Next Level Podcast

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Next Level Podcast - Episode 7 May 06, 2026

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Welcome to Episode 7 of the "Next Level Podcast." In this episode, neuroscientist and host Anu Venkatesh, Ph.D., of Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific interviews guest Peter Singer, Ph.D., a political scientist and specialist in 21st-century warfare, delving into the future and exploring how human emotions are woven into artificial intelligence design. They discuss how modern AI systems often act like overeager interns: hyperintelligent yet lacking real-world experience and programmed to please users. Singer breaks down the potential dangers of reinforcing biases as more people begin to use these models. The episode also examines the critical importance of strategic narrative and how researchers can better communicate the value of cutting-edge technology to support the warfighter. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become a New Professional at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program.

Next Level Podcast - Episode 6 Mar 17, 2026

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In a world increasingly shaped by technology, a big question on everyone's mind is: what is the future of my job in the age of artificial intelligence and robotics? In our sixth episode, host Julian Raheema tackles this question with special guest Dr. Henrick Christensen, a leading expert in robotics. Dr. Christensen offers a nuanced look at the complex role of A.I. and robotics in the modern workforce and beyond. While he suggests that robots may create jobs, Dr. Christensen also explores a future where A.I. becomes a powerful tool, handling initial drafts in fields like art and writing, leaving the more nuanced and creative work for humans. This shift, he argues, will not only improve our quality of life but also keep humans out of harm's way. To learn more about NIWC Pacific and how you can become a new professional, visit https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program. You can also read Dr. Christensen’s full biography here: https://jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/node/3587

Next Level Podcast - Episode 5 Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

"What if you could control matter at its most fundamental level? That’s exactly what we’re exploring on the fifth episode of Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific’s Next Level Podcast . Hosted by electrical engineer Dr. Jim Adleman, we're speaking with Navy scientist Dr. Carlos Torres about manipulating single atomic layers and engineering quantum materials with mind-blowing properties. We’ll discuss topics such as creating an augmented warfighter with heads-up display capabilities that no longer require a heavy headset. We’re uncovering applications ranging from advanced electronics to revolutionary sensors, and beyond. Get ready to have your mind blown. Carlos started as a New Professional (NP) at NIWC Pacific, where hires embark on a two-year path to explore, invent and find their place in the world of naval information warfare. But once an NP, always an NP. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program ."

Next Level Podcast - Episode 4 Jun 04, 2025

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Brett Goldsmith, Ph.D., of the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific, recounts his journey from NIWC Pacific's New Professional program to the world of startups and venture capital, and back again. In a conversation with Burton Neuner, Ph.D., also of NIWC Pacific, Goldsmith explains why he traded profit-driven pursuits for a mission-driven focus, bridging the gap between microelectronics and the needs of warfighters. His return, he says, highlights aligning passion with purpose, emphasizing brand building, storytelling and "insane attention to detail" in connecting innovation to real-world impact. Goldsmith quotes Steve Jobs: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program

Next Level Podcast Episode - 3 Oct 31, 2024

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A U.S. Marine once asked Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific's Spencer Koroly for a rugged 3D printer that could print and sustain a robot on deployment; Spencer made it happen, but hasn't seen him since. If anyone bumps into him, can you let him know Spencer's team made his dreams come true? In this episode, Chris and Spencer talk advanced expeditionary manufacturing, Marines breaking stuff and pushing 3D printers to the limit, and cool things Spencer prints on his own 3D printer at home. Chris Raney is the Deputy Executive Director and Technical Director at NIWC Pacific, and Spencer Koroly is a project manager in the autonomous technologies division of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Department at NIWC Pacific. Chris started as a New Professional — NIWC Pacific hires set out on a two-year path to explore, invent, and find their place in the world of naval information warfare — but once an NP, always an NP. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program

Next Level Podcast - Episode 2 Jul 30, 2024

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T.S. Eliot once said, “Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Panama City Division’s Daniel Sternlicht, Ph.D., and Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific’s Anson Brune kick this one off with a poem, then walk us through the evolution of sonar technology from World War II to present and into the future. What will it take to develop man-made sonar technology as sophisticated as nature’s — the ability of dolphins to detect mines hidden under ocean-floor sediment? Sternlicht is a senior scientific technology manager and the distinguished scientist for littoral sensing technologies at NSWC Panama City Division, and Anson Brune is a mechanical engineer and branch head in the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Department at NIWC Pacific. He’s also a former New Professional — NIWC Pacific hires set out on a two-year path to explore, invent, and find their place in the world of naval information warfare — but once an NP, always an NP. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program

Next Level Podcast - Episode 1 Jun 24, 2024

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Anu Venkatesh, Ph.D., a neuroscientist for the Cyber S&T Department, talks with Michael O’Brien, an engineer with the Cryogenic Electronics and Quantum Research Branch, about why he’s putting quantum SQUIDS in very cold backpacks (as in, -321ºF cold). Hint: the SQUIDS are less...well, squid, and more about superconducting quantum sensors. The two both started their careers at Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific as New Professionals (NPs). NIWC Pacific NP hires set out on a two-year path to explore, invent, and find their place in the world of naval information warfare. Anu and Michael are both former NPs - but once an NP, always an NP - who also talk about the different tours they took as NPs, the pursuit of knowledge even in fields they aren’t trained in, and where to rock climb in San Diego. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program

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