Gators on Purpose

Episode 05: Bethany Eppig ’11, From the Allegheny “Comp” to the Artemis Missions

What does a minor in religious studies have to do with technical systems for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)? More than you think! In this episode, host Briana Lewis sits down with Bethany Eppig ’11, who shares her incredible journey from an undeclared first-year to her career at NASA. Eppig notes how her interdisciplinary education at Allegheny College gave her the foundation to connect ideas in science and policy.  Update: Our interview with Bethany Eppig was recorded in January 2026. Since then, Bethany's role at NASA has changed as she leverages the experience in fission surface power that she describes in our conversation to contribute to the next generation of nuclear space systems.  In March 2026, NASA announced a series of transformative agencywide initiatives, including creating NASA’s Moon Base and advancing space nuclear power and propulsion. NASA plans to launch the Space Reactor-1 Freedom, the first nuclear fission-powered interplanetary spacecraft, to Mars before the end of 2028. When SR-1 Freedom reaches Mars, it will deploy the Skyfall payload of Ingenuity‑class helicopters to survey potential human landing sites, search for subsurface water, and relay navigation data for future landers.  SR-1 Freedom is the first step in a deliberate sequence. It will inform and enable the Lunar Reactor-1, a fission surface power system designed to keep NASA’s Moon Base operating through periods of darkness and in locations where solar power and batteries alone are not sufficient. By flying a reactor first, SR-1 Freedom will provide ground and flight data on reactor and power conversion performance to the lunar fission system without the complexity of a lunar landing.   Eppig now supports the SR-1 and LR-1 missions.

Episode 04: Mike Newman ’94, Entrepreneurship, Fulfillment, and “Selfish Altruism”

In this episode, Briana Lewis sits down with Mike Newman ’94 to discuss how his double major in philosophy and English paved the way for his career in law and high-tech entrepreneurship. Newman shares his journey from a student-athlete recovering from injury to a technology CEO to chairman of the Nicholas Academic Center [https://www.nacenters.org/]. He argues that a liberal arts education is the best defense against a rapidly changing professional landscape.

Episode 03: Isaac Gittens ’14, Enduring Love of Football, Evolving Sense of Purpose

In the third episode of Gators on Purpose, host Briana Lewis sits down with Isaac Gittens ’14, who translated his passion for football into a career with the National Football League (NFL). Gittens' journey to Allegheny was sparked by a positive interaction with the football coaching staff, and he worked in the athletic department as a student. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics with double minors in communication and Black Studies, Gittens pursued a graduate assistantship at Baylor University with the American Football Coaches Association. Today, Gittens manages pipelines for coaches, officials, and players. He is particularly proud of his work in flag football, as he creates pathways for women in the sport and sees the game reach the 2028 Olympics.

Episode 02: Katie Shipp ’09, Empowering Survivors and Educating Communities

In this episode of Gators on Purpose, Briana Lewis talks with Katie Shipp, Executive Director of I Have the Right To and Pittsburgh Magazine 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree. A psychology major and religious studies minor, Shipp reflects on how Bonner service, AmeriCorps, and law school shaped her path advocating for survivors of sexual assault. After more than a decade practicing law, she shifted to prevention and education work nationwide. Shipp shares insights on community, courage, experiential learning, and building a meaningful career at the intersection of passion and purpose.

Episode 01: Ron Cole ’87, Journey from Student to Alumnus to Institutional Leader

In this first episode, host Briana Lewis sits down with Dr. Ron Cole ’87, President of Allegheny College, to reflect on his journey from student to alum to institutional leader. President Cole shares insights into his undergraduate experience, the mentors and moments that shaped him, and how the Allegheny philosophy of combining disciplines continues to influence his leadership and career.