Micro Journeys: The Pulse of What’s Next

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with David Harris to explore how endurance, curiosity, and systems-level thinking shaped a career that spans elite athletics, financial regulation, global markets, and emerging technology. From an unlikely start as a walk-on collegiate runner to leadership roles inside the SEC, NASDAQ, and the London Stock Exchange Group, Harris shares how persistence—and knowing when to adapt—became a recurring theme throughout his life.The conversation dives deeper into Harris’s evolution from market structure and electronic trading into blockchain, data governance, and ultimately the founding of Manetu. As AI, automation, and data sharing accelerate, Harris unpacks a growing problem: sensitive data is being shared, copied, and used in ways that neither individuals nor organizations can fully see or control—especially as agentic AI systems begin making decisions on their behalf.At its core, this episode presents a solution rooted in trust and control: treating data as a granular, permissioned asset, shared only when needed, for a specific purpose, and withdrawn when that purpose ends, so people, companies, and governments can safely operate in an increasingly automated world.What You’ll Discover in This Episode(02:41) — How a teenage crush led David Harris to cross-country running and a mindset built on endurance(05:31) — Why “every day can’t be a race” and how struggle laid the foundation for long-term success(17:04) — The “market as a terrarium” analogy that explains balance, incentives, and ecosystem design(21:05) — What blockchain actually changed about ownership, markets, and digital assets(34:29) — Why most people unknowingly lose control of their personal data—and why it matters(43:26) — How agentic AI introduces a new data risk companies aren’t prepared forLet’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoDavid HarrisTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, Daniel Marrujo sits down with John Hill to explore a career shaped by curiosity, large-scale science, and the pursuit of understanding matter at its most fundamental level. From Hill’s early fascination with space and science in England to his leadership at Brookhaven National Laboratory, the conversation traces how passion, global ambition, and national-scale research converge to drive technological and scientific progress. Together, they unpack how national laboratories quietly underpin much of the innovation that fuels modern life.The discussion dives deeply into the role Brookhaven plays in advancing synchrotron science, microelectronics, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, particle physics, and space radiation research. Hill explains how tools like the National Synchrotron Light Source II enable scientists to see inside materials at the atomic scale, non-destructively analyze microchips, and accelerate discoveries across biology, energy, and electronics, while also revealing how AI and quantum technologies are reshaping how science itself is done.Ultimately, the episode reveals how Brookhaven’s mission bridges basic research and real-world impact: creating capabilities too complex for industry alone, transferring discoveries into the economy, and positioning the United States at the forefront of future technologies.What You’ll Discover in This Episode00:44 – John Hill’s journey from England to Brookhaven National Laboratory04:03 – What a synchrotron is and why it matters to science and industry07:17 – How the NSLS-I changed the game with 10,000x brighter X-rays11:10 – How Brookhaven is advancing quantum computing through materials science18:52 – The role of AI in transforming how science is done28:07 – Recreating the early universe and probing the mystery of mass35:54 – Simulating space radiation and protecting electronics and astronautsLet’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoJohn HillTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, Daniel Marrujo sits down with Rear Admiral Lorin Selby to explore a career shaped by resilience, curiosity, and technological foresight. What begins as a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut takes an unexpected turn, ultimately leading Selby into the silent service of submarines and a decades-long journey at the intersection of leadership, engineering, and national security. The conversation highlights how early setbacks can become catalysts for purpose and long-term impact.Selby reflects on his progression through the U.S. Navy submarine force, from nuclear engineering and command at sea to senior roles shaping acquisition, research, and development. Along the way, he shares candid insights into the realities of leadership, the rigor of the nuclear Navy, and the systemic challenges that slow the adoption of critical technologies. The discussion expands into the future of warfare, unmanned systems, digital engineering, and the growing need for speed and agility in defense innovation.Ultimately, the episode underscores a clear solution: aligning technology, capital, and decision-making to move faster than adversaries. By embracing digital tools, empowering experimentation, and leveraging both public and private investment, Selby argues that the Navy—and the nation—can maintain its strategic edge in an increasingly competitive world.What You’ll Discover in This Episode(01:30) How losing the dream of becoming an astronaut redirected Selby toward submarines and nuclear engineering(05:26) What it takes to earn dolphins and lead inside the demanding culture of the nuclear Navy(17:37) Why command at sea is as much about culture and trust as it is about technical mastery(31:54) The flaws in traditional acquisition processes—and how digital engineering can reduce risk(41:13) Why speed of technology adoption has become a national security imperative(48:06) How unmanned systems and the “small, agile, many” strategy could define the future of warfareLet’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoReal Admiral Lorin SelbyTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Jonny Pellish, a lifelong explorer of physics, microelectronics, NASA missions, and federal policy. Jonny traces a remarkable path—from philosophy major to particle physics researcher, to NASA radiation effects engineer, to shaping national technology policy on Capitol Hill and inside the Executive Office of the President. Through stories that connect particle accelerators, cosmic rays, mission assurance, and Congress, Jonny reveals how unexpected moments and open doors shaped a career at the center of space exploration and government.The conversation dives deeper into the core theme that defines Jonny’s journey: how technical expertise and policy insight are no longer separate worlds. Jonny discusses the systemic challenges facing space systems, microelectronics, and national research and development (R&D) priorities, as well as how impedance mismatch between R&D and policy spheres can stall innovation. He highlights why engineers must understand policy, and why policymakers must learn to speak the language of technology if the U.S. is to maintain leadership in space and microelectronics.Ultimately, this episode points to a clear solution: progress happens when technical minds step beyond the lab and into the institutions that shape national priorities. Jonny demonstrates how bridging engineering, legislation, and executive strategy leads to more resilient systems, stronger programs, and a healthier long-term space ecosystem.What You’ll Discover in This Episode[00:53] How a philosophy and classical languages major accidentally got pulled into physics—and the conversation that changed Jonny’s career forever. [12:04] The surprising role muons and early particle accelerator experiments played in steering Jonny toward radiation effects engineering. [20:40] How work with NASA, DOE, and university labs converged into a full-time role supporting engineering and mission assurance on major space missions. [31:39] What it really means to be a radiation effects engineer for missions like ICESat-2, MAVEN, and OSIRIS-REx. [35:54] Jonny’s unexpected leap into Congress—and the intense, behind-the-scenes realities of negotiating the CHIPS & Science Act. [1:11:21] Two of the biggest technological challenges Jonny believes will define the future of space exploration.Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoJonny PellishTSS Website

In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with former NASA astronaut and engineer Nicole Stott for an expansive and deeply human conversation about curiosity, resilience, and what it truly means to work—and live—in extreme environments. From her early love of flight and engineering to hands-on work with the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, Nicole traces the micro decisions, mentors, and moments of doubt that quietly shaped an extraordinary career in space exploration.The conversation goes beyond the mechanics of spaceflight to explore the mental and emotional demands of astronaut training, the power of persistence after rejection, and how creativity and humanity remain essential even in the most technical settings. Nicole reflects on everything from underwater training and spacewalks to painting with watercolors in orbit, offering insight into how astronauts adapt, cope, and thrive when there is no option to quit or escape.Ultimately, the episode reframes space exploration as a mirror for life on Earth. Nicole shares how her experiences in orbit inspired her post-NASA mission through the Space for Art Foundation, emphasizing a powerful message: we are not passengers on this planet—we are crewmates, responsible for one another and the future we’re building together.What You’ll Discover in This Episode[01:11] How Nicole’s childhood exposure to aviation sparked a lifelong fascination with how things fly—and why following curiosity mattered more than having a clear plan[14:17] What it feels like to apply to be an astronaut, get rejected, and find the courage to try again[19:35] Why astronaut training is as mentally demanding as it is physical—and how learning to manage frustration becomes a survival skill[22:05] How underwater missions simulate life in space and teach astronauts to operate when there is no easy escape[33:36] What it’s like to step outside the space station for a spacewalk and confront both awe and danger at once[42:33] How painting with watercolors in space became a deeply human moment—and changed how Nicole thinks about creativity, exploration, and connectionLet’s Connect:Daniel MarrujoNicole StottTSS Website

In this special multi-guest edition of Micro Journeys, Daniel Marrujo brings together three powerful voices shaping the world from radically different angles: epidemiologist Dr. Dan Janies, semiconductor executive Thomas Sonderman, and retired A-10 pilot Dave “Trashman” Hicks. Across public health, national security, and combat aviation, each guest offers a compelling look at the hidden systems that shape modern life—and the micro decisions that change everything. From the real origins of pandemics, to America’s fight for chip independence, to life-or-death missions above the battlefield, this episode captures the grit, intelligence, and resilience behind today’s most consequential challenges.As the conversations deepen, listeners learn how invisible vulnerabilities—whether in global health surveillance, foundational microelectronics, or military operations—can lead to catastrophic consequences when ignored. Each guest traces the root causes inside their domain: zoonotic spillover events no one was watching, domestic manufacturing gaps decades in the making, and combat environments where the smallest misstep can mean an irreversible loss of life. The stories are riveting, the stakes are high, and the lessons reveal how fragile—and how fixable—our systems can be.The episode ultimately shows that preparedness, innovation, and adaptability are the keys to navigating an unpredictable world. Whether through scientific insight, industrial reinvention, or military precision, the solutions all point toward the same truth: real progress begins with taking action before the crisis arrives.What You’ll Discover in This Episode03:06 — The real origins of coronaviruses and why bats are the evolutionary reservoir10:23 — How SkyWater’s new Texas acquisition reshapes America’s semiconductor future15:42 — Why “foundational semiconductors” are the hidden crisis no one is talking about21:10 — The innovative pipeline bringing high school students directly into microelectronics27:01 — How Dave Hicks became “Trashman” and the wild story behind his legendary call sign37:29 — Inside a chaotic firefight in Afghanistan—and how four A-10s saved an entire Marine unit Full EpisodesDave HicksDan JaniesThomas SondermanLet’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoDave HicksDan JaniesThomas Sonderman

In this special “Best of 2025” episode, Daniel Marrujo revisits three of the most compelling conversations of the year with Tsu-Jae King Liu, Stacie Williams, and Jennifer Buss—women whose work sits at the center of America’s technological, strategic, and scientific future. These are the voices shaping semiconductor innovation, national security thinking, and the next era of space capability. Through moments of challenge, personal turning points, and candid reflection, this episode reveals just how deeply these leaders influence the decisions and technologies that will define the decades ahead.Daniel takes listeners deeper into the difficult questions each guest confronts: the global competition for technological advantage, the shrinking pipeline of American R&D investment, and the internal battles that shape every career trajectory. From geopolitics and workforce shortages to daylight satellite imaging breakthroughs and the unexpected life choices that led each woman into her field, this episode highlights the problem facing the United States and how to maintain leadership when its greatest challenges require long-term thinking.Ultimately, their stories point toward a solution that’s both simple and difficult: the United States must commit to cultivating talent, investing in science, and listening to the people doing the work. Working from this, Tsu-Jae King Liu, Stacie Williams, and Jennifer Buss show us what that future can look like.What You’ll Discover in This Episode01:09 — Jennifer Buss’ chilling metaphor about the hidden threat quietly unfolding beneath America’s feet. 03:25 — Why short-term thinking in the U.S. creates a “death by a thousand cuts” problem in tech and national security. 07:26 — Stacie Williams on the unseen dangers of laser exposure and her work designing technologies to protect operators. 8:42 — How a team achieved the “impossible”: resolving satellites at high noon despite experts telling them to give up. 15:41 — The unexpected moment in an anatomy lab that pushed Tsu-Jae King Liu away from medicine and into electronics. 16:24 — How a lack of confidence early in her career led Tsu-Jae King Liu to pursue deeper training—and ultimately a PhD.Full EpisodesTsu-Jae King LiuJennifer BussStacie WilliamsLet’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoTsu-Jae King LiuDr. Jennifer BussDr. Stacie Williams

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 her to support the needs of today’s rapidly accelerating defense and commercial markets.In this episode, Brittany details the transformation occurring inside the Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center (NGMC), the rollout of its open access model, and why packaging and secure on-shore manufacturing have become essential to national security and technological competitiveness. She explains how Northrop’s “FedEx Flow” streamlines historically fragmented processes across fabrication, bumping, dicing, assembly, and testing—reducing complexity, cost, and delays for customers across the defense industrial base and emerging commercial partners.Ultimately, this conversation reveals how Northrop Grumman is tackling the bottlenecks in microelectronics with speed, state-of-the-art facilities, and a uniquely integrated ecosystem. Brittany outlines how NGMC’s approach delivers faster timelines, repeatable manufacturing, secure handling, and a single point of accountability—offering a scalable solution to one of the nation’s most pressing technology challenges.What You’ll Discover in This Episode0:45 — Brittany’s Path Into Microelectronics How a business background, graduate studies, and early supply chain work positioned her for a cross-functional career at Northrop Grumman.05:24 — The NGMC and the Future of Advanced Packaging A breakdown of the capabilities inside Northrop’s Microelectronics Center and why packaging has become the “thumbprint-sized” powerhouse of modern systems.11:20 — Why On-Shore Microelectronics Manufacturing Matters Brittany explains the security, efficiency, and strategic advantages of domestic fabrication and packaging.17:25 — Flexibility in Wafer Sizes and Materials How Northrop works across 150–300mm wafers and multiple material systems to support both legacy and next-gen technologies.23:06 — The “FedEx Flow”: Streamlining the Entire Product Lifecycle Why Northrop Grumman is eliminating multi-vendor handoffs and offering customers a single point of contact from fab to test.39:38 — Meeting Future Department of Defense Requirements How NGMC’s commercial-like processes, internal investments, and partnerships are accelerating timelines and meeting emerging mission demands.Let’s ConnectDaniel MarrujoBrittany BattagliaTSS Website