Body mass index, or BMI, is a common tool used to measure a person’s body fat based on their height and weight. However, this number does not actually reflect a person’s whole health. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Jameelah Powell, a nurse and healthcare professional, about the complexities of BMI and what other factors need to be considered to help people develop truly healthy lifestyles. Learn how the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to widespread weight gain among adults and children and what people can do to develop good eating and exercise habits so they feel good in their body. 

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Successfully landing the Perseverance rover on Mars and the first space flight by private companies has created some public excitement about space exploration. Can these achievements translate to renewed interest and support in manned space exploration? In this episode, APU professor Dr. Gary Deel talks to astrobiologist and planetary scientist Dr. Ramses Ramirez about his scientific modeling work aimed at better understanding the climate and habitability of Mars, Venus and other planets and exoplanets. Learn about the many challenges of planetary colonization, the role of private and public sector organizations to get there, and the continued need to build public excitement about the potential of space exploration.

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COVID-19 caused significant changes to the U.S. healthcare system and took an incredible toll on healthcare professionals. Learn how responsibilities and opportunities shifted for different levels of nurses, including CNAs, LPNs or LVNs, RNs and NPs, and what aspiring healthcare professionals can do to prepare themselves to work in this very difficult field. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Jameelah Powell, about her extensive experience working in healthcare, including her work as a nurse and public health professional. Learn tips on managing stress and addressing the emotional toll of working in healthcare, including having a debriefing partner, being mindful, having gratitude, and prioritizing your own health by eating well and exercising.

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Until recently, it wasn’t possible to pursue a science degree online, largely because of the lab requirement. In this episode, Dr. Danny Welsch talks about how his science faculty got creative and figured out how to deliver the same science education in an innovative way by designing lab kits and instrumentation kits that are mailed to students so they can conduct experiments at home. Learn how these courses also use online resources like libraries of microscopic images and access to simulation labs so students can conduct virtual experiments. Hear how STEM faculty designed the first fully online organic chemistry program as well as courses in physics, astronomy, meteorology, geology, with plans to launch a fully online electrical engineering program and fully online environmental engineering program. Learn about the exciting challenges and benefits of making science education available and accessible to anyone who has an internet connection.

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Many students pursuing an engineering career believe their technical knowledge will be their greatest skillset for career advancement. Not so, says author and professor, Alexa Chilcutt. In this episode, learn why it’s critical for engineers to focus on improving their communication skills so they’re better presenters and public speakers. Learn tips like relying on trusted friends and colleagues to provide guided constructive feedback and knowing your audience so you can find ways to connect with them so you can effectively communicate your research and findings.

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Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, not just IT or technical professionals. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to cybersecurity professor Dr. Kevin Harris about the rise in hacking and ransomware attacks on organizations. Learn why it’s important for companies to invest in programmers and technical personnel who have the skills needed to protect networks while also training all employees—especially executives—about cybersecurity best practices and cyber threats. Also learn what the government can do to establish regulations and also provide incentives and assistance to companies encouraging them not to pay ransoms if they are attacked by hackers.

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Writing a paranormal romance novel about women in STEM fields requires extensive research combined with creativity and drive. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about her writing process, the challenges she faced tackling her first romance novel, and the creative drive that has led to her publishing 10 books. Learn why she writes about local places and why she isn’t afraid to ask experts for insight into topics that she’s unfamiliar with to ensure her stories are accurate and engaging for the reader.

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Our relationship with and respect for the natural world is more important than ever. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Kristin Drexler about her science-based career exploring many aspects of the natural from working as a Park Ranger across the U.S. to teaching conservation practices in Belize. Learn about environmental issues like climate change and population growth and why it’s so important for humans to understand that they are a part of nature, not apart from it, and have a huge responsibility to help sustain natural ecosystems.

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Science fiction often delves into real-world problems in a way that helps viewers understand those issues in a new light. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Shelli Carter about the television show “Firefly” and the social and personal issues it explores. Learn more about this series and other works of science fiction that have helped people better understand the world around them.

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As a young engineer working in shipbuilding for the Department of Defense, Monica Nichols relied heavily on her interdisciplinary education in science, technology, engineering, and math to solve both technical and business problems. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to Monica about the value of her STEAM and business education and how it inspired her to start Pink Space Theory, a company focused on bringing STEAM education to youth. Learn the importance of an interdisciplinary education, and how STEAM can instill a strong work ethic in students as they apply critical thinking and diverse skills to solve complex problems.

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