Streaming Science

A tastier strawberry may come from a computer. New University of Florida research shows artificial intelligence can help scientists breed more flavor into the fruit. Dr. Xu (Kevin) Wang, an agricultural engineer working as an assistant professor at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Florida discusses his broad interest and experience working at the intersection of computer science, electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, plant breeding, and his research pertaining to breeding better-tasting strawberries. In an interview with Maggie Murphy, an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, Dr. Wang sits down with us to discuss his research, experience in the world of science, and the importance of artificial intelligence to not only agriculture but to our listeners like yourself. This episode was made in partnership with the UF/IFAS Office of the Dean for Research.

Data-privacy is something that is extremely important to understand, especially in the technology age. In this episode, Dr. Jasmine McNealy, an associate professor in the Department of Media Production, Management, and Technology in the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida (UF), discusses the implications of data privacy and the important of holding big companies accountable. In an interview with Lauren Boyett, an undergraduate student at UF, McNealy sits down with us to discuss her interest in research, how its connected to Artificial Intelligence, and how people can get more involved. This episode was made in partnership with the UF/IFAS Office of the Dean for Research.

In this episode, Allison Wu, a senior computer science student at the University of Florida (UF), discusses her experience with the Florida Hacks Competition, how she plans to use the supercomputer on campus, and her plans post-graduation. In an interview with Lauren Boyett, an undergraduate student at UF, Wu discusses why she competed in Florida Hacks and why she decided to choose her major! This episode was made in partnership with the UF/IFAS Office of the Dean for Research.

In the second episode featuring him, this time edited and produced by Joseph Sistrunk, Dr. Zach Siders goes in-depth on his work with Random Forests AI, and how he’s applied AI in the Hawai’i and American Samoa longline fishery regions. Dr. Siders shares how he uses Ensemble Random Forests to monitor and predict movements of rare aquatic species. He also describes his interactions with fisheries while conducting research.

New Agricultural Education and Communication faculty member Dr. Sadie Hundemer joins the show with host Joe Sistrunk to discuss her educational and professional background and analyze her research on the “human dimensions of environmental challenges.” Dr. Hundemer also discusses her recent trip to Prague.

Did you know that oyster reefs have a lot more to offer to the economy than tasty meals and the occasional pearl? How can the value of an aquatic ecosystem be measured? What is the value of conserving our natural resources? Dive into this discussion with Matthew Richardson, a Ph.D. Student in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida. Matthew used machine learning during his masters on wetlands and rivers and will be applying AI to the water quality portion of his dissertation on oyster restoration. Hosted by Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Graduate Student, Bethany Gaffey, this conversation is sure to teach you something new about the natural world and how we relate to it. This episode was made in partnership with UF’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, the UF|IFAS Dean of Research Office, and UF’s AI Strategic Initiative.  

Ever wondered what’s lurking at the bottom of the sea? Did you know scientists around the world are teaming up to create the most extensive map of the world’s oceans? What can this knowledge be used for? Dive into this discussion with Dr. Benjamin Misiuk, a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Oceanography at Dalhousie University to learn how statistical and spatial analysis can be used to overcome deficiencies in benthic habitat mapping. Hosted by Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Graduate Student, Bethany Gaffey, this conversation is sure to teach you something new about the natural world and how we relate to it. This episode was made in partnership with UF’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, the UF|IFAS Dean of Research Office, and UF’s AI Strategic Initiative.  

 Seagrasses are one of the most productive parts of our world’s ecosystem and store carbon like no other plant. In this episode, Alex Bijak, a PhD student at the University of Florida in the Soil and Water Sciences Department discusses seagrass ecology and her research on blue carbon storage, and its relation to species and meadow history. Alex details her experience working with EPA to monitor water quality, and what brought her to UF. As we get into the interview, Alex discusses challenges she’s faced as a student and as a woman in STEM. Alex’s unique experiences, smarts, and determination have been instrumental in her continued success. 

 Artificial intelligence is changing the world faster than we can see, and its impact on the fisheries industry has been groundbreaking. Dr. Zach Siders, a research ecologist at the University of Florida, sat down with Ashleigh Jansen to share his experiences using AI in his field. He discusses his work with NOAA to reduce marine bycatch, distribution models he has been developing, and what he thinks of AI bringing about this fourth industrial revolution. Zach brings a plethora of knowledge to the table and his passion for his research is ultimately contagious. 

In this episode, UF AEC student Amber Kidd got to talk to Dr. Jacqueline Aenlle, a graduate from the University of Florida, about her research in science communication, podcast, and day to day life as a doctoral student. Jacqueline hosts her own podcast “From Urban to Agriculture” where she can answer difficult scientific questions and communicate it to the public in a way they can better understand it. Tune in to learn more about Jacqueline’s research and journey to where she is today.