At the Center

2.5 Minding the (Generation) Gap

What if the key to solving our most complex challenges lies not in a new technology, but in the untapped wisdom of the person sitting across the generational aisle from you? In this episode, we celebrate the power of intergenerational connection and the unique strengths that every age group brings to our shared professional and learning spaces. By weaving together personal stories and emerging trends, our panelists explore how today’s students and seasoned professionals can learn from one another to spark meaningful collaboration and build vibrant communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

2.4 It Started with a Gut Feeling: How Unexpected Alliances Drive Change

YCP embraces the idea that the most impactful solutions often arise from unexpected connections. On this episode of the At The Center podcast we'll further explore one of science's most fascinating—and historically overlooked—partnerships: the brain-gut connection. Together, we’ll unpack how this "hidden relationship" is not only biologically significant but also serves as a powerful metaphor for how a fresh look can lead to surprising, synergistic collaborations.
 
The bio sheet for our wonderful guests can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16CWH1ILDvx0y35upQXz0pKKBVmfSVGbB/view?usp=drive_link 

2.3 Daring to Disrupt: Lessons in Classroom Change

How can we expect students to navigate a changing world if we’re standing still?  
In this episode of At the Center, we explore how faculty across disciplines are redefining the classroom through active learning and radical collaboration. Our guests dive into the messy, rewarding process of evolving their teaching practices to cultivate more resilient and curious students.
Joining us are Dr. Paul Ackerman, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Dr. Julie Saville, Assistant Professor of Therapeutic Recreation and Wellness, and Dr. Randi Shedlosky-Shoemaker, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence. After sharing personal experiences, they offer advice on how to embrace the discomfort of innovation, modeling "failing forward," and co-creating new paths to student success.
 
Shedlosky-Shoemaker, R. (2022, January 11). How expertise was getting in the way of my teaching. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2022/01/11/over-relying-expertise-can-hurt-student-learning-opinion
 

2.2 Growing with Intelligence: How AI is Transforming Industries

This episode spotlights a unique partnership between YCP and local farmers, highlighting how an interdisciplinary team is using AI to address real-world agricultural challenges. We dive into the impact of this collaboration and consider what it means for the future of both technology and cross-sector collaborations.
 
 Provided is the link to the bio sheet for each of our wonderful speakers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SdkDOlG3ldNTOUGw1syl1ZlrWippqZaM/view?usp=drive_link 
 

2.1 The News-Finds-Me-Effect

Do you choose the news you see or does it choose you?
In this episode of At the Center, we dive into how people engage with news today and what it means to be truly informed in a world where the line between news and noise is increasingly hard to see. 
Joining us are Scott Fisher, regional editor for the York Daily Record,  Alan Berry, YCP Adjunct Faculty in Mass Communication, and Dr. Nicholas Anspach, YCP Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Glatfelter Institute of Public Policy.  Together, they share insights on news consumption, trust in journalism, and how traditional news organizations are adapting to the current media environments. 

1.3 The Chemistry of Effective Partnerships

In this episode of At the Center, we dive into the power of collaboration—specifically, how business and higher education can team up to drive innovation and opportunity. Join host Dr. Tamara Sniad as we explore the dynamic partnership between MRG Labs and York College of Pennsylvania.
Our guests include Rich Wurzbach, CEO of MRG Labs, along with Dr. Greg Foy and Dr. Ashley Earle from York College. Together, they unpack the key elements that make a business-academic collaboration thrive. From real-world applications in the lab to mentoring the next generation of professionals, this episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone interested in building bridges between industry and academia.

1.6 Powering Up Workplace Learning for Students

What does it take to make real-world learning meaningful for students, educators, and employers alike? In this episode of At the Center, we explore the power of on-the-job learning through the lens of those living it every day.
Guests include Dr. Rachael Lattanzio, Assistant Professor of Nursing at York College; Dr. Diana Muthami, Professional Development Lead at WellSpan Health; and  YCP students, Claire Rumsey, Civil Engineering, and Ethan Feaser, Finance. Together, they share personal stories and actionable insights from their unique roles in experiential education.
From building confidence in the workplace to creating partnerships that truly support growth, this conversation offers practical advice on how to make hands-on learning both effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.

1.5 Funding Partnership: Tips and Strategies for Grant Writing

New to grant writing or looking to sharpen your skills? In this episode of At The Center, we dive into the world of grant writing and grant making with expert insight from seasoned professionals.
Guests Katie Markey McLaughlin, Michele Mummert, and Jennifer Brillhart share practical strategies for designing and writing compeling proposals, avoiding common pitfalls, and knowing when (and where) to apply. Whether you're writing your first grant or looking to level up, this episode offers actionable tips and insider knowledge to help identify funding opportunities and craft compelling grant proposals to support your vision and the work behind it.
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1.4 The Present and Future of AI in Education

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we learn, teach, and work—and in this live episode of At the Center, guest host Vinay V. Singh, Chief Strategy Officer Technuf, LLC., explores the exciting opportunities AI brings to the classroom and beyond.
Joining the conversation are Ry Fryar, Assistant Professor of Art; Dr. Tamara Schwartz, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity; and Amber Berry, Vice President of AI and Strategy at the Middle States Association and cofounder of Responsible AI in Learning. Together, they dive into the innovative ways AI is enhancing education, empowering students and educators, and shaping the future of local industries.
From smarter learning tools to career-changing applications, this episode offers an optimistic look at how AI—when used responsibly—can drive creativity, efficiency, and growth in both academic and professional spaces.
 
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1.2 How I Got Here: Three Entrepreneurs Share Their Start-Up Stories

What does it really take to build a business from the ground up? In this special live episode of At the Center, recorded at Marketview Arts, we explore the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons of entrepreneurship with three inspiring local business owners.
Meet Dr. Siddesh Pawar, co-founder of Envision Biomedical; Jermaine Carroll, owner of MaineCourse Mobile; and Jakyra “Ky the Chemist” Simpson, founder of Products By Ky and STEAM Sneakerheadz. Though their businesses span biotech, food, and STEAM education, their journeys share a common thread: passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Tune in to hear candid conversations about what it takes to launch and sustain a business, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the rewards that keep them going. 
 
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