Episodes

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Dynamic Duo – Episode 075

In this insightful episode, listeners are introduced to the fascinating journeys of Jennifer Otiano and Kowe Kadoma, two emerging scholars in the field of Information Science. Their stories unravel...

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The Oprah of Tech – Episode 074

In this episode, Linda Calvin, the Chief Impact Officer for Reboot Representation, shares her experiences growing up as the only Black woman in her family, church, and school. She...

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Ctrl+Alt+Empower – Episode 073

Dr. Robin Brewer, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, shares her journey in computer science and human-computer interaction. She discusses her research experiences, including internships at Facebook...

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Start Where You Are – Episode 072

Dr. Valamere Mikler, an advocate for equitable spaces in DEI, shares her journey from criminal justice to industrial organizational psychology. She discusses her work with Girls Who Code and...

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Welcome to the Mushroom Queendom – Episode 071

In this episode of Modern Figure’s podcast, Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen interview Shana T. Bryant, an executive producer at Oculus Game Publishing. Shana shares her journey...

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From Lagos to UX: Dr. Aishat Aloba’s Journey in Computing – Episode 070

In this episode, Dr. Aishat Aloba joins hosts Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen to discuss her journey as a Black woman in computing. Dr. Aloba shares her...

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Hey Shaniqua, what’s the weather? – Episode 069

In this episode of Modern Figures, Dr. Gloria Washington shares her inspiring journey in computing, from the struggles she overcame to her passion for uplifting Black women in the...

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Tech, Law, and Media Magic – Episode 068

In this engaging episode of the Modern Figures podcast, hosts Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen welcome the multifaceted Dr. Jasmine McNealy. The conversation takes an inspiring dive...

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Dr. Angelique Taylor’s Tech Odyssey – Episode 067

In this enlightening episode of the Modern Figures Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen engage in a rich conversation with Dr. Angelique Taylor, a shining example...

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“Go Tell that Man You want to go to Grad school” – Episode 066

In this episode, Dr. Jessica N. Jones shares her experience of starting the “CodeIT Day” program at Clemson University, which aimed to introduce middle school students to computer science....

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Season 5 Opener – Episode 065

Get ready ‘cause we’re kicking off Season 5 with 2 very special guests – hosts of the Modern Figures podcast – Dr. Jeremy Waisome and Dr. Kyla McMullen! Listen...

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NCWIT Color of Our Future – Bonus Episode 064

We were honored to be featured guests of the first Color of Our Future webinar of NCWIT’s Conversation for Change series. Listen to our discussion, led by Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder,...

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Everything is by Design – Episode 063

Welcome Dr. Christina Carrington, an Assistant Professor of Human-Computer Interaction in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University who works at the intersection of interaction design and...

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Take the Shot: Hacking CS with Sports – Episode 062

Let us introduce you to our wonderful guest, Dr. Sanethia Thomas. Dr. Thomas currently serves as Assistant Instructional Professor at University of Florida. However, she will attest to being...

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Changing the Complexion of Tech – Episode 061

We welcome another special guest Shameeka Emanuel (and bonus guest Dr. Corey Baker) for a fun conversation among friends and colleagues. Shameeka used her personal mission statement to guide...

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And God said… Let there be patents! – Episode 060

This week’s episode features the Black woman believed to have the most issued patents in the entire world. Dr. Ruthie D. Lyle is an “emerging technology junkie” and has...

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Stepping Out and Expecting More – Episode 059

From growing up seeing the Confederate flag to taking bold steps and making major moves, Dr. Monica F. Cox credits her upbringing and personality to being unapologetically herself. Listen...

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A Community of our Own – Episode 058

From growing up as a “science nerd”, to a career in respiratory therapy to founding Black Women in Technology, an organization dedicated to encouraging Black Women and other women...

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All About Crypto – Episode 057

On this episode, we welcome back Dr. Pamela Gibbs to the Modern Figures Podcast as a rare repeat guest (check her out on Episode 26). If you have all...

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BlackTechUnplugged Crossover Episode – Episode 056

Welcome to our crossover episode with Deena McKay is a technologist, speaker, and host of the podcast, Black Tech Unplugged. Listen to this Certified Scrum Master as she educates...

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Affective and Effective – Episode 055

Dr. Shani B. Daily is a Professor of practice in Electrical and Computer Engineering & Computer Science at Duke University and Levitan Faculty Fellow, Special Assistant to the Vice...

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Computer Science Hustle-Woman Part 2 – Episode 054

We continue our conversation with Deidra Morrison Wells, Ph.D. In part 2, we learn more about her experiences in academia and find out why she decided to leave....

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Computer Science Hustle-Woman – Episode 053

Today, we are speaking with Deidra Morrison Wells, Ph.D. , a self-professed Lego-head, who went from having animals as classmates in high school to becoming a certified joy-pusher. Listen...

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Young, Gifted, and Black-ademic Series #4: Mentorship Matters – Episode 052

This episode is part of a series dedicated to giving the Modern Figures Podcast listeners the inside scoop of a career in academia directly from our hosts, Dr. Jeremy...

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Tenured and Tenure Track – Episode 051

Welcome to Season 4 of the Modern Figures Podcast! We open this season with an unscripted conversation between our esteemed co-hosts, Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen. Listen...

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Miss Me with the Ms. Part 2 – Episode 050

The conversation continues with Tiffanie R. Smith, Ph.D. as we celebrate reaching 50 episodes! Listen as Dr. Smith shares how she was successful in combining her love of dance...

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Miss Me with the Ms. Part 1 – Episode 049

We are joined by Dr. Tiffanie R. Smith, a self-professed over-achiever, who recounts her journey to PhD from making the “best decision ever made” in her entire life to...

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The Intersection of Psychology and Technology – Episode 048

Unlike most people, Dr. Courtney D. Cogburn knew early on that she was interested in a career in Psychology and later, Social Work. Listen as she shares how these...

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A Pivot For the Culture – Episode 047

Meet friend of the podcast, Bethlehem Mesfin, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science. Learn about her shift into tech and how a need for...

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Young, Gifted, and Black-ademic III – Episode 046

This episode is part of a series dedicated to giving the Modern Figures Podcast listeners the inside scoop of a career in academia directly from our hosts, Dr. Jeremy...

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A Data Scientist For Humanity – Episode 045

Dr. Brandeis Marshall was able to combine her two loves: math and dance. What began as rolling coins for her mom led to a career in computing which placed...

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Mechanical Engineers Compute Too – Episode 044

At the suggestion of her middle school teacher, Dr. Makita R. Phillips began her journey of pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. She prides herself on living on faith...

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From Peace Corps To PhD – Episode 043

At the age of 14, Ihudiya Finda Williams knew 2 things: she loved to code and she wanted to be in the Peace Corps. On this episode, listen in...

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Young, Gifted, and Black-ademic II – Episode 042

This episode is part of a series dedicated to giving the Modern Figures Podcast listeners the inside scoop of a career in academia directly from our hosts, Dr. Jeremy...

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The Chic Geek – Episode 041

Dr. France Jackson shares her journey from being the “smart girl” in elementary school to a PhD student working within the intersection of fashion and design-centered culture. She shares...

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NoireSTEMinist – Episode 040

Dr. Carlotta Berry joins us to talk about the importance of community, utilizing available resources and reaching back as we climb the proverbial ladder. Passionate about recruitment and retention...

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Young, Gifted, and Black-ademic Part 1 – Episode 039

This episode is part of a series dedicated to giving the Modern Figures Podcast listeners the inside scoop of a career in academia directly from our hosts, Dr. Jeremy...

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Big Brain Energy – Episode 038

One of our loyal listeners, Sayde King, joins us to share how the Modern Figures podcast changed her life. Sayde shares her career journey from being the IT person...

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BlackComputeHER: Chicken Soup for the Soul – Episode 037

Dr. Jamika Burge joins us for her second appearance on the Modern Figures Podcast. She talks about the origin of the BlackComputeHER conference and how it focuses on the...

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Not Your Average Computer Scientist (part 2) – Episode 036

In part two of this two-part episode, we hear what Christina has been up to in the AIforK12 space.

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Not Your Average Computer Scientist – Episode 035

In part one of this two-part episode, we hear the origin story of someone who was not your average computer scientist growing up. Dr. Christina Gardner-McCune was not "sitting...

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All the Resources – Episode 034

In this episode, Portia and Katherine delve into how they work with Karat to identify the factors that are keeping capable Black people out of tech jobs. They have...

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Securing the Technical Bag – Episode 033

In this episode, Portia and Katherine delve into how they work with Karat to identify the factors that are keeping capable Black people out of tech jobs. They have...

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Cultivating Tech – Episode 032

Modest in nature, Dr. Nashlie Sephus is a tech giant. A native of Jackson Mississippi, she grew up doing it ALL. She has worked with everyone, she knows everyone,...

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Like a Kid in a Computing Store – Episode 031

Being the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Computer Science at Purdue University is only one part of Amber’s story. Amber has always been curious and interested...

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Big STEM Energy – Episode 030

Dr. Karina Liles is nothing short of amazing. She has been using technology to solve problems from a young age. From teaching colors to her sister at a young...

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Applying Pressure – Episode 029

Episode 29 – Applying Pressure Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Guests: Erik Russell and Dr. Burçin Tamer Description: If you’ve watched Disney’s newest hit movie Encanto, you...

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Wandavision – Episode 028

Episode 28 – Wandavision Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Guest: Dr. Wanda Eugene Description: Dr. Wanda Eugene, an actor turned engineer, has ALL of the degrees. She found her home and...

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Guess Who’s Back, Back Again – Episode 027

Episode 27 – Guess Who’s Back, Back Again Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Description: We are back (again). We have a *BIG* update (listen until the end). In this episode,...

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Best Revenge is Your Paper -Episode 026

Episode 26 – Best Revenge is Your Paper Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Guest: Pamela Gibbs Website: http://www.pamelasgibbs.com Instagram: @pamelaDisrupts Twitter: @pameladisrupts LinkedIn: Pamela Gibbs Description: From a young age, Pamela...

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Corporate-ish. Identity, Retention: Her Passion, Our Mission.-Episode 025

Episode 25 – Corporate-ish. Identity, Retention: Her Passion, Our Mission. Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Guest: Dr. Denae Ford Robinson  Website: http://denaeford.me Twitter: @denaefordrobin LinkedIn: Dr. Denae Ford Robinson Description:...

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Working Moms Get The Job Done – Episode 024

Episode 24 – Working Moms Get The Job Done Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Guest: Dr. Gloria Opoku-Boateng Instagram: @glowhyia Twitter: @glowhyiaOB LinkedIn: Dr. Gloria Opoku-Boateng Description: Gloria...

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Educating the Tech Workforce – Episode 023

Here’s a secret: you don’t have to get a degree in computing to have a career in the tech industry. Our next guest has degrees in physics, optical engineering,...

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Ask Us Anything – Diversity and Inclusion Edition- Episode 022

In late 2019 we asked our followers on social media what they wanted to know. At the time, it was a chance to encourage participation from attendees at the...

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The “Secret Sauce” – Episode 021

Dr. Juan Gilbert is passionate about diversifying computer science and the professoriate. He is a first generation college student whose parents instilled in him the value of education. Juan...

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Blazing Trails: Catch this Smoke – Episode 020

Dr. Nicki Washington is unapologetically dope. She literally wrote the book. No, seriously! Her book entitled, Unapologetically Dope: Lessons for Black Women and Girls on Surviving and Thriving in...

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Lessons from a 14 Year Old Tech Boss – Episode 019

At 14 years of age, Jeremy and Kyla couldn’t have imagined being the CEO of a tech company. Today’s guest, Moria Bowman, has been working on businesses since she...

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Securing the Bag with Digital Swag – Episode 018

Jasmine Bowers is a doctoral candidate researching digital finance privacy and security at the University of Florida. She’s known since 11th grade that she wanted to be Dr. Bowers...

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Ask Us Anything – Higher Education Edition – Episode 017

In late 2019 we asked our followers on social media what they wanted to know. At the time, it was a chance to encourage participation from attendees at the...

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Holding Space and Interrogating Privilege – Episode 016

Dr. Colleen Lewis is our favorite ally for underrepresented populations in computing. Though she is a white female, we felt it was important to bring her on to the...

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Big Goals & Big Data – Episode 015

Would you say no to the Alvin-Ailey Dance School? Dr. Renata Rawlings-Goss did in the name of science! Though she was enrolled in a competitive performing arts program during...

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Pink & Green Robot Queen – Episode 014

Episode 14 – Pink & Green Robot Queen Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Waisome & Dr. Kyla McMullen Guest: De’Aira Bryant Instagram – @DeeGotRobots Twitter – @DeeGotRobots Web – www.deairabryant.com Description:  De’Aira...

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In charge, INTech, and in grad school – Episode 013

Imagine taking a leap of faith to start something new when you secure in your perceived dream tech job. Khalia Braswell took the reins of her career to pursue...

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Squad Goals – Episode 012

Join us as we chat with Isa Watson. She talks about her childhood rooted in curiosity, kindness, and humility, fostered by her parents. Hear about her experience transitioning from...

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Started from the Java, Now We Here – Episode 011

n this episode, Dr. Kyla McMullen takes a seat on the opposite side of the podcast table to become a guest for the day. Dr. McMullen talks about...

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Code[dot].play() – Episode 010 – Video

From biology to biomedical research, and ultimately high performance computing, Dr. Raquell Holmes has had a very “circuitous” journey. In college, she had professors who weren’t able to help foster...

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Making History Every Day – Episode 009 – Video

With parents in computing, a career in CS was a natural fit for Dr. Day. Math was her favorite subject because she could check her answers. She was developing...

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Never Hustle Backwards – Episode 008 – Video

?Humanities in technology and culture in research. Users in design and training the teacher. Branding herself for conscious customizing. These are a few of Nancy’s favorite things. ...

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All Work and All Play – Episode 007 – Video

Listen in as Nancy Douyon, The Missy Elliot of Technology, gives insight into how her inquisitive nature opened doors. Nancy attributes much of her success to “hood logic” and...

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Lady Boss: Black Tech Founders – Episode 006 – Video

In this episode you’ll meet Dr. Angelique Johnson, Founder and CEO of MemStim. Learn what its like starting and running a company that combines computing and medicine to develop...

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Instabrand- Episode 005 – Video

From math to CS, Jamie has experienced several transitions along her educational journey. In this episode, we dive deep into what it’s like to be a graduate student. Learn...

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Computer Science is for Everyone – Episode 004 – Video

Episode 4 – Computer Science is for Everyone Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome Guest: Dr. Jamika Burge Description: : Roots. Rome. Religion. And Black Girl Magic. Listen in...

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The Secret Life of the “Only” Magical Black Girl – Episode 003 – Video

Episode 3 – Why is This Even Important? Part 2: The Secret Life of the “Only” Magical Black Girl Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome NCWIT Contributor: Dr. JeffriAnne...

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I Can’t Fake Humble… – Episode 002 – Video

Episode 2 – Why is This Even Important? Part 1: I Can’t Fake Humble… Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome NCWIT Contributor: Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder Guest: Dr. Stacie LeSure...

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Introducing Modern Figures Podcast – Episode 001 – Video

Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome NCWIT Contributor: Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder Black women were pioneers in various fields of computing, but it’s often hard to find their stories, even...

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Code[dot].play() – Episode 010

From biology to biomedical research, and ultimately high performance computing, Dr. Raquell Holmes has had a very “circuitous” journey. In college, she had professors who weren’t able to help foster...

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Making History Every Day – Episode 009

With parents in computing, a career in CS was a natural fit for Dr. Day. Math was her favorite subject because she could check her answers. She was developing...

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Never Hustle Backwards – Episode 008

?Humanities in technology and culture in research. Users in design and training the teacher. Branding herself for conscious customizing. These are a few of Nancy’s favorite things. ...

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All Work and All Play – Episode 007

Listen in as Nancy Douyon, The Missy Elliot of Technology, gives insight into how her inquisitive nature opened doors. Nancy attributes much of her success to “hood logic” and...

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Lady Boss: Black Tech Founders – Episode 006

In this episode you’ll meet Dr. Angelique Johnson, Founder and CEO of MemStim. Learn what its like starting and running a company that combines computing and medicine to develop...

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Instabrand- Episode 005

From math to CS, Jamie has experienced several transitions along her educational journey. In this episode, we dive deep into what it’s like to be a graduate student. Learn...

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Computer Science is for Everyone – Episode 004

Episode 4 – Computer Science is for Everyone Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome Guest: Dr. Jamika Burge Description: : Roots. Rome. Religion. And Black Girl Magic. Listen in...

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The Secret Life of the “Only” Magical Black Girl – Episode 003

Episode 3 – Why is This Even Important? Part 2: The Secret Life of the “Only” Magical Black Girl Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome NCWIT Contributor: Dr. JeffriAnne...

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I Can’t Fake Humble… – Episode 002

Episode 2 – Why is This Even Important? Part 1: I Can’t Fake Humble… Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome NCWIT Contributor: Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder Guest: Dr. Stacie LeSure...

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Introducing Modern Figures Podcast – Episode 001

Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome NCWIT Contributor: Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder Black women were pioneers in various fields of computing, but it’s often hard to find their stories, even...

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