned science teacher and founder of Make Science Fun is both inspiring and enlightening.

    Jacob spent 24 years teaching science in traditional classrooms, where he observed a significant gap in hands-on practical experiences for students. Determined to bridge this gap, he founded Make Science Fun, a company dedicated to providing educational science services. His innovative approach led to the creation of Tiny Science Lab, a venture that miniaturizes traditional science equipment, making it more accessible and safer for students, particularly those in homeschool and distance education settings.

    Peter and Jacob delve into the origins of Tiny Science Lab, tracing its roots back to a simple Instagram post that sparked Jacob's interest in small-scale science equipment. This curiosity led to the development of a range of tiny science tools, including a miniature Bunsen burner, which has revolutionized the way practical science is taught at home and in schools. Jacob shares his experiences of testing these tools with homeschool groups and the surprising realization that even well-equipped schools prefer his compact, efficient equipment.

    The conversation also explores Jacob's teaching philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on learning and scientific thinking. He believes in engaging students through practical experiments before delving into theoretical concepts, a method that fosters curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific principles. Jacob recounts various experiments that challenge common sense and encourage students to think critically, highlighting the importance of unbiased experimentation and the scientific method.

    Jacob's innovative approach extends beyond chemistry to include electricity and physics sets, all designed with simplicity and practicality in mind. He discusses the role of technology, particularly laser cutters, in streamlining the production of his educational kits, and the importance of making quick decisions and learning from mistakes in the development process.

    Looking ahead, Jacob hints at exciting developments, including a major TV appearance that promises to bring wider recognition to Tiny Science Lab. He welcomes the prospect of competitors entering the market, viewing it as a positive step towards transforming practical science education globally.

    For those interested in learning more about Jacob Strickling and Tiny Science Lab, visit www.tinysciencelab.com.au. Jacob's dedication to making science fun, practical, and accessible is sure to inspire educators, parents, and students alike.
    Join Peter and Jacob in this engaging episode as they explore the intersection of education, innovation, and the joy of scientific discovery.
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    42 分
  • Philip Mallon: STEM Clubs and AI-powered projects
    2024/09/16
    In this episode of Tech Exploration Podcast, we reconnect with Philip Mallon, a retired yet incredibly active industry representative for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia.

    Philip shares his journey over the past year, highlighting his involvement in the CSIRO's industry STEM program for schools and his collaboration with local councils such as Blacktown and Parramatta. Philip begins by explaining the role and significance of the CSIRO, Australia's premier research organization known for groundbreaking innovations like Wi-Fi and the first use of computers in music.

    He delves into his work with project-based STEM clubs that are designed to extend students' formal STEM education beyond the traditional curriculum. These clubs, operating in schools like Chatswood High School and Ravenswood Girls School, offer students the opportunity to engage in topical projects that connect with real-world issues.Most discussion revolves around integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in STEM projects.

    Philip has been working with AI tools like Google's Teachable Machines and Microsoft's Lobe to address practical problems like school waste management. He describes how AI can be used to classify rubbish and provide feedback to students, thereby improving their recycling habits. Philip also touches on edge AI, allowing local data processing on devices like the Raspberry Pi, making the system more reliable even without internet connectivity.The conversation takes an interesting turn as Philip discusses the use of AI in environmental projects, such as identifying bird species through audio recognition.

    This project aims to connect students with nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for their environment. He also mentions the use of AI in creative projects, like composing theme songs for local football clubs, which helps students see the practical applications of AI in areas they are passionate about.Philip emphasizes the importance of making STEM education engaging and accessible. He uses familiar tools like Lego and MakeCode to introduce complex concepts in a way that is relatable to students.

    He also highlights AI's role as an education assistant, helping students iterate and improve their projects more efficiently.Towards the end of the episode, Philip reflects on the impact of these STEM clubs on students. He notes that while the clubs are less rigorous than formal education, they provide a valuable, low-stress environment for learning. He shares his approach to gathering feedback from students to ensure they enjoy and benefit from the activities.Philip concludes with advice for educators: leverage external resources and community partnerships to enhance STEM education.

    He underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration, drawing on his experiences working with local councils, libraries, and universities to create a network of support for STEM initiatives.Join us in this insightful episode as Philip Mellon shares his innovative approaches to STEM education, the integration of AI in practical projects, and the importance of community collaboration in fostering a love for science and technology among students.
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    52 分

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