Brittany Young

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock welcome Dr. David Figge, Director of Clinical Immunology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology. Dr. Figge discusses the fascinating connections between the brain, immune system, and aging, sharing insights from his research on neuroscience, immunology, epigenetics, and cellular behavior. Dr. Figge also explores how understanding the body's memory systems may help advance medical research and open new possibilities for addressing age-related diseases.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Johnnie Aycock and Lisa Jones welcome Dr. Luke Roy of Auburn University’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences and the Alabama Fish Farming Center in Greensboro. Dr. Roy shares how his work supports Alabama’s catfish industry by addressing fish health, water quality, environmental stewardship and production efficiency to ensure the industry’s long-term success. Lisa, Johnnie and Dr. Roy also discuss how collaboration among farmers, researchers and industry professionals strengthens communities, protects natural resources and supports future generations.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock sit down with Dr. Katherine L. Chiou, Associate Professor of Anthropology at The University of Alabama and Co-director of the Artificial Intelligence Teaching Enhancement Initiative. They explore how AI is reshaping higher education, research, and the workforce. The conversation examines whether AI is helping humans think more critically or simply work faster, and what it means for learning when students rely on AI to write, research, and solve problems. Dr. Chiou also discusses the importance of responsible AI use and ethics as these technologies influence innovation, hiring, and everyday life.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock welcome Dr. Jeremy Carr, Central Alabama Community College Chemistry Instructor, to the studio to discuss the power of student-driven discovery, why microgravity is the ultimate laboratory, and what this means for the future of scientific innovation. They dive into an incredible student-led research project happening right here in Alabama. From sparking curiosity in the classroom to designing and defending a real space experiment, they explore how undergraduate students are taking science from the lab bench to low Earth orbit.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock sit down with Dr. Andrea Cevasco-Trotter, Director & Professor of Music Therapy at The University of Alabama, and Singer-Songwriter & Recording Artist Matt Jones to explore why music, poetry, film, and art can trigger powerful emotional responses—and why those responses differ from person to person. It begins with a personal experience of hearing the same song twice but reacting differently the second time, raising a larger question about how changes within us, rather than changes in the art itself, shape what we feel. The discussion sets up an exploration of the brain, emotion, memory, and personal experience from two perspectives.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock sit down with Dr. Andrea Cevasco-Trotter and musician Matt Jones spotlights the visionary people and research shaping the state's future. The series debuts with hosts Lisa Jones & Johnnie Aycock speaking with The University of Alabama President Dr. Peter Mohler, exploring how UA is training future leaders and driving groundbreaking innovation across the state.

BrightPath spotlights the visionary people and research shaping the state's future. The series debuts with hosts Lisa Jones & Johnnie Aycock speaking with The University of Alabama President Dr. Peter Mohler, exploring how UA is training future leaders and driving groundbreaking innovation across the state.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with Olive Branch, Mississippi native Madison Young. Madison is a senior and the starting pitcher for St. Benedict at Auburndale High School's softball team. She's also the starting pitcher for the Mississippi Bombers 18u National Knight and a University of Texas San Antonio signee. The Youngs, who are related, discuss the history of softball in their family and Madison's journey on the diamond to get to where she is now. Madison also talks about some goals she has for her final high school softball season.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with guest J.J. Nelson Sr. to talk about his time as a standout athlete at Midfield High School, his experience on the gridiron at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and in the NFL, and his short stint coaching at Rice University. Nelson has now transitioned into coaching for the San Tan Youth Football League and doing speed and agility training in Arizona.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with former basketball teammate Courtney Green, who's a two-time state champion and former MVP at Midfield High School. She was also honored as a McDonald's All-American nominee, Gatorade Player of the Year and Miss Basketball for the state of Alabama. Green went on to play college basketball at LSU and professionally in Portugal. Young and Green discuss Courtney's time as an athlete, her transition into entrepreneurship, marriage and motherhood, and how she's developed a passion for mentorship and mental health.