Modern Figures Podcast

Modern Figures Podcast

By Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy WaisomeTechnologyEducation
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Modern Figures Podcast episodes

  • From Wakanda to Silicon Valley – Episode 079
    Stephanie Van Putten, a notable leader in tech and entrepreneurship, shares her journey from PG County, Maryland, to becoming a major force in Silicon Valley. She discusses her experiences at Microsoft and MIT, founding Blendoor, and creating Visible Figures, a platform enhancing visibility for women leaders of the African diaspora. With insights into navigating tech, raising venture capital, and fostering diversity, Van Putten reflects on challenges and the importance of community and networking. Join this enlightening conversation to explore the intersection of human capital, technology, and the push for more inclusive, equitable workplaces.
    1 hr 1 min
  • More Degrees than a Thermometer – Episode 078
    Join hosts Kyla and Jeremy on the Modern Figures podcast as they welcome Dr. Gloria Katuka, an applied scientist at Microsoft from Zaria, Nigeria. Gloria shares her remarkable journey through academia, achieving four degrees in eight years, including a PhD in computer science. Discover her experience transitioning from Nigeria to the U.S., her passion for computer science education, and her impactful work in developing AI services. Gain insights into her unique career path, the challenges she overcame, and her current role at Microsoft, crafting AI solutions for customers.
    1 hr 9 min
  • Get A Big Dog – Episode 077
    Dive into an insightful conversation with Dr. Valerie Taylor, Director of Argonne National Labs’ Mathematics and Computer Science Division. Exploring her journey from a tech-infused childhood in Chicago to pioneering roles in academia and founding the organization, CMD-IT. Dr. Taylor shares personal stories about mentorship, navigating academia as a minority, and shaping the future of computing through inclusivity and research. Get a glimpse into significant milestones in industry and academia, accentuated by her leadership in the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference.
    1 hr 39 min
  • Building Community through Chaos – Episode 076
    Ready for a journey that will inspire and empower? Join Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome as they take you behind the scenes of their game-changing podcast and nonprofit, Modern Figures Inc., dedicated to advancing diversity in STEM. In this episode, they reveal the powerful story behind the podcast's creation, emphasizing the crucial role of community, education, and safe spaces for underrepresented minorities in computing.
    1 hr 2 min
  • Dynamic Duo – Episode 075
    In this insightful episode, listeners are introduced to the fascinating journeys of Jennifer Otiano and Kowe Kadoma, two emerging scholars in the field of Information Science. Their stories unravel against the backdrop of their shared passion for human-centered technology and their individual quests for understanding its socio-cultural implications. Diving deep into the heart of computing research, Jennifer and Koei discuss their academic pursuits and personal growth, painting a vivid picture of resilience and innovation in a field that constantly evolves.
    1 hr 7 min
  • The Oprah of Tech – Episode 074
    In this episode, Linda Calvin, the Chief Impact Officer for Reboot Representation, shares her experiences growing up as the only Black woman in her family, church, and school. She discusses the challenges she faced and how she used her love for writing and creativity to navigate those situations. Linda also talks about her journey in the IT sector, her decision to go back to school as a non-traditional student, and her transition to law school. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the value of understanding coding as a foundation for leadership in the tech industry.
    1 hr 18 min
  • Ctrl+Alt+Empower – Episode 073

    Episode 73 – Ctrl+Alt+Empower

    Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen

    Guest: Dr. Robin Brewer

    robinbrewer.com

    Twitter: 

    https://twitter.com/_rnbrewer

     

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    Episode Description:

    Dr. Robin Brewer, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, shares her journey in computer science and human-computer interaction. She discusses her research experiences, including internships at Facebook and Microsoft Research, where she focused on designing technologies for older adults. Dr. Brewer inspires the next generation of researchers and challenges preconceptions about Black women in computing. Her current work centers around designing technologies for older adults and people with disabilities, including voice and AI technologies. She also emphasizes the importance of getting research outside of academia and into the real world.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Dr. Robin Brewer’s interest in computing started in middle school and was further developed through her experiences in a science and tech high school.
    • She initially wanted to be a teacher but shifted her focus to art and design before ultimately deciding to pursue a career in research and academia.
    • Dr. Brewer emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit in graduate programs and being willing to switch institutions if necessary.
    • She highlights the value of internships during graduate studies, which allowed her to gain practical experience and collaborate with industry professionals.
    • Dr. Brewer’s research focuses on human-computer interaction and aging, with a particular interest in designing technologies for older adults.

      • Robin’s Bio:-::

      Dr. Robin Brewer is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, School of Information.

      1 hr 10 min
    • Start Where You Are – Episode 072
      Dr. Valamere Mikler, an advocate for equitable spaces in DEI, shares her journey from criminal justice to industrial organizational psychology. She discusses her work with Girls Who Code and her initiative, SheRanTech, which educates and empowers girls and women on internet safety and securing STEM careers. Dr. Mikler also explores the motivations of millennials and Gen Z in the workforce and the importance of technology in advocating for women in tech. Join Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen as they elevate the voices of black women in computing.
      1 hr 13 min
    • Welcome to the Mushroom Queendom – Episode 071
      In this episode, Dr. Aishat Aloba joins hosts Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen to discuss her journey as a Black woman in computing. Dr. Aloba shares her experiences growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and the misconceptions about Africa. She talks about her initial interest in computer engineering and how she discovered her passion for computer science. Dr. Aloba also highlights the importance of community and the role it played in her transition to studying in the United States. She shares her experiences at the University of Mississippi and the opportunities she had to get involved in research. The episode concludes with Dr. Aloba discussing her decision to pursue a PhD and her current work in user experience research.
      1 hr 27 min
    • From Lagos to UX: Dr. Aishat Aloba’s Journey in Computing – Episode 070
      In this episode, Dr. Aishat Aloba joins hosts Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen to discuss her journey as a Black woman in computing. Dr. Aloba shares her experiences growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and the misconceptions about Africa. She talks about her initial interest in computer engineering and how she discovered her passion for computer science. Dr. Aloba also highlights the importance of community and the role it played in her transition to studying in the United States. She shares her experiences at the University of Mississippi and the opportunities she had to get involved in research. The episode concludes with Dr. Aloba discussing her decision to pursue a PhD and her current work in user experience research.
      1 hr 13 min

    About Modern Figures Podcast

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    Elevating the voices of Black women in computing