Techlandia

In this episode of Techlandia, Dominic Perez interviews Reza Rejaie head of the computer science department at the University of Oregon. They discuss Raje's journey from electrical engineering in Iran to leading a computer science department in Eugene. Raje highlights the unique aspects of University of Oregon's approach to education, emphasizing a mix of liberal arts skills and technical expertise. A significant portion is dedicated to the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, which connects academia with industry need, providing students with real-world experience while filling a critical skills gap in the cybersecurity field.To learn more you can contact Reza at [email protected]

In this insightful podcast episode, Erik Stromquist guest hosts Adib Naslé CEO and co-founder of Xendee, to discuss the transformative impact of microgrids on the energy landscape. As global electricity demand rises, Naslé explains the role of microgrids in addressing the grid capacity crunch by offering flexible, scalable, and resilient solutions. Naslé emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to energy generation, storage, and management, stressing how digital twins and model predictive control are revolutionizing the planning and operation of distributed energy systems. This episode takes a deep dive into how innovative technologies are shaping the future of sustainable energy.

In this insightful podcast episode, Mohan Nair discusses the dual nature of AI adoption, characterized by fear and obsession. He elaborates on the cultural and psychological impacts of AI, particularly focusing on its role in education and health. Nair emphasizes the importance of AI enablement—an approach that seeks to balance innovation with human-centered development. Drawing from his extensive experience, he sheds light on the potential cognitive challenges tied to AI, such as atrophy in young learners. His perspective encourages a middle path where businesses and individuals adopt AI responsibly and thoughtfully.

In this episode of Techlandia, Edith Dorsen shares her journey from management consulting and Wall Street to founding the Women's Venture Capital Fund. Prompted by the stark statistic that only 3% of venture capital was directed towards companies with women in senior leadership, Edith and her classmates sought to change that. The fund focuses on backing companies with gender-diverse teams at the Series A stage, demonstrating revenue traction. Through strategic investments and a focus on capital efficiency, the fund aims to overcome skepticism and show the value of diverse leadership in driving market returns.

Jared Emmerd shares his insightful journey from childhood days spent on construction sites to leading Oregon Tech's construction management program. With deep family roots in contracting and construction, Jared highlights the importance of combining practical experience with education. He emphasizes the value of investing in people, not just skills, and how Oregon Tech's hands-on approach prepares students for real-world industry challenges. The program is designed to blend classroom learning with field experience, ensuring students leave not just with knowledge, but with the passion and inquisitiveness needed for lifelong success in construction.