What does it mean to build a great research university for the 21st century—one that is both deeply rooted and boldly distributed? In this special episode of the Quantum Potential podcast, Provost C. Cybele Raver and Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier examine an exciting and pivotal moment in the university’s history. Together, they explore how Vanderbilt’s expanding network of campuses and partnerships—from West Palm Beach and San Francisco to New York City, Chattanooga and Nashville—forms an innovative, mission-driven strategy for education, research and engagement.

This wide-ranging conversation connects the dots between place, presence and purpose, revealing how a networked, multicampus model can amplify discovery, strengthen community impact and redefine what it means to lead in higher education.

This episode was produced by Vanderbilt University and created through the collaboration of Randolph Infinger, Sydney Jones-Wright, Amber Palmer-Halma, Patrick Sams, Jennifer Stevens, Whit Stiles, Maisie Wilson, and Amy Wolf, with original music by Steven Matthew Carter.

This episode was edited and mixed by the team at Sound On // Sound Off. You can learn more about their work at SoundOnSoundOff.com.

Special thanks to Jad Abumrad, Vanderbilt University Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and the executive producer of the Quantum Potential podcast and video series.

Copyright 2026, Vanderbilt University.

For more information about Quantum Potential, go to vanderbilt.edu/quantumpotential/podcast.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Vanderbilt University.

Follow Vanderbilt on Social Media: http://social.vanderbilt.edu/

How can we cultivate systems of human flourishing and expand compassion, joy and faith while also integrating artificial intelligence? In the Season 2 premiere of the Quantum Potential podcast, join Provost C. Cybele Raver and Jaco Hamman, director of the program in theology and practice and professor of religion, psychology and culture at Vanderbilt Divinity School. They dive into a riveting conversation on the questions of how to build hope and imagination in the human spirit, using artificial intelligence as a valuable tool.

This episode was produced by Vanderbilt University and created through the collaboration of Randolph Infinger, Sydney Jones-Wright, Amber Palmer-Halma, Patrick Sams, Jennifer Stevens, Whit Stiles, Maisie Wilson, and Amy Wolf, with original music by Steven Matthew Carter.

This episode was edited and mixed by the team at Sound On // Sound Off. You can learn more about their work at SoundOnSoundOff.com.

Special thanks to Jad Abumrad, Vanderbilt University Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and the executive producer of the Quantum Potential podcast and video series.

Copyright 2026, Vanderbilt University.

For more information about Quantum Potential, go to vanderbilt.edu/quantumpotential/podcast.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Vanderbilt University.

Follow Vanderbilt on Social Media: http://social.vanderbilt.edu/

What does the future of AI and robotics look like in our daily lives and as a career field? In a special episode of the Quantum Potential podcast recorded in front of a live audience during Reunion 2025, Provost C. Cybele Raver talks with Matthew Johnson-Roberson, the inaugural dean of the College of Connected Computing. Johnson-Roberson is an internationally recognized roboticist and computer scientist whose work spans underwater robotics, computer vision and large-scale engineering collaborations such as self-driving robotic delivery vehicles. In this episode, he shares his expertise about the impact of rapidly evolving AI and robotics for the average person and for those interested in AI-focused career fields.

This episode was produced by Vanderbilt University and created through the collaboration of Randolph Infinger, Sydney Jones-Wright, Amber Palmer-Halma, Patrick Sams, Jennifer Stevens, Whit Stiles, Maisie Wilson, and Amy Wolf, with original music by Steven Matthew Carter.

This episode was edited and mixed by the team at Sound On // Sound Off. You can learn more about their work at SoundOnSoundOff.com.

Special thanks to Jad Abumrad, Vanderbilt University Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and the executive producer of the Quantum Potential podcast and video series.

Copyright 2025, Vanderbilt University.

For more information about Quantum Potential, go to vanderbilt.edu/quantumpotential/podcast.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Vanderbilt University.

Follow Vanderbilt on Social Media: http://social.vanderbilt.edu/