Launchpad: Voices of Innovation

Can we travel back in time without a time machine? In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Rebecca Bria, an assistant professor of anthropology at UT San Antonio, to explore how modern archaeology brings ancient history to life. Dr. Bria shares stories from her research in Highland Peru, where she studies early agropastoral communities, ancient religious practices, and the ways past societies navigated cultural transformations over thousands of years. Along the way, she emphasizes the value of engaging respectfully with local cultures and learning from the contemporary farming communities living alongside these historical sites.

Beyond traditional excavation, Dr. Bria details an innovative project funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities that uses virtual reality to make ancient history accessible anywhere. Collaborating with local communities in Peru and UT San Antonio alumni, her team is developing an interactive VR video game that allows users to step through time portals, reconstruct ancient artifacts, and experience 4,000 years of Andean history firsthand. Tune in to discover how immersive technology, collaborative research, and archaeological fieldwork are reshaping our connection to the past.

00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser

01:21 – Dr. Bria's Archaeological Research in Peru

02:39 – Archeology vs. Pop Culture Myths (Indiana Jones) & Focus on Ancient Farming

05:16 – "Time Traveling" Moments & Ritual Payments to the Past

08:11 – Navigating to Hualcayan & Hiking the Cordillera Blanca

10:14 – Overcoming Language Barriers in the Field

11:53 – Respectful Travel and Learning from Local Communities

14:06 – Developing the Virtual Reality Archaeology Game

16:55 – Collaboration with Students & Community Involvement in Game Design

20:52 – Field School & Study Abroad Opportunities for UT San Antonio Students

22:38 – Stay connected with UT San Antonio

About Our Guest:

Dr. Rebecca Bria is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She specializes in Andean archaeology, digital archaeology, and early social, economic, and religious transformations in Highland Peru.

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About UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

How close is too close to an active volcano? In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Alan Whittington, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UT San Antonio, to explore the high-stakes science of volcanology. From dodging superheated pyroclastic density currents traveling over 100 mph to scooping up glowing red-hot lava samples in the field, Dr. Whittington offers an inside look at what it takes to study Earth’s most formidable natural phenomena.  

The discussion dives deep into the hidden mechanics of eruptions, unpacking how lava viscosity behaves like everything from ketchup to peanut butter, and why razor-sharp volcanic ash is far more dangerous than flowing magma. Dr. Whittington also uncovers the surprise volcanic history hidden right beneath Texas soil and explains how his team at UT San Antonio’s HAMSTER Lab is using experimental rock physics to solve mysteries on Earth, the Moon, and beyond.

00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser  

00:57 – Dr. Whittington’s experience studying volcanoes around the world  

02:22 – Volcano types: Shield volcanoes vs. stratovolcanoes  

05:07 – Seeing an active eruption in person for the first time  

06:14 – Why volcanic research and eruption signals matter  

08:14 – Collecting live, hot lava samples in the field  

10:18 – Volcanic ash hazards and pyroclastic density currents  

13:02 – Explaining lava viscosity: From ketchup to peanut butter  

15:47 – Texas geology: Ancient volcanoes along the Balcones fault  

18:54 – Inside the HAMSTER Lab: Rock physics and planetary volcanoes  

21:20 – Stay connected with UT San Antonio

About Our Guest:

Dr. Alan Whittington is a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio. With over two decades of experience researching volcanoes across the globe, his work focuses on experimental rheology, heat and mass transfer in rocks, lava flow dynamics, and planetary geology.  

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About UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

In this episode of Launchpad, world-renowned sea ice expert and UT San Antonio Associate Professor Stephen Ackley takes us deep into the frozen unknown of the polar regions. Drawing from 12 expeditions to Antarctica and four to the Arctic, Ackley shares thrilling firsthand accounts of surviving the planet's most extreme environments. From dodging curious polar bears in whiteout conditions to building isolated ice stations on drifting floes, he offers an intimate look at what it truly takes to conduct research at the bottom of the world.

Beyond the wild adventures, Ackley breaks down the critical science behind sea ice and why these remote regions matter to us all. He explains how polar ice acts as a protective blanket for the ocean, fuels complex marine ecosystems, and drives global climate patterns. Discover how shifting Antarctic conditions influence ocean currents across the globe and why changes happening thousands of miles away can directly trigger severe, freezing weather events right here in Texas.

00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser

00:51 – Introducing Stephen Ackley

01:21 - Vietnam draft notice leads to polar research

05:14 – Understanding sea ice properties

07:06 – Sea ice forms in the summer?

07:52 – Local ecology & wildlife dependencies on sea ice

08:55 – Observing seals and penguins in their element

10:27 – Inside the Ice Station Weddell experience

11:19 – Challenges of operating in the polar regions

13:08 – Is that a plane? No, it's a polar bear!!

14:25 – Arctic vs. Antarctic research logistics

16:15 – The Story Behind "Ackley Point"

17:52 – How polar sea ice affects global climate

20:08 – Recent changes & trends in Antarctic sea ice

21:10 – Closing Remarks

21:36 - Stay Connected with UT San Antonio

About Our Guest:

Stephen Ackley is an Associate Professor of Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a leading expert in sea ice physics and polar oceanography. Over a career spanning more than five decades, including 30 years as a senior scientist at the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, he has led numerous groundbreaking expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. In recognition of his significant contributions to polar research, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names designated "Ackley Point" in Antarctica in his honor.

Enjoyed the episode?

Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit news.utsa.edu.

About UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

What goes through your mind when you look down and see fresh Sumatran tiger tracks circling your campsite? For most people, it’s a cue to leave—but for a wildlife biologist, it’s just another day at the office. From tracking 150-pound mountain lions through the snow on muleback to navigating the remote, crocodile-infested swamps of Indonesia, fieldwork isn't just a job; it’s an unpredictable, high-stakes frontier that keeps scientists on their toes across the globe.

In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Kyle Shaney, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Shaney’s passion for conversation goes far deeper than just tracking. He unpacks the fascinating world of apex predators, explaining how traditional ecological knowledge from local guides can keep you alive in remote jungles.

Tune in to learn what to do if you encounter an aggressive cougar, what shocking dynamics happen at a mountain lion kill site, how a hammock can save you from microscopic threats, and how he survived eight days alone navigating a labyrinth of freezing rivers in roadless Alaskan wilderness.

00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser

01:14 – Dr. Kyle Shaney's Background & Path to Wildlife Ecology

03:04 – Investigating Mountain Lion Kill Sites & First Captures

05:09 – The Step-by-Step Process of Tranquilizing & Collaring Cougars

07:17 – Misconceptions & Safety Protocols for Wild Mountain Lion Encounters

09:10 – Kill Site Dynamics, Kleptoparasitism, and Ecosystem Camera Traps

14:24 – Securing a National Geographic Grant to Study Sunda Gharial Crocodiles

17:22 – Experiences and Benefits within the National Geographic Explorer Program

18:10 – Shaney's First "Welcome to the Jungle" moment

19:52 – Utilizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge

22:06 – Essential Jungle Survival Gear: A Hammock

23:25 – Surviving Solo in Alaska: Collecting Bison Collars & Winter Expeditions

28:46 – Expanding Research into Borneo & the Pan American Bird Migration Project

31:55 – Wildlife and Wilderness Science YouTube Channel

33:29 – Stay Connected with UT San Antonio

About Our Guest:

Dr. Kyle Shaney is an expert in wildlife research, biodiversity, and conservation biology. As a National Geographic Explorer, his research focuses on predator-prey dynamics, endangered species preservation like the Sunda Gharial crocodile, and mapping the global threats facing migratory birds. His efforts aim to advance science communication, recruit the next generation of researchers, and inspire the public to appreciate the natural world.

Enjoyed the episode?

Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit news.utsa.edu.

About UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

If Texas summers bring severe droughts, then what happens when the skies finally open up? It turns out the answer is flash floods—and a lot of water. But before you assume our infrastructure is completely safe, these extreme weather events might actually be the most important, undervalued challenge keeping engineers on their toes across the state of Texas.

In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Marcio Giacomoni, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a dedicated water resources researcher, Dr. Giacomoni’s passion for urban hydrology sheds a vital light on a looming environmental and structural crisis, revealing that historical "100-year flood" benchmarks are shifting rapidly. Because our climate and city footprints are altering the natural hydrological cycle, modern infrastructure must evolve to protect both lives and local water quality.

But the conversation goes far deeper than just rain. Dr. Giacomoni unpacks the fascinating world of civil engineering, explaining how widely misunderstood systems—from massive subterranean flood control tunnels under the city to hidden limestone topography—provide a massive safety service completely for free. Tune in to learn why Bexar County remains a national leader in flood fatalities, what shocking data his team discovered (and didn't discover) while testing urban runoff pollutants in the Edwards Aquifer, and how your heavy pickup truck's tires might actually turn into floating buoys the next time you encounter a low water crossing.

00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser

00:39 – Episode Overview: "Preparing for the next 100-year flood"

01:02 – Introducing Dr. Marcio Giacomoni and his journey from Brazil to Texas

02:55 – Defining Flash Flood Alley: Topography, geology, and moisture

05:52 – The sloping geology of San Antonio and early flood control history

06:21 – Olmos Dam, reservoirs, and the engineering behind the San Antonio River Walk

06:48 – Subterranean flood control tunnels: Diverting catastrophic storms under downtown

08:31 – Testing the 1998 flood and keeping the River Walk alive during severe droughts

10:35 – Firsthand survival: Dr. Giacomoni's experience in the July 4th Hill Country flood

12:50 – Redefining the "100-Year Flood" and managing return periods in engineering

14:00 – State alert systems, meteorological models, and why cell service fails during disasters

17:14 – Climate change, Hurricane Harvey, and how infrastructure design limits are shifting

19:22 – The Edwards Aquifer: How concrete alters the natural hydrological cycle

22:01 – Tracking pollutants: Suspended solids, heavy metals, and surprising parking lot runoff data

24:24 – Final safety advice: FEMA floodplain maps and the buoy myth of big truck tires at low water crossings

27:22 – Stay connected with UT San Antonio

About Our Guest:

Dr. Marcio Giacomoni is an expert in civil and environmental engineering, water resources, and urban hydrology. His research focuses on stormwater management, flood control optimization, and the sustainability of water resources in rapidly developing environments. His efforts aim to design resilient public infrastructure and protect vital regional ecosystems like the Edwards Aquifer.

Enjoyed the episode?

Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit news.utsa.edu.

About UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring? It turns out the answer is insects—and a lot of them. But before you go grabbing a can of heavy pesticide, these tiny creatures might actually be the most important, undervalued workers keeping the entire state of Texas alive.

In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Jessica Beckham, an environmental science and ecology lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a dedicated bumblebee enthusiast and researcher, Dr. Beckham’s passion for native ecosystems sheds a vital light on a looming environmental crisis, revealing that pollinators are in steep decline everywhere we find them. Because they operate as essential keystone species, their disappearance could cause entire ecosystems to collapse.

But the conversation goes far deeper than just bees. Dr. Beckham unpacks the fascinating world of entomology, explaining how widely misunderstood insects—from stinger-wielding wasps to "gross" nutrient cyclers like dung beetles and flesh flies—provide a massive environmental service completely for free. Tune in to learn why 86% of Texas agricultural land relies directly on these tiny workers, what terrifying Texas predator hunts tarantulas to feed its larvae, and how you can manage pesky mosquitoes and garden aphids by simply letting nature run its course.

Timestamps

00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser

00:15 – Episode Overview: "The value of insects and pollinators"

01:07 – Introducing Dr. Jessica Beckham and seasonal insect emergence in Texas

01:30 – The vital economic impact of pollinators on Texas agriculture

02:04 – Defining keystone species and unpacking the global pollinator decline

03:49 – Debunking bee myths: Solitary vs. social bees and sting misconceptions

05:32 – Quick tips for identifying bees and wasps in chaotic moments

06:48 – Concession stands and trash cans: Why honeybees aggregate around sugar

07:47 – The Schmidt Insect Sting Pain Index and Dr. Beckham's worst sting story

08:52 – The nightmare biology of the native Texas tarantula hawk wasp

10:45 – Rebranding hated insects: The critical value of wasps, dung beetles, and flesh flies

12:56 – Cockroach phobias and their place in the biological food web

14:07 – Managing urban mosquitoes and eliminating hidden standing water

15:38 – Entomology vocabulary: What makes a "true bug" different from an insect?

16:41 – Natural garden defense: How aphids invite helpful predators like ladybugs and lacewings

18:41 – Managing undesirable garden pests and the hornworm caterpillar relocation mantra

19:28 – Dr. Beckham’s final advice: Put down the pesticides and give insects an air high-five

20:17 – Stay connected with UT San Antonio

About Our Guest:

Dr. Jessica Beckham is an expert in entomology, pollinator conservation, and native ecosystems. Her research focuses on the conservation and ecology of native pollinators, particularly bumble bees, in urban and natural environments. Her efforts aim to promote biodiversity and environmental awareness through both scientific research and education.

Enjoyed the episode?

Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit ⁠news.utsa.edu⁠.

About UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

Do you ever feel like you're literally melting the second you step outside into the relentless Texas summer? It turns out that extreme heat might be doing a lot more than just making you uncomfortable—it could actually be taking years off your life.

In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Howard from the Department of Public Health at UT San Antonio. Dr. Howard’s groundbreaking research into heat-related deaths has captured national headlines , revealing that heat has claimed more than 21,000 lives since 1999 and has quietly become America's deadliest natural disaster.

But the danger goes deeper than the thermometer. Dr. Howard unpacks his fascinating research into accelerated aging, explaining how physical, emotional, and even "social" traumas trigger biological dysregulation that causes our bodies to age faster than the clock. Tune in to learn why your neighborhood's environment heavily dictates your life expectancy, what warning signs of heat illness you should never ignore, and two surprisingly simple daily habits you can adopt right now to help slow down the aging process.

Timestamps

00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser

00:12 – Episode Overview: "Is the heat stealing your youth?"

00:35 – Introducing Dr. Jeffrey Howard and discussing national statistics on extreme heat

01:13 – Dr. Howard on the steep national increase in heat deaths over the last decade

03:36 – Discussion on The New York Times feature and the lack of standardized protocols for reporting heat deaths on death certificates

05:54 – Framing heat as America’s deadliest natural disaster and its connection to climate patterns

07:19 – Regional unpreparedness

08:37 – Heat mitigation efforts (cooling centers, hydration stations, and vulnerable populations)

09:38 – Signs of heat stroke and heat-related illness to watch out for

10:14 – Dr. Howard shares a personal story about his father's traumatic injury and health trajectory

11:51 – How military veteran research and Department of Defense trauma studies connect to long-term health outcomes

13:28 – Expanding the definition of "trauma" beyond physical injury to emotional, psychological, and social trauma

15:12 – Defining social trauma (inequality, racism, segregation)

15:49 – Biological age vs. Chronological age: How environmental exposures and socioeconomic status dictate life expectancy across San Antonio neighborhoods

19:23 – Dr. Howard’s top health advice for longevity (the importance of sleep, coffee, and tea)

20:18 – Stay connected with UT San Antonio

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Jeffrey Howard is an expert in premature mortality and accelerated aging research. His work spans from studying combat trauma and health trajectories in military veterans to examining the public health crises caused by global climate shifts.

Enjoyed the episode? 

Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit news.utsa.edu.

About UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

MATRIX AI researchers Amina Qutub, Amanda Fernandez and Mark Goldberg share insightful knowledge about artificial intelligence's role in advancing research in science and healthcare. They explain why they are optimistic for the future with this technology and how their AI research is already making an impact on society.

0:00 - Introduction

0:54 - Life lessons through experience

3:15 - Students' curiosity of AI

5:18 - The importance of critical thinking

7:52 - Building the next generation of AI developers

10:15 - Creating AI systems for all

12:06 - Exploring the use of AI in the sciences

13:25 - Improving field work research with AI

14:29 - iRemedyACT: Trauma care delivered faster

15:55 - Building AI to augment human capability

17:00 - Improving patient care with AI

19:17 - Collaborating between health and bioengineering

22:12 - Highlighting the efforts unseen

26:05 - Explore more about MATRIX

26:21 - Learn about UT San Antonio

UT San Antonio and MATRIX AI researchers William Severa, Panos Markopoulos and Fidel Santamaria share insightful knowledge about neuromorphic computing and how to make artificial intelligence trustworthy. They explain the challenges of communicating these subjects and provide understanding about how this research is benefiting society.0:00 - Introduction

1:00 - The origins of intellectual curiosity

2:56 - Best advice to students

3:12 - The value of strong communication

6:09 - Answering the $64K question

7:10 - Understanding complexity of the brain

8:16- The Cocktail Party Problem

9:46 - What makes AI trustworthy?

11:04 - Connecting trustworthy AI and neuromorphic computing

12:54 - The three stages of trustworthiness for AI

15:44 - Understanding analogies and metaphors

17:52 - The “responsible optimism” of AI

20:51 - Explore more about MATRIX

21:17 - Learn about UT San Antonio

Dhireesha Kudithipudi, founder of the MATRIX AI Consortium, shares her personal story with artificial intelligence and how her upbringing inspired the formation of MATRIX. She provides insightful thoughts about the evolution of AI and explains the role MATRIX plays in elevating the use of AI in our community.

0:00 - Introduction

0:47 - Humble beginnings in India

2:27 - Childhood lessons to AI leadership

4:14 - Is AI good or bad?

7:16 - The idea of MATRIX and how it works

8:57 - How MATRIX helped SA during pandemic

10:16 - Discovering AI in every discipline

12:56 - Neuromorphic computing 101

14:40 - THOR: Why it is needed

15:46 - MATRIX’s role in our future

17:53 - Explore more about MATRIX

18:21 - Learn about UT San Antonio