DeanCast

Chasing Neutrinos: Ghost Particles & Big Questions

In this episode of DeanCast, host Dean Schmidt sits down with experimental particle physicist Dr. Tricia Vahle to explore one of the universe’s most puzzling phenomena: neutrinos.  From massive underground detectors to international collaborations decades in the making, Vahle shares how scientists are uncovering clues on how neutrinos change identity and may even break our current fundamental understanding of physics. The conversation also reveals the human side of discovery—what it takes to coordinate hundreds of researchers across the globe, how basic science drives unexpected innovations, and why emerging tools like AI are transforming the future of physics. Whether you're curious about the origins of the universe or the power of collaborative science, this episode offers a compelling look at how bold questions, and the people who pursue them, push the boundaries of knowledge.

Hackers, Helpers, and Hallucinations: AI’s Double-Edged Role in Cybersecurity

In this episode of DeanCast, we explore the evolvingintersection of AI and cybersecurity with Dr. Yue “Luna” Xiao, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at William & Mary. Drawing on her experience in both academia and industry, Dr. Xiao examines how AI is transforming the way we identify software vulnerabilities – while simultaneously introducing new risks that demand urgent attention. From uncovering tens of thousands of previously unknown bugs in the Linux kernel to demonstrating how AI agents can be manipulated through surprisingly simple attacks, Dr. Xiao’s work highlights both the scale of AI’s capabilities and the complexity of securing it. She also reflects on how AI isreshaping education and lowering the barrier to entry in computing, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to build real-world systems earlier than ever before. Join us for a timely conversation on the promises, pitfalls,and responsibilities of AI in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

Curiosity, Code, and Capital: A Student’s Journey into AI and Finance

In this episode of DeanCast, we sit down with Tucker Peters ’28, a finance and government double major and president of William & Mary’s AI Club. Tucker shares how an investment in Virgin Galactic when he was in 8th grade sparked his interest in markets, how leadership in Model UN shaped his approach to incentives and engagement, and why he believes curiosity is the most important skill students can cultivate today. From scaling a market trading algorithm using DeepQ networks to teaching himself full-stack development, Tucker discusses the power of interdisciplinary thinking in the age of AI. He reflects on the mentors who challenged him to “adapt or die,” the value of failure as a pathway to growth, and how the AI Club is expanding research and professional opportunities for students across campus. Tune in for a conversation about risk, resilience, and building meaningful impact at the intersection of finance, government, and AI.

Data Physicist: Bridging Data Science and Physics to Decode the Universe

In this episode of DeanCast, Associate Professor of Data Science Dr. Cristiano Fanelli explores what happens when artificial intelligence meets the deepest questions in physics. Describing himself as a “centaur”—half physicist, half data scientist—Fanelli shares his journey from contributing to the Higgs boson discovery to leading cutting-edge research that uses AI to probe the origins of mass and search for dark matter. He explains why 99% of the mass of ordinary matter does not come from the Higgs mechanism, but from the dynamic energy of the strong force inside protons and neutrons, and how modern machine learning tools are transforming the way scientists investigate these fundamental mysteries. Fanelli also discusses how AI-assisted experimental design, real-time detector control, and emerging physics-specific foundation models are reshaping large-scale experiments at facilities like Jefferson Lab and the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider. From NSF- and DOE-funded research to collaborations with national labs and industry partners, his work highlights how the fusion of physics and AI is not only advancing our understanding of the universe, but also shaping the future of technology and scientific discovery.

Inside GlueX: Discovery, Collaboration, and Subatomic Particles

In this episode of DeanCast, we sit down with Dr. Justin Stevens, Associate Professor of Physics and spokesperson for the international GlueX Collaboration. Justin explains how GlueX uses high-energy photon beams to probe the strong nuclear force, search for exotic hadrons, and reveal new structures of quarks and gluons. He also shares how large-scale, international collaborations drive discovery and how collaborations with other William & Mary departments are transforming particle identification and detector simulation. The conversation highlights the powerful partnership between William & Mary and Jefferson Lab, which provides students extraordinary access to world-class research.