Inside the Factory of the Future: Northrop’s Advanced Packaging Revolution
Northrop Grumman Program Manager Brittany Battaglia joins host Daniel Marrujo for a deep dive into the evolution of microelectronics manufacturing, advanced packaging, and the future of on-shore capability in the United States. Brittany shares her winding career path—from business studies and global supply chain into highly technical program leadership—and how her cross-functional experience uniquely positions […]
Colonel Reveals the Future of War: Manned + Unmanned Fighters
The latest episode of Micro Journeys welcomes Colonel Tim Helfrich, a career Air Force officer whose unconventional path—from Purdue ROTC to test pilot school, to leading next-generation air dominance programs—offers a rare look inside the evolution of U.S. airpower. Daniel Marrujo sits down with Col. Helfrich to unpack how the Air Force is transforming faster […]
The Silicon Carbide Revolution Starts in Arkansas: A Deep Dive with Dr. Mantooth
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dr. Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor at the University of Arkansas and a leading figure in power electronics and semiconductor innovation. Fresh off a milestone week for the university, Alan gives Daniel an inside look at MUSIC — the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and […]
Inside the Secret Lab That Recreates the Sun — LBNL 88″ Cyclotron with Larry Phair
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Dan Marrujo takes listeners deep inside one of the most secure and mysterious facilities in the United States — a Department of Energy lab where scientists are literally recreating the power of the sun. Joined by Larry Phair, veteran staff scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the […]
Building the Brains of Defense: How Northrop Grumman Is Powering America’s Microelectronics Comeback
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dave Shahin of Northrop Grumman to explore the cutting-edge world of microelectronics and advanced packaging. From his early fascination with building things to his current leadership role at Northrop Grumman’s Microelectronics Center, Dave shares a journey that spans from ceramic engineering to semiconductor […]
Admiral James Bynum: From Fighter Pilot to the Future of AI Warfare
Admiral James Bynum joins host Daniel Marrujo for an extraordinary deep dive into a life defined by service, leadership, and transformation. From his early fascination with aviation to commanding F/A-18 squadrons, serving on Capitol Hill with Senator John McCain, and working within the White House Military Office, Admiral Bynum’s journey charts how purpose and adaptability […]
The Secrets Behind Las Vegas’ Business Growth and Diversification
Danielle Casey, newly appointed President and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), joins Daniel Marrujo on this episode of Micro Journeys to share her journey across economic development in Albuquerque, Sacramento, Scottsdale, and now Las Vegas. Danielle discusses her experiences with military innovation hubs, federal funding ecosystems, and regional economic strategies that […]
Breaking Silos: How the DREAMS Hub and MOSIS 2.0 Powers National Collaboration
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Steve Crago, Director of the California DREAMS Hub, to discuss his remarkable career journey spanning marathons, microelectronics, and national defense innovation. From qualifying for the Boston Marathon to advancing computing architectures at USC’s Information Sciences Institute, Steve’s path reveals how personal discipline and […]
AI, Drones, and the Future of Air Combat — A General’s Warning
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Carl “Schaef” Schaefer to reflect on a remarkable career that spans combat missions, Pentagon leadership, and shaping the future of U.S. airpower. From the shock of having a missile locked on his aircraft, to the grind of 3 […]
Why AI Could Run Out of Power — And How Microelectronics Can Save It.
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Tsu-Jae King Liu, President of the National Academy of Engineering and trailblazer in semiconductor research. From her unexpected career pivot away from medicine to her pivotal role in shaping the future of microelectronics, Liu shares a remarkable journey filled with breakthroughs that continue […]