Further Together the ORAU Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What's Life Like at the North Pole? Dec 20, 2019

Show notes

For two Christmas seasons running, Tommy the Elf has visited all of us at ORAU. He has learned about our capabilities and shared his knowledge on our social media channels. In this episode of the Further Together podcast, we turn the tables on Tommy and learn more about his life, including his favorite cookie, favorite thing about Christmas, whether anything in the movie "Elf" is real and whether he has gone on world-wide rounds with the big guy in the red suit. At turns informative and hilarious, this special edition is not to be missed.

Trading a lab career for academia to grow the nation's scientific workforce Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

Dr. Howard Hall is a member of the ORISE Distinguished Scientist Advisory Board, an external panel of recognized experts in scientific and technical disciplines that validates the ORISE vision is maximizing DOE's strategic objectives. Dr. Hall talks about trading his national laboratory career to work in academia at the University of Tennessee. Working for the DSAB combines the best of both worlds.

From late bloomer to diversity pioneer Dec 11, 2019

Show notes

Desmond Stubbs was an academic late-bloomer. While working as a hotel cater waiter, a chance encounter sparked his pursuit of an academic career in chemistry. In November 2019, Dr. Desmond Stubbs was honored as this year's HBCU Pioneer by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. The award is given to those who have dedicated a substantial part of their career to the support of historically black colleges and universities, as well as to other underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Stubbs is the director of diversity for ORISE, linking HBCUs with opportunities for students at federal research institutions around the country. Join us for a fun and fascinating conversation.

Could virtual reality help increase flu vaccination rates? Dec 02, 2019

Show notes

Could immersive virtual reality hold the key to increased flu vaccination rates among adults age 18-49? A study funded by an ORAU-Directed Research and Development grant and published in the journal Vaccine on Monday, December 2, 2019 sought to answer that question. We talked to Karen Carera, PhD, ORAU senior evaluation specialist, and Glen Nowak, principal investigator and director of the Center for Health and Risk Communication headquartered at the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. As you will hear in the episode, this ground-breaking research holds great promise and points to the need for more research in this area.

The Gratitude Show Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all of the things for which we are grateful. In that spirit, Michael and Jenna turned the microphone over to employees from across ORAU and asked them to share what they are grateful for this year. From all of us at ORAU, Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you enjoy the show.

The challenges and opportunities of "greening up" America's scientific workforce Nov 20, 2019

Show notes

The nation's unemployment rate is at a historic low. Meanwhile, large numbers of people in the federal scientific workforce are at or nearing retirement age. Opportunities may be plentiful for young and aspiring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workers, if they're not snatched up by big tech firms first. Michelle Goodson, group manager for workforce solutions at ORAU, talks about the challenges, the opportunities and where ORAU fits in the greening up of the American scientific workforce.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Scientists at ORNL Nov 13, 2019

Show notes

Julia Steed is a senior at Oak Ridge High School. She spent part of her summer working alongside Katie Schuman, a research scientist who specialized in artificial intelligence at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Her experience in ORNL's Next Generations STEM Internship Program has fueled Steed's interest in computer science. She and Schuman discuss the work they did together, the importance of mentorship for young scientists and the importance of the NEXTGENS program.

Not your grandfather's strategic plan Nov 06, 2019

Show notes

The ORAU strategic plan is not a hallowed document formulated by a committee of executives and then distributed to employees to follow. Rather, our strategic plan is developed, updated, implemented and thoughtfully discussed using Agile, an iterative, cross-functional approach to project management that relies on input from employees at all levels of the company. In fact, upwards of half of ORAU's employees were involved in the development of the latest strategic plan. Jamey Kennedy, ORAU strategic plan advisor, talks about our process, as well as some lessons about life she learned while on a harrowing trip to Norway in early 2019.

Advancing ORAU's research and education mission through university partnerships Oct 29, 2019

Show notes

ORAU advances research and education through our very talented subject matter experts and thought leaders, many of whom work with our university partners on a wide range of research projects. In this episode, Arlene Garrison, vice president of university partnerships, and Cathy Fore, director of collaborative initiatives, discuss the history of ORAU's relationships with its university partners, the grant funding mechanisms available through the University Partnerships Office, some of the research being conducted, our new relationship with MITRE Corporation and so much more.

Meeting Talent Where They Are: Career Fairs in a Virtual World Oct 23, 2019

Show notes

Imagine discussing internship and research opportunities with world-renowned scientists from your laptop or mobile device in the comfort of your living room while wearing pajamas. Virtual career fairs allow applicants to do exactly that, which reduced anxiety for applicants, saves money for organizations looking to place candidates, and lets recruiters spend more time with applicants. Amanda Hurley, ORISE section manager for workforce development, and C.J. Mitchell, social media and digital analyst, discuss the importance of virtual career fairs for ORAU, ORISE and our customers.