Getting there won’t be easy, but we’re going to try anyway. Join us as New Professional scientists and engineers talk about taking information warfare to the next level. Welcome to the real future of the U.S. Navy with Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.
Host Angelica Sarmiento of Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific interviews scientist Meriah Arias-Thode about biological energy harvesting and fostering breakthrough technologies through collaboration and a "mindset of yes."
6 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
Next Level Podcast - Episode 7
Welcome to Episode 7 of the "Next Level Podcast." In this episode, neuroscientist and host Anu Venkatesh, Ph.D., of Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific interviews guest Peter Singer, Ph.D., a political scientist and specialist in 21st-century warfare, delving into the future and exploring how human emotions are woven into artificial intelligence design. They discuss how modern AI systems often act like overeager interns: hyperintelligent yet lacking real-world experience and programmed to please users. Singer breaks down the potential dangers of reinforcing biases as more people begin to use these models. The episode also examines the critical importance of strategic narrative and how researchers can better communicate the value of cutting-edge technology to support the warfighter. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become a New Professional at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program.
17 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
Next Level Podcast - Episode 6
Host Julian Raheema interviews robotics expert Dr. Henrick Christensen about how AI and robotics will reshape the future workforce, creating new opportunities and enhancing human creativity.
18 Nov 2025
Next Level Podcast - Episode 5
"What if you could control matter at its most fundamental level? That’s exactly what we’re exploring on the fifth episode of Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific’s Next Level Podcast . Hosted by electrical engineer Dr. Jim Adleman, we're speaking with Navy scientist Dr. Carlos Torres about manipulating single atomic layers and engineering quantum materials with mind-blowing properties. We’ll discuss topics such as creating an augmented warfighter with heads-up display capabilities that no longer require a heavy headset. We’re uncovering applications ranging from advanced electronics to revolutionary sensors, and beyond. Get ready to have your mind blown.
Carlos started as a New Professional (NP) at NIWC Pacific, where hires embark on a two-year path to explore, invent and find their place in the world of naval information warfare. But once an NP, always an NP. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program ."
4 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Next Level Podcast - Episode 4
Brett Goldsmith, Ph.D., details his career journey from NIWC Pacific to startups and back, emphasizing the importance of aligning passion with purpose in a conversation with Burton Neuner, Ph.D., highlighting mission-driven work; this is an interview.
31 Oct 2024TRANSCRIPT
Next Level Podcast Episode - 3
A U.S. Marine once asked Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific's Spencer Koroly for a rugged 3D printer that could print and sustain a robot on deployment; Spencer made it happen, but hasn't seen him since. If anyone bumps into him, can you let him know Spencer's team made his dreams come true?
In this episode, Chris and Spencer talk advanced expeditionary manufacturing, Marines breaking stuff and pushing 3D printers to the limit, and cool things Spencer prints on his own 3D printer at home.
Chris Raney is the Deputy Executive Director and Technical Director at NIWC Pacific, and Spencer Koroly is a project manager in the autonomous technologies division of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Department at NIWC Pacific. Chris started as a New Professional — NIWC Pacific hires set out on a two-year path to explore, invent, and find their place in the world of naval information warfare — but once an NP, always an NP. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program
30 Jul 2024TRANSCRIPT
Next Level Podcast - Episode 2
T.S. Eliot once said, “Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Panama City Division’s Daniel Sternlicht, Ph.D., and Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific’s Anson Brune kick this one off with a poem, then walk us through the evolution of sonar technology from World War II to present and into the future. What will it take to develop man-made sonar technology as sophisticated as nature’s — the ability of dolphins to detect mines hidden under ocean-floor sediment?
Sternlicht is a senior scientific technology manager and the distinguished scientist for littoral sensing technologies at NSWC Panama City Division, and Anson Brune is a mechanical engineer and branch head in the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Department at NIWC Pacific. He’s also a former New Professional — NIWC Pacific hires set out on a two-year path to explore, invent, and find their place in the world of naval information warfare — but once an NP, always an NP. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program
24 Jun 2024TRANSCRIPT
Next Level Podcast - Episode 1
Anu Venkatesh, Ph.D., a neuroscientist for the Cyber S&T Department, talks with Michael O’Brien, an engineer with the Cryogenic Electronics and Quantum Research Branch, about why he’s putting quantum SQUIDS in very cold backpacks (as in, -321ºF cold). Hint: the SQUIDS are less...well, squid, and more about superconducting quantum sensors. The two both started their careers at Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific as New Professionals (NPs). NIWC Pacific NP hires set out on a two-year path to explore, invent, and find their place in the world of naval information warfare. Anu and Michael are both former NPs - but once an NP, always an NP - who also talk about the different tours they took as NPs, the pursuit of knowledge even in fields they aren’t trained in, and where to rock climb in San Diego. Learn more about NIWC Pacific and how to become an NP at https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/New-Professional-Program
Inside a recent episode
Next Level Podcast - Episode 7
Published 6 May 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] It's never going to be as good as a human. Um, where I'm at and where I think society will, uh, continue to move forward with, and also warfare. And there's much work at NYWIC on this is it's that idea of the human machine relationship. And there are certain areas where machines are much better. […]
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