Discovering Academia

#011 - Ali Moghimi: Drones, Artificial Intelligence, & Precision Agriculture

Join us for a conversation with Ali Moghimi, an assistant professor of teaching in remote sensing and AI applications for precision and digital agriculture at UC Davis. He is also the master faculty advisor for the new agricultural and environmental technology major, which focuses on preparing students to integrate new technologies like AI to solve the problems of food and energy sustainability.
In this engaging conversation, Professor Moghimi shares his insights on the various applications of drones and other advanced technologies in agriculture. He talks about how these technologies are being used to improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage, and the importance of using AI in precision agriculture to optimize crop management.
He also provides a basic understanding of the methodology of machine learning, and how it is being used in agriculture to make predictions. He further delves into the uses of AI for higher education grading, discussing its potential benefits and challenges.
Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of agriculture and technology, and how AI is being used to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the industry. Tune in to this episode of Discovering Academia to learn more about the future of agriculture and the role of AI in shaping it.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#010 - Ermias Kebreab: Seaweed, Methanogens & the Potential End of Agricultural Methane Emissions

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Professor Ermias Kebreab, the Associate Dean and Professor of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Kebreab holds the Sesnon Endowed Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and conducts groundbreaking research in animal nutrition, mathematical modeling of biological systems, and the impact of livestock on the environment.
 
With over 250 peer-reviewed articles and several prestigious awards under his belt, including the 2022 Chancellor’s Innovator of the year award, Dr. Kebreab is an authority in his field. He has also co-chaired the feed additive and methane committees of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, which highlights his commitment to sustainability and reducing the impact of livestock on the environment.
 
In this podcast, we'll dive into Dr. Kebreab's research surrounding seaweed supplementation in cows to reduce methane emmisions, his vision for sustainable agriculture, and his new 70 million dollar grant with top researchers at UC Berkeley and UCSF to engineer a new population-wide genome editing technology that can be used to completely eradicate methane production.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#009 - Jonathan Eisen: Microbes, Open-Sourcing Research, & Equality in Academia

Join us for an insightful discussion with Professor Jonathan Eisen, an award-winning researcher at UC Davis, as he takes us on a journey into the fascinating world of microbiology. With appointments in the Department of Evolution and Ecology, the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the Genome Center, Professor Eisen's research spans across many different areas within microbiology, as he aims to uncover fundamental "rules" that can be widely applied across the field. Professor Eisen is also an active social media presence on Twitter, where he advocates for greater academic communication and accessibility.
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating realm of microbes, exploring their impact on our lives and our relationship with them. We also discuss the importance of open sourcing academic research and promoting equity and diversity within academia. Join us as we discover the secrets of the microbial world and gain insights from Professor Jonathan Eisen's expertise and experience.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#008 - Mark Yarborough: Trustworthiness of Biomedical Research & Reshaping Academia

Join us for a enlightening discussion with Professor Mark Yarborough, a leading bioethicist and former Director of the Clinical Research Ethics Program at UC Davis. With decades of experience exploring the intersection of public trust and biomedical research, Dr. Yarborough's work sheds light on some of the most pressing ethical questions facing the field today.
In this episode, we delve into the importance of building trust in biomedical research, and explore the challenges and opportunities of maintaining ethical standards in the face of conflicting interests. Dr. Yarborough's publications cover a wide range of bioethical issues, from genetic counseling to interprofessional ethics education, offering a comprehensive perspective on the field.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, researcher, or simply interested in the ethical considerations that underlie biomedical research, this episode offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the field. We discuss the role of profit in medicine, the impact of biases in research, and the need for new metrics of success that prioritize public trust and accountability.
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges facing biomedical research today, and discover how we can work together to build a more hopeful future for the field.

#007 - Ian Korf: Genetics as the Book of Life & Why You Shouldn’t Get an A+

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Professor Ian Korf, a leading expert in genomics and bioinformatics research and education. Ian is passionate about understanding the information flow from genotype to phenotype and has made significant contributions to the field through his work at UC Davis.
In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of genomics and explore the concept of DNA as a language. Ian shares his insights on the interdisciplinary nature of his lab and the important role it plays in advancing our understanding of genetics. 
Throughout the episode, Ian emphasizes the importance of collaboration and creativity in scientific research, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the field of genomics. We also discuss the perils of perfectionism and why Ian believes that striving for an A+ can actually hold us back.
Whether you're a seasoned expert or simply interested in learning more about genomics and bioinformatics, this episode is sure to offer fascinating insights and perspectives that will inspire and inform. Don't miss this engaging conversation with Professor Ian Korf.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#006 - Zachary Psick: Mass Incarceration & Reversing the School to Prison Pipeline

Join us for a powerful conversation with doctoral candidate Zachary Psick from the Department of Sociology at UC Davis. With a focus on the causes and consequences of crime and punishment, Zachary is an emerging voice in the fight for criminal justice reform. In this episode, Zachary shares his inspiring story of going from being incarcerated to becoming a renowned researcher and co-founder of the Underground Scholars Initiative at UC Davis.
We explore the history of mass incarceration in the United States, examining the wide-scale failures that led us to our current system. Zachary shares his insights on the impacts of the wars on drugs and crime, and the disproportionate impact that these policies have had on marginalized communities. We also discuss potential solutions and reforms that can help to address the systemic issues at play in our criminal justice system.
Throughout the episode, Zachary draws on his own personal experiences to shed light on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for reform. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just beginning to learn about these important issues, this episode is sure to offer fascinating insights and perspectives that will inspire and inform. Don't miss this powerful conversation with Zachary Psick.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#005 - Stavros Vougioukas: Agricultural Robotics for Specialty Crops

Join us for an engaging conversation with Professor Stavros Vougioukas, the Department Vice Chair of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UC Davis. As a leading expert in the field of mechanization and automation for specialty crops, Dr. Vougioukas is at the forefront of using robotics to revolutionize agriculture.
In this episode, we delve into the exciting possibilities and challenges of using robots to locate and pick fruit efficiently, as well as developing shake-and-catch harvesting systems to prevent fall damage. Dr. Vougioukas' research focuses on the design, development, and testing of actuators, sensors, and control systems for optimal management of inputs and products.
As the recipient of the UC Davis College of Engineering Outstanding Junior Faculty Award in 2016, Dr. Vougioukas' work is making a significant impact in the field of agriculture. We explore the design process for robots and the challenges of implementing these technologies at a wide scale.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the exciting possibilities of using robotics in agriculture and the important work being done to make it a reality.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#004 - Giovanni Peri: Economics of Global Migration & Successful Integration of Migrants

Join us for an insightful conversation with Giovanni Peri, a Professor of Economics and the Director of the Global Migration Center at UC Davis. As a leading expert on human migration, Dr. Peri brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion.
In this episode, we explore the multifaceted issues surrounding human migration, including the reasons people choose to migrate, the factors that contribute to successful migration, and the role of immigration in American culture. Dr. Peri's research analyzes migration from social, economic, legal, and demographic perspectives, providing a nuanced understanding of this complex topic.
As an accomplished scholar, Dr. Peri sits on the editorial board of several academic journals in Economics and has received grants from international organizations like the World Bank and the National Science Foundation. He also regularly publishes in top media outlets, bringing his research to a wider audience.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate issues related to human migration and the critical role it plays in our society.
 
Correction in Intro: Dr. Peri is the former Department Chair of Economics, holding the position from 2015-2019
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#003 - Tina Rulli: Moral Duty to Adopt, Race & Genetics, & Pro-Life Anti Vaxxers

Join us for a thought provoking conversation with Associate Professor Tina Rulli, a prominent figure in the field of normative and applied ethics, with a particular focus on reproductive and population ethics. With a PhD from Yale University and postdoctoral training at the NIH Bioethics Department, Professor Rulli brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation.
We explore a range of compelling topics throughout the episode, starting with the ethics of adoption and procreation. Professor Rulli offers insights on the moral implications of bringing new lives into the world, and the ethical considerations involved in adoption. We then delve into the controversial issues of anti-vaxxers and abortion rights, examining the ethical questions that arise in these contexts and considering different arguments and perspectives.
Finally, we discuss the use of race in genomics and the ethical implications of this practice. Professor Rulli sheds light on the complex intersection of genetics, race, and identity, and the ethical questions that arise as we seek to better understand these relationships.
Throughout the episode, we also touch on the importance of crafting strong arguments and considering opposing viewpoints, highlighting the critical role that philosophy and ethics play in our understanding of complex issues. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher or simply interested in exploring complex ethical questions, this episode is sure to offer fascinating insights and perspectives that will challenge and inspire.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#002 - Randi Hagerman: Genetic Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome & Discovering FXTAS

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Randi Hagerman, the Medical Director of the UC Davis MIND Institute, a world-renowned research center focused on the study of neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Hagerman is an acclaimed expert in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as Fragile X syndrome and autism.
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of neurodevelopmental disorders and their impact on individuals and families. Dr. Hagerman shares her insights on Fragile X and FXTAS syndrome, and explains the difference between phenotypes and genotypes. We also explore the question of whether our genetics define who we are.
As one of the top female scientists in the world, Dr. Hagerman's expertise and contributions to clinical research have made a significant impact on our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these conditions and the groundbreaking work being done to address them.
 
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possess no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.