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Inside IALR Podcast: Beyond the Surface: Exploring the History, Science, and Impact of Non-Destructive Testing

Inside IALR Podcast: Beyond the Surface: Exploring the History, Science, and Impact of Non-Destructive Testing

What do submarines, aircraft and even theme park rides have in common?

They all rely on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability.

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Phil Bowers, NDT instructor for the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, and Michael Donnelly, NDT manager with Industrial Inspection & Analysis at the Center for Manufacturing Advancement. Together, they unpack the fascinating history of NDT — from its origins in the railroad era to its role in modern defense manufacturing — and explore the science behind methods like ultrasonic testing, X-ray imaging and eddy current inspection.

Plus, find out why NDT careers are in high demand and how technology like AI and robotics is shaping the next generation of inspections.

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Inside IALR Podcast: A Day in the Life of a Researcher

Inside IALR Podcast: A Day in the Life of a Researcher

In this episode of Inside IALR, we sit down with two of our most experienced research associates, Amy Turner and Rob Chretien.

Each has more than a decade of hands-on experience in IALR’s research labs. They’ve witnessed significant changes in agricultural research, from theoretical plant genetics to cutting-edge applied science, during that time.

Learn about their work with beneficial plant bacteria (endophytes), precision agriculture and controlled environment systems that promise to revolutionize food production. Hear stories of unusual experiments, like rearing black soldier fly larvae, and discover how partnerships with industry are turning research into real-world solutions.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Why More Companies Are Hiring and Upskilling Talent with ATDM

Inside IALR Podcast: Why More Companies Are Hiring and Upskilling Talent with ATDM

This episode shifts the focus from student success stories to the broader impact of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on the maritime industrial base. Joined by Mike Villanueva of BAE Systems, Michael Ripich of ATF, and Justin Scarce from ATDM, the conversation explores how companies are leveraging ATDM graduates to fill vital roles in shipbuilding and defense manufacturing. From welding and NDT to CNC machining, the program’s accelerated, hands-on training is helping employers meet urgent workforce needs.

Hear firsthand accounts of how career fairs at ATDM differ from traditional hiring events, why companies are sending their own employees for upskilling and how ATDM is helping solve one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: building submarines and ships to protect national security.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Practical Tips to Integrate AI in Manufacturing and Business

Inside IALR Podcast: Practical Tips to Integrate AI in Manufacturing and Business

Host Caleb Ayers sits down with Meredith Gregory, Director of Digital Strategy and Program Management, to explore the real-world applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and business. Meredith shares her journey from Northern Virginia to IALR, explains the foundational math behind AI and discusses how companies can adopt AI tools to solve specific problems. From resume restructuring to computer vision for defect detection, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in integrating AI into their operations.

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Inside IALR Podcast: “Don’t Tell Me No, Tell Me How:” Additive Manufacturing to Support the U.S. Navy

Inside IALR Podcast: “Don’t Tell Me No, Tell Me How:” Additive Manufacturing to Support the U.S. Navy

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers is joined by Ereina Avery (Austal USA), Jon Harrison (Phillips Corporation), and Jason Wells (IALR) for a deep dive into the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). Together, they explore how this unique public-private consortium is transforming the Navy’s supply chain by developing and deploying 3D-printed parts for ships and submarines. From powder bed fusion to wire arc deposition, the team breaks down the technologies, the challenges of scaling additive manufacturing and the mission-driven collaboration that makes it all possible.

Hear how the AM CoE has delivered critical parts in record time, created transferable technical data packages, and built a model for innovation that supports both the warfighter and the future of manufacturing.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Career Demos and Dreams: A Day at Career ChoICE Youth Expo

Inside IALR Podcast: Career Demos and Dreams: A Day at Career ChoICE Youth Expo

In this special episode of Inside IALR, we take you straight to the floor of the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, a dynamic, hands-on career fair designed for middle and high school students across Southern Virginia. Hear directly from students as they explore everything from virtual reality welding and flight simulators to radiologic technology and forestry. Employers and educators share why this event matters—and how it’s helping shape the region’s future workforce. Whether it’s a seventh grader dreaming of the presidency or a tenth grader discovering equestrian veterinary medicine, this episode is packed with inspiration, curiosity, and real-world impact.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Skills, Training and Career Opportunities: ATDM Success Stories

Inside IALR Podcast: Skills, Training and Career Opportunities: ATDM Success Stories

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is preparing the next generation of skilled workers for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base. With an 85% job placement rate and graduates from nearly every state, ATDM is creating real career opportunities. In this episode, recent graduates Dylan Carter and Angel Gallaher describe how the program equipped them with technical expertise and career-ready confidence.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Balancing Flexibility, Strategy and Exponential Growth: A Conversation with IALR Leadership

Inside IALR Podcast: Balancing Flexibility, Strategy and Exponential Growth: A Conversation with IALR Leadership

In this episode of Inside IALR, we sit down with President Telly Tucker and Executive Vice President of Operations Dr. John Hughes for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, leadership and the mission of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. From managing exponential expansion to filling workforce gaps, Tucker and Hughes reflect on how IALR continues to transform lives in Southern Virginia and beyond. Along the way, they share candid insights on challenges, opportunities, and the people who make it all possible.

This episode offers a thoughtful look behind the curtain at IALR’s momentum, future regional economic transformation, leadership in action, and how innovation takes shape across research, manufacturing, workforce and education.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Women at the Torch: Leading and Inspiring at ATDM

Inside IALR Podcast: Women at the Torch: Leading and Inspiring at ATDM

What is it like to be a woman teaching advanced manufacturing in a field where men make up the majority?

Hear it from three members of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) instructional team: welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King. As the only women on a team of nearly 40 instructors and technicians, they share their career journeys, classroom experiences and what it means to mentor the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Through their stories, you’ll hear how ATDM’s fast-paced, 600-hour program equips students for life-changing careers in welding, metrology and more—and why representation matters in the skilled trades. This conversation highlights the impact of teaching, perseverance, and opportunity.

Welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King

🎙️Topics Covered:

  • How each instructor found her way into manufacturing and teaching
  • What it’s like to guide students in ATDM’s intensive four-month program
  • Challenges and opportunities for women in male-dominated fields
  • Inspiring student success stories, from “last shot” moments to certification triumphs
  • Why role models matter in shaping the next generation of manufacturing talent

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Inside IALR Podcast: Growing Talent at the CEA Innovation Center

Inside IALR Podcast: Growing Talent at the CEA Innovation Center

What happens when Ph.D. candidates, master’s students, undergrads and interns all share the same greenhouse? You get a powerful, layered research environment that grows more than just plants.

In this episode of Inside IALR, we explore how the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center is not only advancing sustainable agriculture but also training the next generation of researchers and industry leaders. A partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech, the CEA Innovation Center blends hands-on research, mentorship and workforce development.

You’ll hear how students at four different educational levels are conducting applied research on plant disease management, beneficial microbes and nutrient optimization. From mentoring interns to designing dissertation-level experiments, these students are learning and growing.

🎙 Guests:

  • Dr. Kaylee South – Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech (stationed full-time at IALR)
  • Colin Fite – M.S. Student, Virginia Tech
  • Praveen Gajula – Ph.D. Student, Virginia Tech

🔍 Topics Covered:

  • What Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is and why it matters
  • How beneficial microbes are being tested in vertical farms and greenhouses
  • The role of students in maintaining IALR’s demonstration farm
  • Mentorship across education levels—from intern to Ph.D.
  • Career goals of students entering the CEA industry
  • Opportunities for students to join the CEA Innovation Center

Whether you’re an educator, student, grower or just curious about the future of agtech, this episode offers a glimpse into how research, education and industry come together under one greenhouse roof.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Inside the Internship: Stories from IALR’s Summer Interns

Inside IALR Podcast: Inside the Internship: Stories from IALR’s Summer Interns

What is it like to be an intern at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research? In this episode of Inside IALR, hear from five of the 18 interns who spent their summer working across IALR’s divisions—from applied research and economic development to manufacturing advancement and GO TEC.

You’ll hear from:

  • Grayson Snead, an ag tech intern researching bacterial endophytes in broccoli microgreens
  • Dilara Sultanova, a data-savvy Empower intern building automation tools and career resources
  • Daniel Olasoko and Moiz Fakhri, who worked with machine learning models to support student success in the ATDM program
  • Dakotah Younger, who helped train teachers and guide students through hands-on technology with the GO TEC team

They reflect on what they learned, the real-world impact they made, and how the experience is shaping their future careers.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Tracking Plant Growth Pixel by Pixel

Inside IALR Podcast: Tracking Plant Growth Pixel by Pixel

What if you could track a plant’s health and growth every 15 minutes, all automatically and without ever touching it?

In this episode of Inside IALR, Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, explores the SMART Platform—IALR’s Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table system. These high-tech tables combine robotics, precision imaging and automation to capture tens of thousands of data points per experiment, helping researchers analyze plant growth, stress response and even subtle movements in real time.

Learn how the SMART Platforms allow for entire plant life-cycle testing for beneficial microbes and enable real-time monitoring of plant health. You’ll hear about how interns have played a central role in coding and refining the system, how companies can contract research on the tables and how this technology is helping lay the groundwork for more sustainable agriculture.

Whether you’re into agtech, robotics, plant biology or data science, this episode connects it all. Plus, you’ll hear how this one-of-a-kind platform is opening doors for students and researchers alike.

🔍 Topics Covered:

  • What makes SMART Platforms unique
  • How 80,000+ images become meaningful plant health data
  • Intern-driven innovation in Python and computer vision
  • Industry collaboration and commercialization opportunities
  • The future of AI in agriculture and early stress detection

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Inside IALR Podcast: Registered Apprenticeship Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Inside IALR Podcast: Registered Apprenticeship Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Registered apprenticeships pair paid, hands-on work with classroom lessons to grow dependable talent. In this Inside IALR episode, host Caleb Ayers talks with:

  • Natori Neal – Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR’s ExTRA program
  • Jenny Spitzer – Co-owner, Spitzer Inc. (electrical contractors)
  • Josh Arnold – Master Electrician and lead instructor at Spitzer
  • Jacob Oakes – Second-year electrical apprentice

They share insights on:

  • How a registered apprenticeship is structured, from day-one wages to a journeyman credential
  • Building curriculum around the employer’s real work
  • Why covering tuition and books helps apprentices focus and stay
  • Choosing the right mentors
  • Starting with small cohorts to emphasize quality over head-count
  • Utilizing the free support from IALR’s EXTRA program for designing, funding and sustaining apprenticeship programs

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Inside IALR Podcast: The Life-Changing Impact of a Four-Month Training Program

Inside IALR Podcast: The Life-Changing Impact of a Four-Month Training Program

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Patrick Crowley and Ronald Green, recent graduates from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program.

Listen in as they share:

  • Patrick’s transition from logistics to CNC machining for more impactful work.
  • Ron’s journey from entrepreneurship in fashion to welding for career stability.
  • Their intense and rewarding four-month ATDM training experience.
  • How they overcame challenges and built camaraderie with classmates.
  • The promising career opportunities awaiting them post-graduation.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Measuring Down to the Micron: How Metrology Supports National Defense

Inside IALR Podcast: Measuring Down to the Micron: How Metrology Supports National Defense

In this episode of Inside IALR, we dive deep into the world of metrology, a crucial trade that plays a significant role in national defense manufacturing. The episode features Tony Almeida, Regional Sales Manager at Mitutoyo, and Jarrod Hankins, Metrology Instructor at IALR’s Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program.

Metrology is the science of measurement. It ensures that parts are manufactured with incredible precision, often down to microns. Together, they highlight how metrology ensures that parts used in defense manufacturing, particularly in the Navy’s shipbuilding and repair operations, meet the highest standards of quality.

Highlights include:

  • 0:47 – What is metrology, and how is it used in manufacturing?
  • 3:09 – The role of IALR’s precision metrology lab in supporting the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center
  • 6:56 – Key metrology tools, from calipers to 3D laser scanning
  • 8:36 – Inside the precision metrology lab: The significance of the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
  • 17:04 – The importance of calibration and ensuring precision in every tool
  • 22:06 – How metrology helps support the national defense industrial base

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Inside IALR Podcast: Restoring Hope, the Mission of God’s Pit Crew

Inside IALR Podcast: Restoring Hope, the Mission of God’s Pit Crew

Let’s hear from Randy Johnson, founder of God’s Pit Crew, a faith-based disaster relief organization headquartered in Danville, Virginia, and Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center. God’s Pit Crew has transformed from a simple altar prayer 26 years ago into an extensive operation that has responded to over 200 disasters across more than 30 states and 15 countries.

Randy shares the remarkable growth of God’s Pit Crew and explains their strategic four-pronged disaster response: delivering essential supplies, providing immediate cleanup and tree removal, rebuilding homes—including an unprecedented commitment to constructing 25 new homes this year for Hurricane Helene victims—and redistributing over $5 million annually in donated goods to local nonprofits within 200 miles of Danville. Tracy highlights the longstanding partnership with IALR and details the annual benefit banquet hosted every year at the IALR Conference Center, which gathers nearly 1,000 supporters and showcases the organization’s profound impact.

Highlights include:

  • Origins and Growth of God’s Pit Crew (00:45)
  • Comprehensive Disaster Response Approach (02:15)
  • Building Homes and Restoring Lives (07:30)
  • Local Community Impact (12:20)
  • Annual Benefit Banquet at IALR Conference Center (16:50)
  • Volunteer Stories and Community Spirit (20:05)

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Inside IALR Podcast: Career Exploration in 73 Middle Schools

Inside IALR Podcast: Career Exploration in 73 Middle Schools

Let’s hear from Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program managed by IALR. GO TEC is an innovative career initiative providing middle school students across Virginia with engaging, hands-on experiences in technology, manufacturing and engineering careers.

Jake shares how GO TEC rapidly expanded from a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County to over 50 middle schools statewide, with further growth anticipated. He explains the strategic approach to maintaining consistency while addressing regional industry differences and details the logistical complexities involved in equipping classrooms, training educators and ensuring continuous program improvement.

Highlights include:

  • What is GO TEC? (00:36)
  • Rapid statewide growth (01:42)
  • Hands-on career exploration (04:00)
  • Partnering across Virginia (05:43)
  • Supporting teachers and classrooms (14:38)
  • Bridging the high school gap (23:54)
  • STEM Innovator of the Year Award (27:00)

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IALR Communications Team Wins Four PRSA Awards

IALR Communications Team Wins Four PRSA Awards

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Public Relations and Communications team recently earned four awards – three gold and one silver – from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Blue Ridge Chapter’s 2024 Summit Awards. The Awards recognize outstanding communication efforts in the Blue Ridge region, including Danville, Roanoke, Blacksburg and the surrounding area.

“It is an honor to be recognized among the region’s top communications professionals. I am especially grateful for the award-winning efforts of such exceptional team members, Caleb and Daniel, and for the transformative work our IALR colleagues perform that we are fortunate to promote.” – Allison Moore, Senior Director, PR & Communications

Annual Report – Silver Award (One-time Publication, Multiple Pages)

IALR’s Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report received a silver award in the One-time Publication, Multiple Pages category. The Communications team successfully produced a professional, engaging report by the early calendar year with updated visuals, fresh photography and straightforward, informative content.

“Growing Impact” was not only the theme of the 2023 annual report but also the visual representation of IALR’s mission to transform Southern Virginia. Our annual reports are not traditional with large amounts of text and financial information, but a comprehensive story of IALR’s focus areas, activities and achievements. – Daniel Dalton, Graphic and Multimedia Specialist II

Inside IALR Podcast – Two Gold Awards (Shared Media: Social Media Streaming and Campaigns: Community Partnerships)

The “Inside IALR” podcast earned two gold awards—one for Shared Media: Social Media Streaming and another for Campaigns: Community Partnerships. The podcast, hosted and produced by Caleb Ayers (Communications Content Manager) and Daniel Dalton (Graphic and Multimedia Specialist II), released 27 episodes and achieved 1,639 total downloads during the award period. Episodes offer a behind-the-scenes view of IALR’s impact and various community partnerships.

“The IALR podcast is our way of giving an inside, behind-the-scenes, and more in-depth view of all the unique programs, people and partnerships that drive our impact.” – Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager

IALR at a Glance Newsletter – Gold Award (Writing)

IALR’s monthly “IALR at a Glance” newsletter was awarded gold in the Writing category. The newsletter’s compelling stories and targeted promotional campaigns resulted in a 20% growth in subscribers within one year, surpassing its original goal. The consistent open rate of over 30% indicates strong audience engagement and content relevance.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Public Relations and Communications team: Daniel Dalton, Allison Moore, and Caleb Ayers.

 

Inside IALR Podcast: Internship Support for Southern Virginia Employers

Inside IALR Podcast: Internship Support for Southern Virginia Employers

Internships create powerful win-win opportunities for both students and employers when structured properly. IALR’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kiana Dillard, explains how these programs build talent pipelines while giving students valuable real-world experience.

  • Internships provide structured learning opportunities where students develop skills while exploring potential career paths
  • IALR offers personalized consultation to help businesses create meaningful internship experiences
  • Successful internship programs require clear goals, meaningful projects, mentorship, structure and paid compensation
  • Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership provides matching funds covering 50% of costs for businesses with 150 employees or fewer
  • Success stories include students being hired by their internship employers after demonstrating valuable contributions
  • Alternative work-based learning programs include teacher externships, STEM camps, career fairs and apprenticeships
  • Internships don’t have to be full-time summer experiences—part-time positions during academic terms can work well

Learn more and get connected to resources: https://www.ialr.org/supporting-internships/host-an-intern/

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Inside IALR Podcast: From Trainees to Trainers: The ATDM Additive Journey

Inside IALR Podcast: From Trainees to Trainers: The ATDM Additive Journey

This episode features Daniel Hyler and Tim Holland—two graduates turned additive manufacturing instructors with the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Hear them discuss lessons they picked up along the way, plus real-world applications of additive manufacturing in today’s job market.

Listen in as they discuss:

  • Jumping from Student to Instructor: How they found their calling in the classroom.
  • The ‘Light Bulb’ Moment: Why watching a student finally “get it” is so rewarding.
  • Industry Readiness: Helping companies embrace the possibilities of 3D printing.
  • Career Pathways: Creating your own opportunities in an evolving field.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Building Stronger Local Food Systems

Inside IALR Podcast: Building Stronger Local Food Systems

In this episode of Inside IALR, Value Chain Coordinator Mitchell Doss highlights a new initiative aimed at strengthening Southern Virginia’s local food ecosystem. Funded by a Tobacco Commission grant, Mitchell’s work focuses on helping farmers broaden their reach to new markets while ensuring communities gain greater access to fresh, local produce and products. Hear how Mitchell’s journey—from IALR intern to horticulture researcher—shapes his approach to connecting producers, institutions, and consumers for an economically vibrant and sustainable future.

In this episode:

  • What a Value Chain Coordinator does
  • The importance of robust local food networks for economic growth
  • Current gaps and opportunities in Southern Virginia’s food system
  • Strategies for driving collaboration between farmers, buyers and communities
  • Details on upcoming workshops and opportunities to get involved

For more information on Mitchell’s work and how you can connect, visit IALR.org/valuechain.

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