Streaming Science

DNA makes up our genes, influencing everything from the color of our eyes to the likelihood that we're impacted by certain diseases. 

Today's featured episode of the #StreamingScience podcast highlights a conversation between Aljae Lewis, an undergraduate researcher majoring in Biotechnology, and undergraduate student Natalie Rodriguez about the importance of including the ancestral and genetic background of cells in DNA research. They explore how this work can address racial disparities relating to different diseases and even save lives.

Have you ever thought about where your milk comes from? In a conversation with UF student Morgan Sheehan, UF Animal Sciences PhD student Emily Lidner gave an update on the state of the dairy industry and what their plans are to educate the public about calf production and milk. She also gave an overview of her research on dairy calf performance. 

When it comes down to research, DNA and genetics are almost always implicated in it. Horse gaits have physical and genetic components to them. In this episode, Dr. Samantha Brooks, and graduate student Maddy Smythe, both in the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, discuss how artificial intelligence was used in their study of horse gaits. They want to discover which genes are responsible for gait in horses. AI is used to pinpoint certain joints to measure the horse’s stride. Without it, it would take weeks of going through the videos to get these measurements. 

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.

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.

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.

 Feeding the world is no easy job, and, unfortunately, some of the challenges that farmers are facing are not going to improve in the coming decades. A rising population along with a degrading natural environment are going to put significant added pressure on a system that is already exploiting too many resources. Tie Liu, Undergraduate Advisor, and Assistant Professor discusses genetics, genomics, and systems biology tools to explore the mechanisms of how transcriptional regulators integrate environmental cues and interact with signaling pathways to modulate plant growth. In an interview with Maggie Murphy, an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, Tie Liu sits down with us to discuss his research on the study of postharvest biology of broccoli senescence and potato tuber dormancy for the improvement of agronomic properties in order to reduce food waste. Tie Liu and Maggie Murphy further discuss Tie’s background in science, the importance of artificial intelligence, and the impact of food waste on the environment and society. This episode was made in partnership with the UF/IFAS Office of the Dean for 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.

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.  

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.

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.  

 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.

In this episode of Streaming Science's AI in Action series, UF AEC student, Alice Akers, sits down with Dr. Samantha Wisely, a Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, to discuss ​​feral pigs and how this invasive species impacts the state of Florida. Tune in to learn more about feral pigs, the role of artificial intelligence in this realm and more. 

In this episode of Streaming Science's AI in Action series, UF AEC student, Alice Akers, sits down with Dr. Alina Zare, a Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida, to discuss machine learning within artificial intelligence. Tune in to learn more about AI and how it can be utilized not only within research but also some practical everyday uses. 

In this episode, UF AEC student Amber Kidd got to talk with Dr. Marcelo Wallau, a forage extension specialist and assistant professor in the Agronomy department at the University of Florida. In the interview we talked about his background, work with extension across Florida, as well as suggestions for future students pursuing an agriculture degree. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Wallau and what extension looks like as a forage specialist. 

Episode host Caroline Nickerson, a PhD student in the University of Florida's Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, kicks off the Streaming Science “AI in Action” series with three experts who provide an introduction to AI an exciting aspects of the field. Dive into what makes AI at UF unique, explore the partnership that UF has with NVIDIA (one of the world’s leading technology companies), and contemplate why AI should matter to you – the listener.

This episode topics include: AI at UF, the role of AI in research and industry, and how scientists are moving forward to create new and unique solutions to address current global issues.

The featured guests include: 

• Dr. David Reed, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives at UF and the Associate Director for Research and Collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History 
• Dr. Jonathan Bentz, Senior Manager, Solutions Architect -- Higher Education/Research, High Performance Computing (HPC) and Deep Learning at NVIDIA and NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC) lead for US/Canada 
• Dr. Damon Woodard, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Director, Florida Institute for National Security; and Director, Applied Artificial Intelligence Group

We at the Streaming Science project want to know: How is Artificial Intelligence impacting the Agricultural Industry? In this episode, UF AEC graduate student Savannah Gardner sits down with the Chief Science Officer of Agriculture Intelligence, Dr. Yiannis Ampatzidis. Dr. Ampatsidis is a leading global voice in precision agriculture and the use of computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Tune in to learn more about Agriculture Intelligence’s products and the technology behind them, how AI is directly impacting precision agriculture, and extension and research in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.  

We at the Streaming Science project want to know: How is Artificial Intelligence impacting the Agricultural Industry? In this episode, UF AEC masters graduate Savannah Gardner sits down with Matt Donovan, the CEO of UF Innovate Accelerate @ The Hub company Agriculture Intelligence Inc. Matt provides an overview of Agriculture Intelligence and how AI is directly impacting precision agriculture. Through this podcast, I hope you gain insight into Matt’s work in this industry, the role of AI in research and agriculture, and an overall sense of how scientists are moving forward to create new and unique solutions to address current global issues.