Engineering Pack Pod

In this episode of Tiny Wins, Anna Bona shares her journey through the challenges of PhD life, including burnout, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed by research. What started as a simple decision to attend a gym class became a turning point,  helping her break out of constant stress, improve her mental health, and become more productive. Anna reminds us that sometimes the smallest step can create the biggest shift.

In this episode of Engineering Pack Pod, Dr. Will Kirschenman breaks down artificial intelligence in a practical and accessible way. From chatbots like ChatGPT to the emerging world of agentic AI, he explains how these tools are transforming research, productivity, and decision-making.He also shares insights on ethical use, building trust with AI systems, and why curiosity is essential in navigating this rapidly evolving space.

Catch us this week for another episode of Tiny Wins, discussing real grad school challenges that sometimes appear invisible from the outside. We are joined by current first-year PhD student, Allison File, as she shares her Win of adapting quickly to the changes of starting a new program on a new campus. Allison joined a well-established research group in Mechanical Engineering here at NC State, and attributes her seamless transition to a few "simple" tricks: asking for help, acting intentionally, and valuing progress over perfection! She also discusses how a community of other first-year students helped to normalize feelings of "imposter phenomenon."

On this episode of Engineering Pack Pod, Marcy is joined by long-time friend and colleague–Dr Maria Reyes–to discuss living life true to your values. Once a postdoctoral scientific researcher and currently a stay-at-home mom, Maria shares her dedication to creating an identity apart from science, yet authentic to her truest desires.Holding a PhD in Biochemistry from NC State, Maria is steadfast on her journey of courage, brilliance, and humanitarian impact. She shares both the difficulty and the importance of being honest with yourself, acknowledging when your priorities have shifted, and preparing to face the outside noise. Listen up & learn what it takes to sign your own permission slip for a drastic change of course.

In this episode of Tiny Wins, first year Electrical Engineering PhD student (and current Smooth Sailing participant) Lisa Sebastian is on the mic! Lisa shares all the juicy details about the reality of a first-semester grad student, including navigating the transition from a smaller undergrad program to the hustle and bustle of NC State. Lisa's story and tips highlight the importance of establishing a routine, building new connections, and overcoming perfectionism as the first steps to a win in your new environment!

In this episode, Maria Crockett shares how building authentic relationships can shape your career path and open doors to new opportunities.From transitioning out of higher education to leading early career talent at SAS, Maria highlights the importance of using your strengths, leveraging campus resources, and gaining real-world experience. She also breaks down how students can stand out, build confidence, and navigate the human side of their academic journey.--Links--Kelly Rownd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cCYsuWKdR8Accelerate to Industry (A2I): https://grad.ncsu.edu/professional-development/careers-outside-of-academia/a2i/Clifton Strengths for NCSU Students: https://newstudents.dasa.ncsu.edu/common-experience/Career Development Center: https://careers.dasa.ncsu.edu/

In this Tiny Wins episode, Farsia Chowdhury shares her journey from Bangladesh to NC State and the challenges of adjusting to life as an international PhD student.From navigating independence for the first time to overcoming homesickness, Farsia reflects on how small wins—like building community through Smooth Sailing and completing her first journal paper—helped her regain confidence and momentum.Her story is a powerful reminder that growth often comes through discomfort, and sometimes the biggest win is realizing you are stronger than you thought.

This week, Dr Jackie Olich offers insights on how engineers and scientists can translate technical brilliance into real-world impact through self-awareness, storytelling, and purpose. Jackie is multitalented and shares unique perspectives from the intersection of being an entrepreneur, author, speaker, educator, and administrator.

In this Tiny Wins episode, Olivier Retourne shares how overcoming self-doubt and taking the leap to apply for a PhD changed his path. He reflects on imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the importance of reaching out for support. His message is simple: sometimes the biggest step forward is getting out of your own way.

This episode of the BME Grad Podcast features Marcy Bullock, Director of Professional Development at NC State’s College of Engineering and host of the Engineering Pack Pod. We dive deep into career development, self‑awareness, navigating transitions, imposter feelings, and generational dynamics in the workplace.

Hey Wolfpack! We are quickly approaching that point in the semester where work can easily start to feel out of control...this week, we were lucky enough to sit down with Kirstie Queener, a Biomedical Engineering PhD candidate and fellow member of the Pack. In under 20 minutes, Kirstie highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between ambition and self-care. Tune in for firsthand tips on time management, setting boundaries for work, finding motivation, and more!

Welcome to our new segment Tiny Wins where we celebrate the small steps that don’t make a résumé, but absolutely move your life forward. Biweekly we will focus on progress over perfection, because confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build through action. In our first Tiny Win episode, Julian Cohen shares how focusing on your strengths and celebrating small progress can build confidence and momentum. It’s a simple reminder that meaningful growth often starts with small, consistent steps. Listen until the end, you might just get a chuckle at Julian's alter ego, his stand up comedy hobby!

This week, Marcy sits down with NC State's own Dr. Kanton Reynolds for a discussion about personal experiences along one's journey! With anecdotes from an industry career at General Motors/IBM/Lenovo, traveling abroad, and current ISE faculty position, Dr. Reynolds highlights specific ways he makes the most of his experiences and allows his past to inform the present. As you are growing along a journey of your own, tune in for some insights on how to adapt to changes in environment, shape your perspective, and make the most of YOUR personal experiences.

SAS leader Brooke Huckabee is back to discuss how values show up when things get hard.Brooke shares practical leadership lessons on managing what’s in your control, using the power of the pause, and navigating the “messy middle” that comes with setbacks, transitions, and growth. Through personal stories—from career pivots to injuries—she explains why pulling back can sometimes be exactly what’s needed to launch forward.The episode also explores discipline, integrity, and the importance of celebrating small wins as leading indicators of long-term success. Whether you’re managing a team, navigating a major transition, or simply trying to stay grounded under pressure, this conversation offers clear, human-centered guidance for turning values into action.

In this episode of Engineering Pack Pod, host Marcy Bullock welcomes NC State alumna Brooke Huckabee for an energizing conversation on leadership, personal brand, and what it really takes to build credibility early in your career.As Head of Global Revenue Enablement at SAS, Brooke shares how her weekly Friday emails to her team evolved into a powerful leadership framework: the Seven C’s of personal brand. Together, they unpack why personal brand isn’t about titles or resumes, but about values, consistency, and how people experience you when you’re not in the room.From clarity and credibility to confidence, connection, and continuous learning, Brooke offers practical insight for students and professionals navigating career transitions, leadership growth, and workplace culture. This episode is a roadmap for anyone looking to lead authentically, align their values with their organization, and build trust that lasts.https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JVSnNPAyuA3GaG79P1tkz

This week on Engineering Pack Pod, host Marcy Bullock talks with NC State alumna Sydney Russell about confidence, curiosity, and why “networking” doesn’t have to feel so intimidating. Sydney reflects on her journey from college advising and graduate school to working in higher education technology, sharing how navigating uncertainty and not always knowing what she wanted to be “when she grew up”, shaped her path. She explains how leading with genuine curiosity, rather than an agenda, helped her build meaningful relationships that opened doors along the way.From striking up conversations in class to following up months later with intention, Sydney offers practical, down-to-earth advice for building connections that actually last. Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that showing up as yourself is often the best place to start.

This week, Marcy is joined by NC State and Smooth Sailing alumna Dr. Rahaf Abdullah to discuss the importance of mindset in personal, academic, and professional transitions. Rahaf recounts her various transitions–moving to a new country, interning, applying for jobs, and relocating for full-time work–sharing how her mindset and personal goals give her the courage to continue growing on her journey. Looking for tips on navigating big transitions with success? Look no further! This episode addresses both the mental and practical components that shape one's journey.

Marcy shares her word of the year and offers inspiration to begin 2026 with intention and gratitude.

In this Courage Corner conversation, Marcy sits down with Dr. Rita Renee, a TEDx speaker, author, and empowerment coach who helps women step out of the shadows and share their stories with confidence. Together, they explore what it means to be authentic in a world filled with comparison, fear, and imposterism, and they discuss how community, collaboration, and small steps forward can spark real transformation. Dr. Renee opens up about her own journey of healing and courage, and she shares how focusing on legacy can guide your path through uncertainty. This episode offers an inspiring reminder that your voice matters and that you are closer to your purpose than you think.See more of Dr. Renee Here:https://drritarenee.com/powerhouse-unmute

In this Courage Corner episode, Luka and Marcy break down what core career skills are and why they matter just as much as your technical expertise. They explore how understanding your strengths, gaps, and growth areas helps you tell your story with confidence, and they share practical ways to identify which skills are most important for your goals. Through self-assessment tools and campus resources, they offer simple, actionable strategies for developing the habits and abilities that will support you in any career path. Whether you are unsure where to start or ready to sharpen your toolkit, this conversation provides clear guidance for building the skills that truly move you forward.Here is the tool Marcy mentions.Check out NCSU Linkedin Learning Here

This week, Dr. Emily McCain joins us to talk about what it really means to explore your options as a student and young professional. Emily shares how taking a gap year shaped her confidence, how studying abroad expanded her perspective, and why beginning college as “deciding” can be a healthy and productive choice. She also reflects on finding the right academic culture, discovering what you truly want to do, balancing life and career, and choosing between industry and academia. If you’re still figuring out your direction, this episode offers practical reassurance and honest insight into building a path that fits you.Check out Study Abroad opportunities here:https://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/

In this Courage Corner episode, we dive into one of the most important parts of the grad school journey: building a strong, healthy relationship with your advisor. Luka sits down with Marcy Bullock to explore how communication styles, cultural backgrounds, and personal habits all shape the advisor-student dynamic. Together, they unpack how to build rapport, set shared goals, navigate conflict with confidence, and adapt to different working styles. Marcy also offers practical guidance on growing a broader professional network and reminds us why meaningful relationships don’t just happen, they’re built with intention. Whether you're just starting your program or looking to strengthen your personal board of directors, this episode offers grounded wisdom to help you thrive personally, academically, and professionally.

Join us this week as NC State student Victoria Canala-Echevarria shares her story of leaving Ecuador and finding her place at NC State through thrilling traditions such as cheering at football games and rushing the bell tower. She opens up about navigating cultural challenges, the importance of asking for help, and discovering new joys like Howling Cow ice cream and seeing snow for the first time. Victoria also shares valuable insights for new students on building a community and making the most of the college experience. Join us for an inspiring story about finding courage and connection far from home.

How do you get what you’re worth in a career position? The answer is the topic in this week’s installment of the Courage Corner: Salary Negotiation. Tune in to hear Marcy describe exactly when, why, and how you should negotiate a salary, including helpful resources to know what you’re worth. Along the way, you’ll learn that there’s much more than just money when it comes to offer negotiations and how even in positions with a fixed salary below your expectations, you still have other ways of negotiating. Tune in to hear exactly what negotiations should look like and how to start them off.Use these great resources to know what you're worth:https://apps.oirp.ncsu.edu/pgem/index.cfm?action=main.summaryhttps://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htmhttps://www.payscale.com/research/US/Jobhttps://www.naceweb.org/

In this episode, Rob Drew, Senior Manager of IT at Red Hat and NC State alum, joins us to talk about what it truly means to lead and mentor with purpose. He shares lessons in resilience, navigating change, and building trust within teams, along with insights on balancing work and happiness. Rob also discusses the importance of transparency, listening, and self-awareness in leadership, plus how tools like the SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact) model can make feedback more effective. Whether you’re leading others or growing your own career, this episode offers grounded, practical wisdom for becoming a more thoughtful leader.

In a time when you’re working around the clock to finish your classes and research, professional development might sound unimportant and almost impossible. Marcy and Luka, however, in this new installment of the Courage Corner, explain that professional development is an incremental task that starts small. They break down how to navigate your first performance review, set manageable short-term goals, and build authentic professional relationships without the pressure of traditional networking. This conversation makes a daunting subject feel not only achievable, but essential for building a career that aligns with your values and your life.Discover New Study Abroad Opportunities Here:https://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/

Feeling stuck in a campus conflict or overwhelmed by university policy? You're not alone, and there's a confidential resource designed specifically to help. This week, we sit down with Mike Giancola, NC State’s Student Ombuds, to demystify this vital service. Mike discusses how he helps students, faculty, and staff navigate tough situations by offering a neutral perspective, facilitating constructive dialogue, and empowering them with options to find a path forward. If you’ve ever found yourself lost and in need of a helpful guide to provide options, this episode is your essential guide to the Ombuds Office.Meet with Mike here:http://go.ncsu.edu/meetingwithmike

This week, Luka sits down with Marcy to discuss his journey in time management, from feeling completely overwhelmed to taking control of his time. He shares the practical strategies that helped him turn things around, from using a simple reminder app to centralize his chaotic schedule to the goal-setting powerpoint that keeps him motivated. Luka gets real about the challenge of saying "no," the importance of separating work from personal time in a hybrid role, and how understanding his "why" fuels his productivity. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation on managing a stressful schedule, setting boundaries, and making time work for you

This week, Luka sits down with Marcy to tackle a topic that can make even the most confident professional hesitate: networking. Marcy reframes networking, describing it not as transactional schmoozing, but as the courage to build genuine connections. She unveils the reality of the “hidden job market,” where most opportunities are filled through relationships long before a job is ever posted. Together, they explore how to move past the fear of being a bother, where to find potential contacts in the most unexpected places, and how to start a conversation with authentic curiosity. For anyone who’s ever felt shy, nervous, or unsure where to begin, this conversation offers a compassionate and practical guide to building a web of support, learning to see rejection as redirection, and taking that first small step to unlock doors you didn't even know were there.Use the networking tracking tool here:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yneWYDr4IvDbqomjbFwCoLnicT07LREpxL5poyRYxQQ/edit?usp=sharing

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Devin Hubbard, we explore what it really takes to adjust to new surroundings in work and life. He opens up about the value of building a strong network, the underrated power of saying “no,” and the lessons he learned from early teaching missteps. Dr. Hubbard also shares insights on balancing career and family, the challenges students faced during the pandemic, and why the ultimate measure of success is using your skills to make the world better. Tune in for an honest, thoughtful discussion about navigating change, finding confidence, and creating impact no matter where your career leads.

This week, Dr. Devin Hubbard from the UNC/NC State Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering joins the show. He argues that while technical skills are essential, the true differentiators for a successful engineering career are often the professional skills: communication and networking. Dr. Hubbard shares his hands-on methods for teaching these competencies, from a deliberately awkward 30-second pitch exercise to reframing networking as “just meeting people.” He also reveals why cultivating a growth mindset and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable are the ultimate keys to becoming a highly desirable teammate. Tune in for a practical and engaging discussion on building the professional skills that turn a good engineer into an indispensable one.Check Out the BME Grad Podcast Here:https://bme.unc.edu/podcast/

This week, professor, associate department head, mother, and coxswain Katherine Saul joins us to explore the question: How do you integrate a high-powered career with family life? Dr. Saul reflects on the pivotal moments that shape us, from a wall of pictures honoring those who came before to the unexpected gift of building a “found family” network. She offers candid advice on choosing a true partner who values your success as much as their own, navigating decisions about when and how to grow a family, and the importance of protecting your time. Join us this week for an authentic conversation about honoring your whole self, making intentional choices, and building a life where your personal and professional roles don’t just coexist, but synergize.

Too often, graduate students sacrifice rest, nourishment, and connection in pursuit of achievement, only to find themselves overwhelmed and running on empty. In this third installment of the Courage Corner, Luka turns the mic on Marcy, inviting her to share her own self-care practices and the science that backs them. She explores why movement should feel joyful, how gratitude rewires the brain, and why even a simple meal or a walk with a pet can become an act of care. Here, Marcy offers practical strategies drawn from her own life, underscoring that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s what allows you to keep showing up as your best self.

This week, Dr. Amna Shabbir joins Marcy to share her transformative journey from physician to wellness advocate, beginning with the moment she fell off the "hedonic treadmill" of perpetual achievement. She dismantles the myth that we must choose between being extraordinary and caring for our well-being, arguing that ambition and wellness must coexist. Along the way, Dr. Shabbir shares how self compassion is the crucial antidote to that inner critic driving burnout and how impostor “syndrome” isn’t a flaw, but a sign you’re pushing yourself onto new horizons. For anyone who has ever felt the strain of high achievement, this conversation offers a new path forward built on resilience, not just results.Explore Dr. Kristin Neff Here:https://self-compassion.org/See Jennifer Wallace's Never Enough Here:https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough

What does true career success really look like? This week, host Marcy Bullock is in the guest seat for another episode of the Courage Corner where we dive deep into the invisible force that guides our biggest decisions: our values. Marcy explores how to pinpoint what truly energizes you, moving beyond abstract ideals and gets personal, sharing her own core values like growth, empathy, and responsibility. Marcy describes that abandoning your values induces burnout and leaves you feeling fundamentally "stuck." For students and professionals alike, this episode is a masterclass in aligning your time and goals with what matters most. Learn how to build a life where your calendar reflects your convictions, and discover the “why” and “how” guiding your life.

This week, Dr. Maria Mayorga joins Marcy to share her insights as an NC State professor and operations research expert, focusing on the realities of academia from unexpected PhD challenges to leading impactful work in colorectal cancer screening. After relocating mid-degree to continue her research,, Dr. Mayorga learned to navigate rejection with perspective. She shares how partnership shaped her career, balancing a cross-country move with a newborn and a two-career household, and offers candid advice for students struggling with feedback gaps, emphasizing the importance of asking what you’re doing well, not just what needs improvement. For anyone facing setbacks or transitions, Dr. Mayorga’s story proves that progress thrives on adaptability, support, and the occasional dance break.

In this special solo episode, Marcy kicks off a new mini-series called Courage Corner featuring bite-sized deep dives into essential career skills. Today’s focus: interviews. Whether you’re prepping for industry, academia, or anything in between, Marcy covers everything from crafting a standout elevator pitch and navigating different interview formats, to staying calm under pressure and making a memorable first impression. She also shares insider tips on how NC State resources can give you an edge, how to balance professionalism with authenticity, and her go-to list of thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. If you’ve ever felt nervous before an interview, this episode has the tools to help you walk in with clarity and confidence.Make the most of the NCSU Clothing Closet here:https://careers.dasa.ncsu.edu/about/wolfpack-styled-professional-clothing-closet/

This week, Dr. Anita Vila joins Marcy to share her journey from NC State classrooms to leading healthcare innovation at Amazon and McKesson. With 15 years of building patient-focused tech, Dr. Vila gets real about the uncomfortable but necessary parts of growth: leaving academia without a safety net, spotting the difference between "this is hard" and "this is wrong," and the importance of trust in leadership positions. She breaks down the unspoken trade-offs between academia and industry, how she navigated cross-country career moves with a significant other (twice), and why those moments of feeling out of your depth often signal you're expanding into meaningful growth. For PhDs weighing job options or anyone facing a career crossroads, Dr. Vila’s story is a masterclass in turning uncertainty into momentum.

Dr. Shana McDowell joins Marcy again this week to discuss the dreaded job search. Tune in to hear about those next steps after finishing your graduate program, tips and tricks in finding the right job for you, and how to strategize your time to maximize the efficiency in your job search. Learn how applying and preparing for jobs can be a full time job in itself and never forget that you’re not alone in your search. So grab your coffee, block your calendar, and remember this: every application is practice and every rejection is redirection.Check out Marcy's LinkedIn hack here:https://zoom.us/clips/share/A2F3MRZhR3pLSldKdVMzMkFTYkM5RTljX3FnAQUse this organizational job search tracker here:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yneWYDr4IvDbqomjbFwCoLnicT07LREpxL5poyRYxQQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0

This week, Marcy is joined by Dr. Shana McDowell, who recently completed her PhD in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, for a candid conversation about navigating graduate school's challenging middle stages. Dr. McDowell shares insights on overcoming imposterism, celebrating small wins, and why soft skills matter just as much as technical expertise in STEM fields. From her pivot from teaching high school math to studying sweet potatoes with machine learning, she offers practical advice for staying motivated when things don’t go as planned. Whether you're considering a PhD program or currently in the thick of research, this episode offers both reassurance and practical advice for persevering through the process.Listen to Dr. Meghan Kittle Autry discuss those every important "Soft" Skills here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FcUme7QriC8eEtUvl4y14?si=qCPvMiDYQHeXW1tPelYGUQ

This week, Marcy sits down with engineer, educator, and founder of STEMedia, Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, as he discusses his journey in the field of STEM. From his early days at NASA to building a company that bridges engineering and storytelling, Dr. Mabry shares how embracing both creativity and technical expertise shaped his path. He reflects on pivotal moments such as a national video contest that captured the attention of MTV and why purpose can grow from unexpected detours. For anyone navigating the twists of a STEM career or looking for their own zone of genius, this episode reveals how to turn detours into direction.Check out our episode with Dr. Kara Peters here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4a07fIjoXm8STZrP8WXmmU?si=7ipaiWuqTYCDot6P0Xe3rASee Dr.Mabry's Stay With It Contest entry here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDappKOl2fg

On this week’s episode, Marcy is joined by the first female professor of civil engineering at Duke University, Dr. Laura Dalton. Dr. Dalton shares her unconventional journey—from graphic design to groundbreaking research—and how adaptability, perseverance, and clear communication shaped her path. She opens up about balancing intense dedication with self-care, setting boundaries as both a mentor and researcher, and why rest isn’t a luxury but rather what lets you do your best work. Whether you’re navigating a nonlinear career, building advisor relationships, or learning when to step away from the lab, this episode is a refreshing take on thriving in demanding fields without burning out.

This week, Dean Jim Pfaendtner joins Marcy to discuss the human side of academic leadership, from navigating self-doubt to building meaningful mentorship connections. They explore how rejection and setbacks can become growth fuel, why seeking help is a professional strength, and how to cultivate authentic support networks without formal "mentor" labels. Whether you're struggling with advisor relationships, research roadblocks, or career uncertainty, this conversation offers both reassurance and practical strategies to help you move forward. After all, even at the highest levels, everyone is still figuring things out one coffee-fueled day at a time.Counselling Center @ NC State:https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/ The Technician Article:https://www.technicianonline.com/news/meet-jim-pfaendtner-new-dean-of-college-of-engineering/article_4b099dda-8e00-11ee-aa68-73de33216473.html

This week, Dr. Meagan Kittle Autry (Dr. KA) joins Marcy to discuss the soft skills, or rather hard skills, that engineers need to thrive in the landscape of today. Join us as we discuss how communication, presentation, and understanding are fundamental to the work of all disciplines–including engineering. Dr. KA also shares how just a few easy changes can make your writing more clear and understandable, the “whens” and “hows” of using AI in the workplace or classroom, and how to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Tune in to learn how these skills turn technical expertise into real world impact.Dr. KA's Videos on AI:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR-UWtI0r_GDI8SOgsyTR4rmW_gtprqB6

Join Marcy and Kelly Rownd, Director of Career Readiness at NC State’s Graduate School, as they tackle the realities of preparing to enter the world of industry and how unexpected conversations can reshape your trajectory and broaden your horizons. Learn how NC State’s Accelerate to Industry (A2I) program bridges the gap between academic research and diverse career paths and why networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Along the way, Kelly shares practical strategies for crafting resumes that stand out, acing interviews, and using AI as a preparation tool. Whether you're certain of your path or still exploring, this episode delivers the tools and perspective you need to navigate your transition with confidence.Accelerate to Industry (A2I):https://grad.ncsu.edu/professional-development/careers-outside-of-academia/a2i/

Today, Marcy and Dr Kara Peters dive deep into many of the problems that students, researchers, and even faculty face today. Dr. Peters reminds us that even when we struggle, support, communication, and understanding are vital--and that we're all human. Together, they explore what it means to navigate the uncertainty that comes with graduate research: questioning your own abilities, learning when to push forward independently, and recognizing when to speak up. From managing lab dynamics to handling difficult conversations with advisors, this episode offers thoughtful guidance on building resilience and finding your footing in the academic world.Professional Development for Graduate Students | The College of Engineering at NC State Universityhttps://engr.ncsu.edu/academics/grad/professional-development/Counselling Center @ NC State:https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/

In this episode, Marcy and Dr. Danny Smyl kick off with a 60-second elevator pitch before diving into the future of structural health monitoring. Dr. Smyl reveals how his military background honed a disciplined problem-solving mindset and shares key lessons that bridge research and practice. As an NC State alumnus, he highlights the university’s unique strengths and offers tips for students to maximize their time. They wrap up by discussing how to integrate cutting-edge AI into engineering education while preserving fundamental principles.Dr. Danny's article: https://www.structuremag.org/article/from-intuition-to-algorithmic-inference/Counselling Center @ NC State: https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/Edited by Pankaj Manoharlal Thakur

Join Marcy and Ken Gregory as they explore what it truly means to “leave it better than you found it.” Ken opens up about a major system failure he helped recover from and the resilience lessons it taught him. He reflects on the single piece of mentor advice that’s guided his career and reveals surprising insights he’s gained through reverse mentoring. Ken also walks us through his trusty career-navigation tool and wraps up with practical steps you can take today to make an immediate, positive impact in your team and industry.Edited by Pankaj Manoharlal Thakur

Join host Marcy and special guest Dr. Joel Ducoste as they explore the power of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for NC State engineering PhD students. In this episode, you’ll learn how IDPs boost career readiness and personal growth, discover the essential elements of a truly effective plan, and hear Dr. Ducoste’s tips for keeping your goals flexible without losing focus. Plus, find out how faculty can best support you, which campus resources to tap into, and why IDPs are crucial for preparing PhDs for a wide range of careers—both inside and beyond academia.Edited by Pankaj Manoharlal Thakur

Join host Marcy Bullock, Director of Professional Development for doctoral engineering students at NC State University, as she kicks off the very first episode of Engineering Pack Pod! This podcast is all about real stories of resilience, career journeys, and professional growth from students, alumni, and industry professionals in the Wolfpack community.In this episode, Marcy shares:Why success isn’t a straight path—and how challenges shape us.Upcoming workshops & resources, including "Smooth Sailing to a PhD," "Time Management Tips," and "Engineering Your Career Path."A key takeaway: Progress over perfection—because sometimes, good enough is enough.Whether you're a student, recent grad, or seasoned professional, this podcast is your go-to for honest conversations, career advice, and motivation to help you thrive.🔗 Explore more professional development resources: https://engr.ncsu.edu/academics/grad/professional-development/🎧 Subscribe now and join the Pack!