Go! For Launch

In this episode of Go! For Launch, hosts Audrey, Kam, and MacKenzie sit down with Zhilin Wang, a Senior Applied Scientist at NVIDIA, to explore the cutting edge of natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs). Zhilin shares how NVIDIA’s advanced AI infrastructure powers the training of models like ChatGPT and Llama, and how his team develops techniques to make AI more helpful and human-like in conversation.Zhilin also walks us through his unconventional path into AI, from studying education and psychology at Cambridge to building an ed-tech startup that sparked his passion for NLP. He discusses his work on improving AI’s reasoning abilities, training methods, and social signal detection—and what the future holds for AI-human interaction.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How NVIDIA’s AI chips accelerate breakthroughs in machine learning✅ What it takes to train LLMs to follow instructions and understand context✅ How psychology and education theory can shape better AI models✅ The role of internships and nontraditional learning in building an AI career✅ Whether AI chatbots will ever become indistinguishable from humans🔗 Helpful Links:🔹 Learn more about Zhilin on his GitHub page: https://zhilin123.github.io/🔹 Learn more about NVIDIA AI Research: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/research/🔹 Explore NVIDIA’s NeMo framework for LLMs: https://developer.nvidia.com/nemo🔹 Read about Llama 2 and its impact on AI: https://huggingface.co/meta-llama🔹 Discover NVIDIA’s AI careers and internships: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/about-nvidia/careers/

Science isn’t just about research—it’s about communication, connection, and making an impact beyond the lab. Dr. Shane Hanlon’s journey from muddy boots ecology to Capitol Hill and beyond is a testament to the power of science storytelling.With a PhD in biology and a background in conservation and disease ecology, Shane realized that his passion wasn’t just in conducting science—it was in communicating it. From working in congressional affairs with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to training scientists in public engagement at the American Geophysical Union, he’s built a career in science communication. Today, as Executive Editor of C&EN Brand Lab at the American Chemical Society, Shane leads a team that creates science communication content for a broad range of audiences.Join hosts Audrey and MacKenzie as they dive into Shane’s unique career path, the evolving role of science communicators, and why humanizing scientists is key to building trust in science. Shane shares insights on how researchers can develop communication skills, the impact of policy experience on a science career, and the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the world of science storytelling.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How Shane transitioned from a career in conservation to science communication.✅ Why humanizing scientists helps build trust in science.✅ The role of policy in shaping science careers and communication.✅ How AI is changing the landscape of science communication.✅ Advice for aspiring science communicators and researchers looking to expand their impact.🔗 Helpful Links:🔹 Learn more about science communication resources at AGU: https://www.agu.org🔹 Explore opportunities in science communication at ACS: https://www.acs.org🔹 Explore C&EN Brand Lab https://cenbrandlab.org/Follow Accelerator Mediahttps://x.com/xceleratormediahttps://instagram.com/xcelerator.media/https://linkedin.com/company/accelerator-media-org⏱️ Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Shane Hanlon and his journey from scientist to communicator.00:01:15 – How Shane discovered his passion for science communication.00:02:55 – From muddy boots to Capitol Hill: Working in science policy.00:06:43 – What is science communication, and why does it matter?00:09:28 – Why trust in science starts with humanizing scientists.00:14:05 – Building a career in science communication: Skills and strategies.00:16:21 – The role of AI in the future of science communication.00:21:07 – Advice for scientists who want to engage with the public.00:29:07 – How Shane balances personal passion and professional impact.00:33:12 – Final thoughts: Why storytelling is key to the future of science.#ScienceCommunication #TrustInScience #SciComm #STEM #GoForLaunch #Podcast

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Go! For Launch Ep 04 - Featuring Drs. Jessica Walden and Chris McGuire

Join hosts Audrey and Kam as they dive into a captivating discussion with Dr. Paul Fletcher, a professor at the University of Cambridge and a neuroscience consultant for Ninja Theory.

Dr. Fletcher shares his fascinating journey from medicine to neuroscience, exploring the mysteries of the brain, mental health, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Discover how his work with Ninja Theory on the Hellblade series brought psychosis representation into gaming, blending science and storytelling to challenge stigma and enhance understanding.

https://www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/

Go! For Launch Ep 02 - Featuring Dr. Stephanie Manka

Go! For Launch Ep 01 - Featuring NASA’s Brenna Biggs