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Launchpad: Voices of UT San Antonio

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by UT San Antonio

5.0(2 reviews)

14 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

Launchpad: Voices of Innovation explores the bold new chapter in higher education. This podcast brings you front-row access to the voices who are shaping the future of The University of Texas at San Antonio and the world. Produced by UT San Antonio's Office of University Strategic Communications, Launchpad features candid conversations with university leaders and faculty about innovative research and collaborative breakthroughs inspired by their personal stories. This is the beginning. This is the launchpad.

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Publishing Since

9/10/2025

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Recent Episodes

July 22, 2026

Episode 13: Exploring the Unknown in Antarctica

In this episode of Launchpad, world-renowned sea ice expert and UT San Antonio Associate Professor Stephen Ackley takes us deep into the frozen unknown of the polar regions. Drawing from 12 expeditions to Antarctica and four to the Arctic, Ackley shares thrilling firsthand accounts of surviving the planet's most extreme environments. From dodging curious polar bears in whiteout conditions to building isolated ice stations on drifting floes, he offers an intimate look at what it truly takes to conduct research at the bottom of the world. Beyond the wild adventures, Ackley breaks down the critical science behind sea ice and why these remote regions matter to us all. He explains how polar ice acts as a protective blanket for the ocean, fuels complex marine ecosystems, and drives global climate patterns. Discover how shifting Antarctic conditions influence ocean currents across the globe and why changes happening thousands of miles away can directly trigger severe, freezing weather events right here in Texas. 00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser00:51 – Introducing Stephen Ackley01:21 - Vietnam draft notice leads to polar research 05:14 – Understanding sea ice properties 07:06 – Sea ice forms in the summer?07:52 – Local ecology & wildlife dependencies on sea ice08:55 – Observing seals and penguins in their element10:27 – Inside the Ice Station Weddell experience 11:19 – Challenges of operating in the polar regions 13:08 – Is that a plane? No, it's a polar bear!! 14:25 – Arctic vs. Antarctic research logistics 16:15 – The Story Behind "Ackley Point" 17:52 – How polar sea ice affects global climate 20:08 – Recent changes & trends in Antarctic sea ice 21:10 – Closing Remarks 21:36 - Stay Connected with UT San Antonio About Our Guest:Stephen Ackley is an Associate Professor of Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a leading expert in sea ice physics and polar oceanography. Over a career spanning more than five decades, including 30 years as a senior scientist at the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, he has led numerous groundbreaking expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. In recognition of his significant contributions to polar research, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names designated "Ackley Point" in Antarctica in his honor. Enjoyed the episode?Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit <a href="news.utsa.edu" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">news.utsa.edu</a>. About UT San AntonioThe University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

July 1, 2026

Episode 12: Chasing the wild and the science of survival

What goes through your mind when you look down and see fresh Sumatran tiger tracks circling your campsite? For most people, it’s a cue to leave—but for a wildlife biologist, it’s just another day at the office. From tracking 150-pound mountain lions through the snow on muleback to navigating the remote, crocodile-infested swamps of Indonesia, fieldwork isn't just a job; it’s an unpredictable, high-stakes frontier that keeps scientists on their toes across the globe.In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Kyle Shaney, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Shaney’s passion for conversation goes far deeper than just tracking. He unpacks the fascinating world of apex predators, explaining how traditional ecological knowledge from local guides can keep you alive in remote jungles. Tune in to learn what to do if you encounter an aggressive cougar, what shocking dynamics happen at a mountain lion kill site, how a hammock can save you from microscopic threats, and how he survived eight days alone navigating a labyrinth of freezing rivers in roadless Alaskan wilderness. 00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser 01:14 – Dr. Kyle Shaney's Background & Path to Wildlife Ecology 03:04 – Investigating Mountain Lion Kill Sites & First Captures 05:09 – The Step-by-Step Process of Tranquilizing & Collaring Cougars 07:17 – Misconceptions & Safety Protocols for Wild Mountain Lion Encounters 09:10 – Kill Site Dynamics, Kleptoparasitism, and Ecosystem Camera Traps 14:24 – Securing a National Geographic Grant to Study Sunda Gharial Crocodiles 17:22 – Experiences and Benefits within the National Geographic Explorer Program 18:10 – Shaney's First "Welcome to the Jungle" moment19:52 – Utilizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge 22:06 – Essential Jungle Survival Gear: A Hammock23:25 – Surviving Solo in Alaska: Collecting Bison Collars & Winter Expeditions 28:46 – Expanding Research into Borneo & the Pan American Bird Migration Project 31:55 – Wildlife and Wilderness Science YouTube Channel33:29 – Stay Connected with UT San Antonio About Our Guest:Dr. Kyle Shaney is an expert in wildlife research, biodiversity, and conservation biology. As a National Geographic Explorer, his research focuses on predator-prey dynamics, endangered species preservation like the Sunda Gharial crocodile, and mapping the global threats facing migratory birds. His efforts aim to advance science communication, recruit the next generation of researchers, and inspire the public to appreciate the natural world. Enjoyed the episode?Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit <a href="news.utsa.edu" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">news.utsa.edu</a>. About UT San AntonioThe University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

June 17, 2026

Episode 11: Does our past help us prepare for the next 100 year flood?

If Texas summers bring severe droughts, then what happens when the skies finally open up? It turns out the answer is flash floods—and a lot of water. But before you assume our infrastructure is completely safe, these extreme weather events might actually be the most important, undervalued challenge keeping engineers on their toes across the state of Texas. In this episode of Launchpad, host John Elizondo sits down with Dr. Marcio Giacomoni, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a dedicated water resources researcher, Dr. Giacomoni’s passion for urban hydrology sheds a vital light on a looming environmental and structural crisis, revealing that historical "100-year flood" benchmarks are shifting rapidly. Because our climate and city footprints are altering the natural hydrological cycle, modern infrastructure must evolve to protect both lives and local water quality. But the conversation goes far deeper than just rain. Dr. Giacomoni unpacks the fascinating world of civil engineering, explaining how widely misunderstood systems—from massive subterranean flood control tunnels under the city to hidden limestone topography—provide a massive safety service completely for free. Tune in to learn why Bexar County remains a national leader in flood fatalities, what shocking data his team discovered (and didn't discover) while testing urban runoff pollutants in the Edwards Aquifer, and how your heavy pickup truck's tires might actually turn into floating buoys the next time you encounter a low water crossing. 00:00 – Podcast Intro & Guest Teaser 00:39 – Episode Overview: "Preparing for the next 100-year flood" 01:02 – Introducing Dr. Marcio Giacomoni and his journey from Brazil to Texas 02:55 – Defining Flash Flood Alley: Topography, geology, and moisture 05:52 – The sloping geology of San Antonio and early flood control history 06:21 – Olmos Dam, reservoirs, and the engineering behind the San Antonio River Walk 06:48 – Subterranean flood control tunnels: Diverting catastrophic storms under downtown 08:31 – Testing the 1998 flood and keeping the River Walk alive during severe droughts 10:35 – Firsthand survival: Dr. Giacomoni's experience in the July 4th Hill Country flood 12:50 – Redefining the "100-Year Flood" and managing return periods in engineering 14:00 – State alert systems, meteorological models, and why cell service fails during disasters 17:14 – Climate change, Hurricane Harvey, and how infrastructure design limits are shifting 19:22 – The Edwards Aquifer: How concrete alters the natural hydrological cycle 22:01 – Tracking pollutants: Suspended solids, heavy metals, and surprising parking lot runoff data 24:24 – Final safety advice: FEMA floodplain maps and the buoy myth of big truck tires at low water crossings 27:22 – Stay connected with UT San Antonio About Our Guest:Dr. Marcio Giacomoni is an expert in civil and environmental engineering, water resources, and urban hydrology. His research focuses on stormwater management, flood control optimization, and the sustainability of water resources in rapidly developing environments. His efforts aim to design resilient public infrastructure and protect vital regional ecosystems like the Edwards Aquifer. Enjoyed the episode?Don't forget to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Launchpad! For more updates and the latest news, visit <a href="news.utsa.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">news.utsa.edu</a>. About UT San AntonioThe University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence – advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond.

14 total episodes available

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What is Launchpad: Voices of UT San Antonio?: Launchpad: Voices of Innovation explores the bold new chapter in higher education. This podcast brings you front-row access to the voices who are shaping the future of The University of Texas at San Antonio and the world.

Produced by UT San Antonio's Office of University Strategic Communications, Launchpad features candid conversations with university leaders and faculty about innovative research and collaborative breakthroughs inspired by their personal stories.

This is the beginning. This is the launchpad.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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