Futureproof Focus: The AI Advantage

Hosted by Vaughn College

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

This season, we're taking a deep dive into something impacting education, business and the world: artificial intelligence (AI). We will have enlightening conversations with Vaughn College professors, alumni and industry leaders about how AI is reshaping and strengthening education and careers in engineering, technology, management and aviation.

Listen to episodes

22 recent

July 31, 2026Episode 224 min

Seeing AI Through an Engineer’s Eyes: An Alumnus Perspective

Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo speaks with alumnus Nicholas Kumia ’16, a DevOps software engineer and technology integrator, about how artificial intelligence is transforming engineering and technology careers. Nicholas shares real-world examples of AI in action, discusses its opportunities and risks, and offers advice for students preparing to build successful careers in an AI-driven world. Watch the video version of the episode: https://youtu.be/eI83ZeADVxA

June 24, 2026Episode 121 min

Effective and Responsible Use of AI in the College Classroom

In this episode, Dr. DeVivo speaks with Margaret Ducharme, associate professor of arts and sciences to examine how AI is being used in the classroom, common AI myths, how students are reacting to AI and how every student can use AI responsibly to improve performance and save time. What is the biggest AI advantage? Tune it to find out!

December 22, 2025Episode 2127 min

Episode 21: Building the Next Generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Join us for a conversation with Brian Bermudez, Vaughn alumnus, aviation maintenance professor and director of the airframe and powerplant (A&P) curriculum at Vaughn College. Brian discusses his love of aviation and teaching, how Vaughn’s A&P program is unique in preparing students for their license exams, where students can work (beyond traditional airlines) and how much they can make in their first year as a mechanic. He also discusses his consulting business, Craft of the Air (COTA), his podcast and his mission to expand access to aviation maintenance education. This episode offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone considering a career in aviation maintenance. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uwTQNpKRNv0

September 25, 2025Episode 2012 min

Episode 20: Talon Air CEO James Chitty on Charter Aviation Careers

Vaughn College President Sharon DeVivo speaks with Talon Air CEO James Chitty about career opportunities in charter aviation. They discuss the aviation workforce shortage, Talon Air’s partnership with Vaughn, and how technology and sustainability are shaping the industry.

April 16, 2025Episode 1929 min

Episode 19: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures in Aviation with Samantha Mitchell

In this inspiring episode of Futureproof Focus , Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo sits down with trailblazer and Vaughn alumna Samantha Mitchell—founder and president of Black Women in Aviation . From her beginnings as the first female aircraft mechanic for Air Jamaica to launching a movement focused on representation and mentorship, Samantha shares her powerful journey through a male-dominated industry and her mission to redefine the norm. Learn how her time at Vaughn helped her discover her calling, the hurdles she overcame and the passion that drives her to uplift future generations—especially young women of color—toward meaningful careers in aviation and aerospace. This episode offers a fresh perspective on leadership, empowerment, and what it really means to be futureproof.

February 7, 2025Episode 1833 min

Episode 18: Futureproof Engineering Careers: Vaughn’s Partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory

In this episode of Futureproof Focus , Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo sits down with Shari Lindner, learning and development manager at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), and Jason Becker, a Vaughn graduate and mechatronics engineer at BNL. Together, they explore the exciting career pathways available at BNL, the importance of continuous learning in engineering, and the lab’s commitment to fostering innovation through accessibility and professional growth. Jason shares his journey from Vaughn student to engineer, while Shari discusses leadership development and the future of engineering careers. Tune in to learn how Vaughn and BNL are shaping the next generation of engineers and discover upcoming opportunities for students interested in this dynamic field. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WBvoz-Eq0NA

November 25, 2024Episode 1720 min

Episode 17: Unlocking Career Opportunities with Vaughn's Robotic Automation and Engineering Certification Programs

In episode 17, Sharon DeVivo, Vaughn College president and CEO, sits down with Doug Jahnke, assistant professor of engineering and technology, to discuss the new cutting-edge programmable logic controller (PLC) and robotic automation certificate program. Discover how this program opens doors to high-demand careers in robotic automation across a variety of industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and transportation, along with the advantages of pursuing other specialized engineering certifications Vaughn offers. Whether you're an aspiring engineer or looking to upskill, this episode highlights opportunities to futureproof your career in a rapidly evolving industry. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/pDpeNH0-zfI

October 3, 2024Episode 1632 min

Episode 16: An Alumna's Journey to the Right Seat of the Flight Deck

Tune into to hear Xylene DeCoteau's '20 journey to becoming a first officer at Mesa Airlines, and how you, too, can start on your path to becoming a pilot at Vaughn College. She discusses her flight training, how she landed her job and her goals for the future. You won't want to miss this one! You can also watch on YouTube here .

July 1, 2024Episode 1533 min

Episode 15: PSA Airlines Brings Coaching and Expertise to Vaughn’s Aerospace Maintenance Competition Team

Richard Ugarte, vice president of maintenance and engineering at PSA Airlines discusses the unique partnership with Vaughn where his staff coached the Aviation Maintenance Team to complete in the MRO Americas in Chicago, which had its best showing of 90 teams in April. The conversation also covers a range of timely topics including the aviation workforce shortage, building a more diverse workforce and emerging technologies in the field. This is one you won't want to miss!

May 31, 2024Episode 1426 min

Episode 14: Empowering Women to Fly Drones: Insights from the Founder of Women Who Drone

Elena Buenrostro discusses how her company, Women Who Drone, is connecting people, especially young women from underrepresented communities, who love drones through shared stories, education and career opportunities. Listen in to see how she's changing the world, one person at a time through a shared passion for autonomous flight.