Exploring Stem
49 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Science, technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) describe and build the world in which we live. The Exploring STEM podcast investigates how these disciplines are practiced and their impact on us and our societies. To learn more about our STEM educational programs, visit StudyatAPU.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
The Flourishing World of Health Documentaries | EP48
December 01, 2022 13:30 - 23 minutes - 54.5 MBHealth documentaries focused on food and diets can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer discusses these impacts with APU’s Dr. Stacey Malinowski and explores the best ways to uncover thoughtful, unbiased information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An Exploration of Diabetic Lifestyle Changes | EP47
November 17, 2022 13:30 - 19 minutes - 44.3 MBDiabetes is a tough disease to manage. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Jameelah Powell about the kinds of changes that can help individuals with diabetes function well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sepsis Awareness: How to Recognize the Signs | EP46
October 20, 2022 12:30 - 11 minutes - 27.3 MBSepsis is actually the number one healthcare cost in the United States and can be very deadly and difficult to treat. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU’s Dr. Stacey Malinowski, who has spent more than 20 years as a nurse, about sepsis awareness, prevention, recognition and treatment. Learn how sepsis, which is when the body has an overwhelming systemic response to an infection can be identified early. Learn how the pneumonic “TIME” can help people recognize the signs of sepsis so...
Science Fiction’s Unique Approach to Difficult Social Norms | EP45
September 08, 2022 12:30 - 27 minutes - 63.6 MBExplore the ways in which science fiction delves into difficult social norms and presents us with new insights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why It’s Important to Know Your Family Health History | EP44
August 11, 2022 12:30 - 23 minutes - 53.2 MBKnowing what diseases or disorders run in your family is important for your own health. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU nursing faculty Dr. Jameelah Powell about understanding your family health history. Learn ways to start this sometimes difficult conversation with family members, what information you should gather from whom, and ways to store that information so it’s easily accessible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer Health Hazards: How to Protect Yourself | EP43
July 14, 2022 12:30 - 25 minutes - 59 MBSummer is when people want to relax and have fun, but there are many dangers to be aware of. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to health science professor Dr. Jameelah Powell about common summer health hazards. Learn about food-related illnesses, dangers from heat like heat stroke and dehydration, as well as parasites, tick-borne illnesses and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BONUS: Celebrating Commencement 2022
June 20, 2022 17:11 - 11 minutes - 27.8 MBHear from graduates and faculty members as they celebrate the classes of 2020, 2021, 2022! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Students Become Analog Astronauts, Conduct Space Research | EP41
June 16, 2022 12:30 - 28 minutes - 64.3 MBWhat is it like to be an astronaut living in space? Several APUS students got a taste of being an astronaut when they were selected to be analog astronauts as part of the APUS Analog Research Group. In this episode, Dr. Gary Deel talks to graduate student Scott Van Hoy about his experience as an analog astronaut and his research into space human factors including psychological and physiological impacts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Common Signs of Stroke and Tips to Prevent a Stroke | EP40
June 02, 2022 12:30 - 16 minutes - 37 MBThere are more than 800,000 strokes every year. Preventing a stroke requires a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Associate Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about the different types of strokes and the common signs of a stroke. She also shares action to take if you suspect someone is having a stroke as well as ways to prevent a stroke through healthy habits, blood pressure management, and medicine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...
Fighting Climate Change, One Personal Choice at a Time - Pt. 2 | EP39
May 19, 2022 12:30 - 28 minutes - 65.2 MBThere are plenty of things individuals can do to have positive impacts on the planet. In the second part of this series, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Kristin Drexler about the value of acting individually and locally and how when done collectively, can have a huge impact on a global scale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fighting Climate Change, One Personal Choice at a Time - Pt.1 | EP38
May 05, 2022 12:30 - 31 minutes - 72 MBClimate change is a global problem, and the solution lies in the choices of every individual. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor Dr. Kristin Drexler about the power of personal choice, taking more personal responsibility, and changing your mindset to be more resourceful and less wasteful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How to Improve Your Health Literacy | EP37
April 21, 2022 12:30 - 22 minutes - 51.3 MBWhat is health literacy and why does it matter? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Assistant Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about how strong health literacy skills helps people make well-informed decisions about their health. Learn why healthcare providers must work to assess their patients’ health literacy, ensure they’re presenting information simply and clearly, and making sure patients feel comfortable asking questions. Learn tips to improve your own health literacy by writi...
Space Studies: Benefits of Team-Based Research Experience | EP36
April 07, 2022 12:30 - 24 minutes - 55.8 MBNow is an exciting time to study space, thanks to the development of powerful instruments and technologies. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Space Studies professor Dr. Kristen Miller about the skills needed in the space field including mathematics, physics and team-based research experience. Learn about APU’s powerful 24-inch, high-caliber telescope that provides students with the experience of using real-time telescope data in their research. Also learn about the university’s ...
Do Stars Exist? Climate Change Perspectives from Around the World | EP35
March 24, 2022 12:30 - 26 minutes - 61.8 MBPeople in different countries have varying perspectives on climate change. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Mary Ellen Cooper about her experience living in China and the startling questions she got from students asking if stars were real because the pollution was so bad, they had never seen a clear night sky. Learn more about geographical and generational differences related to climate change and environmental issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...
Want to Become a Nurse? What to Know about Nursing Education | EP34
March 10, 2022 13:30 - 20 minutes - 47.9 MBThere are more than 100 different specialties in nursing, providing nurses with a variety of career options to pursue. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Assistant Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about her career path and the numerous ways students can pursue a nursing education. Learn about what questions to ask when pursuing a nursing education including acceptance of transfer credits, accreditation, online course options, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...
Colonizing Planets or Moons for Human Habitation | EP33
February 25, 2022 13:30 - 36 minutes - 84.5 MBAre there habitable planets or moons that could sustain human life? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor Dr. Gary Deel about space exploration and the effort to find celestial bodies where humans could potentially live. Learn about overcoming challenges like differences in gravity, temperature, atmosphere as well as some of the possibilities like Mars, Venus and various moons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How to Improve Your Heart Health | EP32
February 11, 2022 13:30 - 14 minutes - 34.2 MBHeart disease remains one of the top causes of deaths in the United States. For Heart Health Month, APU’s Stacey Malinowski provides many great ways to improve your overall health starting with knowing your risk factors by measuring you BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and cholesterol. She offers ways to improve your health through increased activity and portion control, but also learning to be more mindful of what you’re eating, how you’re eating, what’s causing you stress, and what ...
How to Plan for Any Emergency | EP31
January 28, 2022 13:30 - 27 minutes - 63.6 MBEmergencies can come in many different forms and strike at any time. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU health science professor Dr. Jameelah Powell about emergency preparedness. Whether it’s an earthquake, pandemic, hurricane, snowstorm, house fire, or just a broken-down vehicle, it’s important to be prepared so you can get through any emergency situation. Learn what to include in an emergency kit, the importance of developing an emergency contact plan, suggestions for talking to...
How COVID has Led to Rise in Nurse Burnout and Staffing Shortages | EP30
January 14, 2022 13:30 - 20 minutes - 46.4 MBCOVID-19 has taken a huge toll on the healthcare system and has led to high levels of nursing burnout and staffing shortages. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU nursing professor Dr. Stacey Malinowski about the current state of the healthcare system and how to address major nursing shortages across the country. Learn about healthcare challenges like compassion fatigue, moral distress, the aging nursing population, the lack of nurse educators, and insufficient clinical sites as wel...
A Conversation about Climate Change (and What to Do at the Local Level) | EP29
December 31, 2021 13:30 - 26 minutes - 61.1 MBClimate change is a global crisis that requires local and national-level solutions. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU science professor Dr. Kristin Drexler about various ways to address climate change. Learn about international efforts like the UN Climate Conference, COP26, which encourages nations to implement measures to reduce pollution and other contributing factors to climate change. Also learn the ways that individuals can reduce their consumption and waste to help better c...
The Complexities of BMI, Obesity and COVID-19 | EP28
December 17, 2021 13:30 - 33 minutes - 77.7 MBBody mass index, or BMI, is a common tool used to measure a person’s body fat based on their height and weight. However, this number does not actually reflect a person’s whole health. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Jameelah Powell, a nurse and healthcare professional, about the complexities of BMI and what other factors need to be considered to help people develop truly healthy lifestyles. Learn how the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to widespread weight gain ...
Next Manned Space Mission: Moon, Mars or Venus? | EP27
December 03, 2021 13:30 - 31 minutes - 71.2 MBSuccessfully landing the Perseverance rover on Mars and the first space flight by private companies has created some public excitement about space exploration. Can these achievements translate to renewed interest and support in manned space exploration? In this episode, APU professor Dr. Gary Deel talks to astrobiologist and planetary scientist Dr. Ramses Ramirez about his scientific modeling work aimed at better understanding the climate and habitability of Mars, Venus and other planets and ...
How Nurses Can Cope with the Stress of COVID-19 | EP26
November 19, 2021 13:30 - 42 minutes - 98.6 MBCOVID-19 caused significant changes to the U.S. healthcare system and took an incredible toll on healthcare professionals. Learn how responsibilities and opportunities shifted for different levels of nurses, including CNAs, LPNs or LVNs, RNs and NPs, and what aspiring healthcare professionals can do to prepare themselves to work in this very difficult field. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Jameelah Powell, about her extensive experience working in healthcare, including her work...
Online Organic Chemistry: Innovations in Delivering Online Science Education | EP25
November 05, 2021 12:30 - 29 minutes - 68.4 MBUntil recently, it wasn’t possible to pursue a science degree online, largely because of the lab requirement. In this episode, Dr. Danny Welsch talks about how his science faculty got creative and figured out how to deliver the same science education in an innovative way by designing lab kits and instrumentation kits that are mailed to students so they can conduct experiments at home. Learn how these courses also use online resources like libraries of microscopic images and access to simulati...
Why Communication is a Critical Skill for Engineers | EP24
October 22, 2021 12:30 - 30 minutes - 69.5 MBMany students pursuing an engineering career believe their technical knowledge will be their greatest skillset for career advancement. Not so, says author and professor, Alexa Chilcutt. In this episode, learn why it’s critical for engineers to focus on improving their communication skills so they’re better presenters and public speakers. Learn tips like relying on trusted friends and colleagues to provide guided constructive feedback and knowing your audience so you can find ways to connect w...
Protecting Against Hackers and Ransomware Attacks | EP23
October 15, 2021 12:30 - 18 minutes - 41.8 MBCybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, not just IT or technical professionals. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to cybersecurity professor Dr. Kevin Harris about the rise in hacking and ransomware attacks on organizations. Learn why it’s important for companies to invest in programmers and technical personnel who have the skills needed to protect networks while also training all employees—especially executives—about cybersecurity best practices and cyber threats. Also learn what t...
What it takes to Write Paranormal Novels for STEM Professionals | EP22
October 01, 2021 12:30 - 34 minutes - 78.9 MBWriting a paranormal romance novel about women in STEM fields requires extensive research combined with creativity and drive. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about her writing process, the challenges she faced tackling her first romance novel, and the creative drive that has led to her publishing 10 books. Learn why she writes about local places and why she isn’t afraid to ask experts for insight into topics that she’s unfamiliar...
Connecting with the Natural World through Science Education | EP21
September 17, 2021 12:30 - 28 minutes - 66.3 MBOur relationship with and respect for the natural world is more important than ever. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Kristin Drexler about her science-based career exploring many aspects of the natural from working as a Park Ranger across the U.S. to teaching conservation practices in Belize. Learn about environmental issues like climate change and population growth and why it’s so important for humans to understand that they are a part of nature, not apart f...
What ‘Firefly’ and Sci Fi Can Teach Us about Real-World Issues | EP20
September 03, 2021 12:30 - 28 minutes - 66.2 MBScience fiction often delves into real-world problems in a way that helps viewers understand those issues in a new light. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Shelli Carter about the television show “Firefly” and the social and personal issues it explores. Learn more about this series and other works of science fiction that have helped people better understand the world around them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shipbuilding Requires Engineering and Business Skills to Solve Complex Problems | EP19
August 20, 2021 12:30 - 25 minutes - 58.3 MBAs a young engineer working in shipbuilding for the Department of Defense, Monica Nichols relied heavily on her interdisciplinary education in science, technology, engineering, and math to solve both technical and business problems. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to Monica about the value of her STEAM and business education and how it inspired her to start Pink Space Theory, a company focused on bringing STEAM education to youth. Learn the importance of an interdis...
Scientific Literacy Helps Differentiate between Science and Pseudoscience | EP18
July 23, 2021 12:30 - 36 minutes - 84.4 MBMany people believe scientists work to prove theories or facts, but in reality scientists apply the scientific method to disprove or refute things. This lack of scientific literacy often leads people to turn to pseudoscience, which looks like science but instead starts with a claim and seeks to find evidence to support that claim. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Danny Welsch about pulling back the curtain on the scientific process, understanding how scientifi...
Role of Soil Health in Climate Change | EP17
July 09, 2021 12:30 - 44 minutes - 102 MBWhen most people think of soil, they just think of dirt and don’t realize that improving soil health could help offset factors that cause climate change. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Danny Welsch about the documentary “Kiss the Ground” that focuses on ways to improve soil health. Learn how changes to commercial agriculture practices like no-till farming and regenerative agriculture practices could turn farms from carbon sources into carbon sinks, which wou...
Integrating STEAM: Preparing for Careers that Don’t Yet Exist | EP16
June 25, 2021 12:30 - 29 minutes - 68 MBTechnology is driving unprecedented change in the economy and in education. In this episode, APU business professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to Alex Fernandez, who specializes in innovation, digital inclusion, and emerging technology as a learning tool. Learn some of the factors that inhibit STEAM education like proper integration, collaboration, and technology training. Also learn about some advancements in technology that will create jobs and careers that don’t currently exist and why it...
Insight into a Career as a Systems Architect | EP15
June 11, 2021 12:30 - 29 minutes - 67.6 MBPursuing a career as a systems architect, with responsibilities for designing and developing highly functional systems, is often a winding path that requires a lifelong-learning mindset along with both confidence and humility. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. David Rogers about his decades-long career in technology development and the steep learning curve that comes with advancing in systems architecture. Learn about the hard and soft skills needed, the “ilities” that are the bu...
The Dangerous Difference between Misinformation and Disinformation | EP14
May 28, 2021 12:30 - 30 minutes - 69.7 MBWhy is it so critical to keep people from falling for disinformation? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Karen Hand about the steps people can take to identify disinformation campaigns that are aimed to manipulate. Learn ways to increase your information literacy, how to check the reliability and credibility of online sources, and why it’s so important to read widely to learn other points of view. Also learn about confirmation bias, how social media companies us...
SciFest, STEM Fairs Drive Student Passion for Solving Real-World Problems | EP13
May 14, 2021 12:30 - 21 minutes - 48.5 MBOur world is increasingly technologically driven, so it’s critical to equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and passion that results from STEM learning. But STEM curriculum provides more than knowledge, it teaches students critical thinking and problem-solving skills and gives them confidence about their abilities. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to Sheila Porter, the founder of SciFest in Ireland, which hosts 10,000 students each year for its STEM competition. Le...
Autonomous Cars Will Change Travel Forever | EP12
April 30, 2021 12:30 - 32 minutes - 74 MBHow people get from place to place will look very different in the not-too-distant future. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM professor Dr. Karen Hand about the evolution of autonomous cars. Learn about the current use of semi-autonomous technology in many of today’s cars, the testing of autonomous semi-trucks transporting goods, and other projects aimed at integrating autonomous vehicles on the roadways. Also learn about road safety benefits, ethical issues, security measure...
Drone Technology Showcases Innovation of STEAM Education | EP11
April 16, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 42.1 MBLearning how to design, build, fix and fly a drone requires the application of all aspects of a STEAM education. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to Stevenson Demorcy about teaching drone technology as part of a STEAM education program. Learn about the development of the drone program, and how it supports students’ real-world use of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematic knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Challenges of Teaching STEAM Programs | EP10
April 02, 2021 12:30 - 24 minutes - 55.3 MBWhile the educational value of STEAM programs is widely recognized, the lack of curriculum standardization makes it especially difficult for those teaching STEAM. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to STEAM teacher Holly Leskovics about the immense research and work she has done to develop STEAM curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade. Learn about resources to help teachers stay up-to-date with changing technology, how to retrain kids that failing is an import...
The Challenges of Teaching STEAM Programs | EP10
April 02, 2021 12:30 - 24 minutes - 55.3 MBWhile the educational value of STEAM programs is widely recognized, the lack of curriculum standardization makes it especially difficult for those teaching STEAM. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to STEAM teacher Holly Leskovics about the immense research and work she has done to develop STEAM curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade. Learn about resources to help teachers stay up-to-date with changing technology, how to retrain kids that failing is an importa...
Pursuing a Career in Science: The Value of Vision | EP09
March 19, 2021 12:30 - 26 minutes - 60.4 MBAfter she graduated with a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences and meteorology, Dr. Jamese Sims found that she was often the only woman, the only Black person, and also the youngest person in the room. In this episode, she talks to APU professor Dr. Kandis Wyatt about how she taught herself to speak up and be assertive so she could effectively communicate her ideas and her expertise. Also learn about her strategy for creating a personal vision and setting attainable life goals by better understandi...
Insights into Meteorology and Atmospheric Science | EP08
March 05, 2021 13:30 - 23 minutes - 53.9 MBMeteorology is an ever-changing and fascinating field that affects so many areas of life. In this episode, hear from APU professor Dr. Lorenza Cooper about his passion for studying weather events and why he believes students of all disciplines should have a better understanding of atmospheric science. Also learn about his strategy for discussing climate change, career opportunities for those interested in meteorology including interdisciplinary work with the Space Force, and the university’s ...
Adding the Arts: Shifting from STEM to STEAM | EP07
February 19, 2021 13:30 - 28 minutes - 66.2 MBThe principles of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—drive innovation and advancements in the modern world. But one critical component that is often overlooked is the arts. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU business professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt about the benefits of adding arts into the mix and promoting principles of STEAM both in education and in industry. Learn how focusing on STEAM can open up a new world to students to help them become vital and impactful con...
STEM Careers Offer Many Paths | EP06
January 22, 2021 13:30 - 36 minutes - 84.6 MBPursuing a career in science can be an exciting journey fueled by passion and discovery. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU STEM Program Director Dr. Shelli Carter about her fascinating science career that ranged from conducting groundbreaking research that helped identify neurotransmitters linked to epilepsy to innovative forensic work for the federal government. Learn why it’s so important for everyone to pursue scientific literacy and dispel myths that prevent people from pursu...
What Does it Mean to be a Cybersecurity Professional? | EP05
January 08, 2021 13:30 - 29 minutes - 68.5 MBCybersecurity is an extremely broad field that is integrated into so many aspects of an organization. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Cybersecurity Program Director Dr. Kevin Harris about what individuals should know about career opportunities in cyber and IT professions. Learn why IT and cyber professionals must have the skills to collaborate with all levels of management and why it’s so important to increase diversity in tech fields in order to fill many of the open IT and cy...
The Benefits and Complexities of Artificial Intelligence | EP04
December 25, 2020 13:30 - 34 minutes - 79.3 MBBig data is collected and processed to provide insight about nearly every facet of modern life. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with Dr. Zona Kostic, a computer scientist who specializes in data visualization and machine learning, about the benefits of artificial intelligence. Learn how AI is being used during the COVID-19 pandemic and how new systems like Explainable AI (XAI) are being used to help data scientists understand how AI systems “think” and come up with decisions. Hosted...
Environmentalism Today | EP03
December 11, 2020 13:30 - 38 minutes - 87.3 MBHow has environmentalism changed in recent years? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Associate Dean of STEM programs Dr. Danny Welsch about the effects of politics on environmental issues and changes to environmental activism. Learn about the current debates surrounding climate change, growth in the usage of alternative energy sources like wind and solar, and what individuals can do to help the environment by reducing consumption, buying food locally, and more. Hosted on Acast. ...
STEM Prepares Students to Have a Problem-Solving Mindset | EP02
November 27, 2020 13:30 - 31 minutes - 72.5 MBThe principles of STEM are integrated into so many of today’s jobs in often surprising and exciting ways. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to American Public University STEM professors Drs. Danny Welsch and Shelli Carter about their own career paths and their work as educators to find creative and unique ways to teach STEM in the online classroom. Learn about some of the hesitations students often have about pursuing a degree in STEM, and how success in STEM isn’t about “smarts” as muc...
Innovation in STEM: Education and Career Considerations | EP01
November 13, 2020 13:30 - 38 minutes - 88.5 MBInnovation drives the modern world. In the first episode of Exploring STEM, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with Dr. Ahmed Naumaan, Dean of the School of STEM at American Public University, about the challenges of teaching students how to be innovative thinkers. Learn about new developments in the STEM curriculum designed to allow students to explore different aspects of STEM to help them find their passion while also learning about potential career opportunities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...