In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Daiju Hoshino, a Gen AI Evangelist and Chair of the Biology Department at Tarrant County College. With over 15 years of teaching experience in Japan and the U.S., Hoshino brings a global perspective to the conversation around AI in education. The episode explores Hoshino’s journey through Japan’s rigorous educational system and how that shaped his passion for student success. He recounts how milestones in AI—like De...
Jul 28, 2025•34 min•Ep. 21
In Episode 20 of the Smarter Campus Podcast , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Bobby Hodgkinson , a teaching professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, whose work spans unmanned vehicles, hurricane-sensor robotics, and now—AI-powered education. What starts as a story about wind tunnels and biologically-inspired propulsion systems quickly evolves into a conversation about something just as dynamic: the transformation of teaching through AI. Bobby shares: His early w...
Jul 21, 2025•28 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Cynthia Alby , a professor of Teacher Education at Georgia College & State University and co-author of Learning That Matters: A Field Guide to Course Design for Transformative Education . Dr. Alby shares her inspiring vision to “re-enchant learning” —making education more engaging, human, and transformative. With decades of experience and research spanning pedagogy, psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral e...
Jul 14, 2025•23 min•Ep. 19
In Episode 18 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Steven Pane—professor, concert pianist, and pioneer of interdisciplinary teaching at the University of Maine at Farmington—to explore how AI is reshaping arts and humanities education. They discuss: Prompting as musicianship: translating musical practice into crafting effective AI prompts The value of pedagogical friction: why struggle and resistance fuel deeper learning with AI Democratizing AI governance: ensuring adjuncts,...
Jul 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 18
In Episode 17 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with AI integration specialist Maurie Beasley—veteran K–12 teacher, counselor, and tech coach—to explore the real-world steps of bringing AI into schools. They cover: Maurie’s tech roots, from building a Heathkit computer to co-creating Agnes, the K–12 AI toolbox Strategies for piloting low-cost AI ($6.97/month!) in districts to prove impact A grade-by-grade roadmap: digital literacy in K, ChatGPT for onboarding in 2nd–3rd, prompting ...
Jun 30, 2025•27 min•Ep. 17
In Episode 16 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler welcomes Anna Shildrick—global education consultant, executive coach, and AI integration leader—to explore AI’s transformative role in education. They discuss: Anna’s journey into AI and pivotal moments that shaped her vision How personalized, long-term planning with AI can revolutionize teaching and learning The importance of philosophical and pedagogical foundations before technology adoption Ethical considerations and responsible use of AI t...
Jun 23, 2025•28 min•Ep. 16
In Episode 15 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with AI policy consultant, debate coach, and author Stefan Bauschard to explore how AI is reshaping education and society. They dive into: Stefan’s journey from computer science teacher and debate champion to AI policy expert His eye-opening “aha” moment discovering ChatGPT’s potential to outpace Google Why the real conversation should shift from cheating concerns to AI’s transformative possibilities Practical strategies for teachers:...
Jun 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 15
In Episode 14 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler speaks with Joe Sabado, long-time UC Santa Barbara IT leader and first-generation grad, about using AI to foster inclusive learning communities. They explore: Joe’s path from political science undergrad to co-directing campus AI communities of practice How early web experiments evolved into today’s AI-driven tools Strategies for intentional AI adoption in higher ed, balancing innovation with human-centered values Practical tips for educators: b...
Jun 09, 2025•27 min•Ep. 14
In Episode 13 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Victoria Davis—aka the Cool Cat Teacher—to explore how AI is rewriting the rulebook in education. Victoria shares her journey from writing code at age seven to shaping classrooms as a Computer Science and Digital Film teacher, IT director, and award-winning blogger. Together they discuss: How AI’s progression “goes viral” once it hits a tipping point (thanks to insights from Peter Diamandis’s The Future Is Faster Than You Think )...
Jun 02, 2025•29 min•Ep. 13
Join host Zach Kinzler on Smarter Campus as he sits down with Ruth Slotnick, Director of Assessment at Bridgewater State University and a national thought leader in accreditation and assessment strategy. They explore: Ruth’s journey from personal tech solutions for her learning difference to leading campus-wide assessment initiatives The influx of new assessment practitioners from diverse fields, and what it means for higher ed The moment AI became impossible to ignore—and how influencers like D...
May 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 12
In Episode 11 of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Allison Lester from Arizona State University to explore how AI and action research can spark real-world impact. As an AI educator and action researcher, Dr. Lester shares how she weaves community-based projects into media literacy courses, secures grant funding, and champions collaborative structures in classrooms—drawing on her roots as a special education teacher. Tune in to discover how AI tools can bridge education and co...
May 19, 2025•33 min•Ep. 11
In this episode of Smarter Campus , host Zach Kinzler sits down with Lara Taylor, Purdue Polytechnic doctoral candidate and instructional technologist at Mississippi State, to trace her journey from library stacks to AI frontlines. Lara shares how her master’s research on machine-learning chatbots and search algorithms in SEC libraries ignited her passion for generative AI—long before ChatGPT put it on everyone’s radar. They dig into the early wins and growing pains of launching an “Emerging Tec...
May 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 10
Join Zach Kinzler on Smarter Campus as he sits down with Joe Faith, Assistant Professor at Harding University and PhD candidate in AI & Machine Learning at George Washington University. They dive into Joe’s journey from “tinkerer” to AI educator—how a clever academic “loophole” fast‑tracked his rise, the launch of Harding’s brand‑new AI program, and his hands‑on approach to teaching Python, R, and data analytics. Learn why Joe believes breaking down fear, ditching the rigid “checklist” minds...
May 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 9
Join host Zach Kinzler as he sits down with Dr. Tawnya Means, Assistant Dean for Educational Innovation at UIUC’s Gies College of Business, to explore how generative AI is reshaping teaching and learning. With over 15 years driving technology-infused pedagogy, Dr. Means shares: Her journey from designing K-12 and higher-ed learning systems to leading large-scale online innovation programs Why the “AI-proof assignment” mindset is a dead end—and how embracing AI can unlock richer, more personalize...
Apr 28, 2025•23 min•Ep. 8
In this heartwarming episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , 9-year-old AI enthusiast Emily joins Zach to show us why artificial intelligence isn’t as scary as it seems. Drawing on her brilliant “shadow” analogy—how a dark shape can feel frightening at first but soon becomes just another way to see yourself—Emily walks us through the simple steps anyone can take to get hands-on with AI. Tune in for her inspiring stories, playful outlook, and practical encouragement that prove AI is for everyone—...
Apr 23, 2025•17 min•Ep. 7
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , Zach sits down with Marc Watkins, Assistant Director for Academic Innovation at the University of Mississippi, to explore how AI is actually being used in the classroom today. Marc shares real-world best practices for integrating AI into teaching, from assignments to academic integrity. They also dive into what big AI companies are doing—what’s working, what’s not—and where this technology might take us next. If you want a grounded, practical look ...
Apr 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 6
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast , Zach sits down with Davy Mbuto Nkurunziza to explore the powerful intersection of AI and education in Africa. From enhancing access and equity to rethinking how teachers and students engage with learning tools, Davy shares how AI is shaping the future of education on the continent. They dive into the real challenges and creative solutions emerging from African classrooms, and what global educators can learn from them.
Apr 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 5
In this inspiring episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler engages with Dr. Sarah Gibson, Associate Professor of Communication at Lipscomb University, to explore the evolving landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence. Dr. Gibson shares her insights on integrating AI into the classroom, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human-centered teaching practices amidst technological advancements. She discusses her experiences with student-led podcast networks and...
Apr 16, 2025•20 min•Ep. 4
In this engaging episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Dr. Manish Malik, a distinguished academic and technology innovator, shares his insights on the intersection of education and technology. He delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping learning environments and emphasizes the importance of integrating AI tools to enhance both teaching methodologies and student engagement. Dr. Malik also discusses the challenges educators face in adapting to rapid technologica...
Apr 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 3
In this insightful episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Nick Potkalitsky, Ph.D., founder of Pragmatic AI Solutions and author of AI in Education: A Roadmap for a Teacher-Led Transformation , discusses the integration of artificial intelligence in education. He emphasizes the importance of teacher-led initiatives in adopting AI technologies, advocating for a balanced approach that combines cautious optimism with proactive experimentation. Potkalitsky highlights the potential of AI to personali...
Apr 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2
In this engaging episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Dr. Michelle Kassorla, Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University, delves into the transformative role of AI in education. She shares her insights on integrating artificial intelligence into teaching methodologies, highlighting innovative strategies to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Kassorla also discusses the challenges and opportunities that educators face in adapting to this rapidly evolving technological landscape....
Apr 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1
