In this episode, Jim Gillespie explores how UF’s Preparing Future Faculty program equips graduate students and postdoctoral scholars for faculty careers by developing their teaching identities, strengthening their skills in course design, assessment, and student feedback, and helping them confidently communicate their approach to education in the academic job market.

Guest: Jim Gillespie, PhD, Education and Training Specialist, UF Graduate School
Hosts: Erin Rice & Audrey Hall
Editor: Meaghan Knowles

In this episode, Kimone Simmons shares how UF’s BRIDGE program prepares incoming doctoral students for graduate school through early exposure to academic writing and research, meaningful peer and faculty connections, and a strong sense of confidence, community, and belonging.

Guest: Kimone Simmons, EdD, Associate Director, Education and Training, UF Graduate School
Host: Erin Rice
Editor: Meaghan Knowles

In this episode, Chip Johnson shares his experience balancing a full-time career at UF while pursuing his PhD through the UF Employee Education Program (EEP), along with insights on time management, professional growth, and graduate education.

Guest: Chip Johnson, Academic Advisor III, Civil & Coastal Engineering, College of Engineering

Hosts: Erin Rice & Audrey Hall

Editor: Meaghan Knowles

In this episode, Dr. Ben Lok tells us how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is influencing engineering education for graduate students.

Guest: Dr. Benjamin Lok, Professor and Graduate Program Director, UF Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering

Hosts: Erin Rice and Audrey Hall

Editor: Meaghan Knowles

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Sedesse to explore what it means to find your voice, navigate uncertainty, and shape your path during graduate school. Through his work in storytelling and emerging technology, Jacob shares how his experiences at UF have helped him grow creatively and professionally while building impactful projects.

Featured Work
Check out Jacob’s recent TV special, WUFT at CES 2026: Megabytes and Vegas Nights, highlighted in the episode: Watch on PBS

Guest: Jacob Sedesse

Host: Erin Rice

Editor: Meaghan Knowles

How is Artificial Intelligence transforming graduate research in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental science? In this episode, we talk to Dr. Kati Migliaccio, Dean of the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to hear about AI opportunities for graduate students. From precision agriculture to interdisciplinary innovation, this conversation explores how AI can enhance your academic journey.

• Dr. Kati Migliaccio, Dean, UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Professor, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Podcast Hosts: Erin Rice and Christine Krebs

Edited by: Meaghan Knowles

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Blanc to explore how graduate students can engage in meaningful service, leadership development, and community partnerships through the Brown Center for Leadership & Service.

From the Gators for Good initiative to building sustainable community impact, Sarah shares how graduate students can integrate service into their academic and professional journeys.

• Sarah Blanc, Assistant Director of Community Engagement & Stewardship, Brown Center for Leadership & Service

Podcast Hosts: Erin Rice and Audrey Hall

Edited by: Meaghan Knowles

Today we share a conversation on why mentorship matters. Taylor Morris, a Spring 2025 Graduate Student Mentoring Award recipient, shares how guiding with a purpose can make a difference!

• Taylor Morris (Doctoral Student, English)

Podcast Hosts: Erin Rice and Audrey Hall

Edited by: Meaghan Knowles

What makes mentorship a game changer in graduate education? In this episode, you'll hear from three UF doctoral students as they share their personal stories on how mentorship shaped their journey and opened doors to new opportunities.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about building connections that make a difference!

• Dinalo Chakma (Doctoral Student, English)
• Francisca Ordonez Hinz (Doctoral Student, Soil & Water Sciences)
• Sayantika Chakraborty (Doctoral Student, English)

Podcast Hosts: Erin Rice and Audrey Hall

Edited by: Meaghan Knowles

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Tracey Kyles to hear about her experience completing a Ph.D. in Mass Communications. As a proud Gator Alum, Dr. Kyles shares how her time at the University of Florida shaped her personally and professionally.

• Dr. Tracey Kyles - UF College of Journalism and Communications, Mass Communication (UF Alum 2025)

Podcast Hosts: Erin Rice and Audrey Hall

Edited by: Chloe Knowles