On The Mark

Financial decisions shape nearly every aspect of our lives, but many people still struggle with the basics. In this episode, President Mark Ginsberg sits down with finance expert Dr. Rachel Gordon to unpack what financial literacy really means in today’s complex economy. From budgeting and borrowing to investing and managing risk, Dr. Gordon breaks down the essential skills everyone should develop—and why knowledge alone isn’t enough without the ability to put it into practice. The conversation explores how rising costs, financial technology, and generational habits are reshaping the way we manage money, while offering practical, accessible strategies to build stability and long-term success. 

What does homeland security look like in an era defined by artificial intelligence, cyber threats and climate risk? President Mark Ginsberg is joined by Towson University experts Dr. Joseph Clark and Dr. Suat Cubukcu for a wide-ranging conversation about the changing nature of national and homeland security. The conversation explores how emerging technologies like drones and AI are reshaping the threat environment, why public trust and strong communication are essential to effective security policy, and how TU’s Integrated Homeland Security Management program is preparing students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

TU President Mark Ginsberg sits down with Dr. Mary Helen McSweeney, associate professor in Towson University’s College of Health Professions and a 2025–2026 Fulbright U.S. Scholar, to explore one of the most urgent and personal challenges facing families today: how we care for people across the lifespan.A trained health economist and licensed long-term care administrator, Dr. McSweeney unpacks the misconceptions surrounding long-term care, explaining why it extends far beyond nursing homes and older adults to include veterans, individuals with chronic conditions, and families navigating complex caregiving responsibilities. She discusses the financial realities of aging in America, the importance of planning, and the growing strain on caregivers—particularly “sandwich generation” families balancing careers and care.The conversation also examines workforce shortages in long-term care, the evolving role of administrators and clinicians, and how Towson University is preparing the next generation of health professionals to meet these demands.

TU President Mark Ginsberg is joined by former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin—a third-generation Marylander, longtime public servant and co-founder of the newly established Ben Cardin Center for Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse at Towson University. Drawing on more than five decades of exemplary service in local, state, and federal office, Senator Cardin reflects on the responsibilities of citizenship, the essential role of informed and respectful civic engagement, and why civil discourse is critical to a healthy democracy. The conversation examines today’s challenges—from political polarization and misinformation to declining trust in institutions—and highlights how listening, coalition-building, and bipartisan collaboration can lead to lasting solutions. 

President Mark Ginsberg sits down with Dr. Mahnaz Moallem, professor and chair of Towson University’s Department of Learning Technologies, Design and School Library Media. Together, they explore how learning sciences and emerging technologies—especially immersive virtual reality—are transforming teaching, motivation, and student engagement across P–12 and higher education. Dr. Moallem also shares groundbreaking work on using VR to build cultural sensitivity, the growing role of AI and adaptive learning, and her innovative Girls Computing & Cybersecurity Club, which is inspiring the next generation of women in STEM.

Towson University President Mark R. Ginsberg sits down with Dr. Blair Taylor, director of TU’s Center for Interdisciplinary and Innovative Cybersecurity—better known as Cyber4All. A national leader in cybersecurity education and workforce development, Dr. Taylor discusses the growing global threats in the cyber landscape, the evolving role of artificial intelligence, and how Towson University is preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. From defending critical infrastructure to pioneering new national curriculum standards in “cyber AI,” this conversation sheds light on how TU is helping secure our digital future—through education, innovation, and a commitment to the public good.

Towson University President Mark Ginsberg speaks with Dr. Joel Moore, professor of geosciences and director of TU’s Environmental Science master's program, about the fascinating and urgent field of geochemistry. Their conversation explores how Dr. Moore’s research connects sustainability, water quality, and climate science—and how TU students gain hands-on experience tackling real-world environmental challenges. Together, they discuss the consequences of human activity on soil and water systems, the promise and limits of technology like AI in environmental research, and the essential role of interdisciplinary education in preparing the next generation to address climate and sustainability issues.

President Ginsberg is joined by TU professor David Brannon, Ph.D., for a conversation on entrepreneurship education and experiential learning.

President Mark Ginsberg hosts Towson University head athletic trainer Nathan Wilder and kinesiology professor Mary Nadelen for a conversation on athlete safety and best practices for injury prevention.

President Mark Ginsberg hosts journalism professors John Kirch, Ph.D., and Jenny Atwater to discuss the evolution of news media and how TU educates the next generation of journalists.

President Mark Ginsberg and Kaitlyn Wilson, Ph.D., discuss the evolution in understanding autism, support for the neurodivergent community and TU's pioneering autism studies doctoral program.

Towson University College of Education Dean Laurie Mullen and Dr. Jessica Shiller join President Ginsberg to discuss teacher preparation, educator retention and TU’s impact as home to Maryland’s Center for Community Schools.

President Mark Ginsberg is joined by Dr. Romy Hübler, TU’s director of Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility, to discuss the importance of civic education and how universities prepare students to become active participants in today's society.

President Mark Ginsberg welcomes TU faculty member Dr. Chhayakanta Patro, an expert in auditory science whose research focuses on noise exposure, cochlear implants and childhood hearing health. 

Towson University President Mark Ginsberg hosts Dr. Sam Collins, a professor of anthropology leading TU's efforts on interdisciplinary AI education. The two discuss culture, the new digital landscape and the implications of artificial intelligence on higher education.