It's an Honor

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Dr. Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships at the University of Arizona. The discussion traces his early academic foundations in physics, the mentors who shaped his development, and the role of persistence in undergraduate research. 
 
Dr. Díaz de la Rubia provides an accessible overview of fusion energy—how laser-driven fusion works, why it represents a significant clean-energy opportunity, and what obstacles still limit commercial viability. He also outlines the university’s growing initiatives in artificial intelligence, including applications in healthcare, national security, mining, and space science. 
 
The episode highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration across research domains and concludes with reflections on leadership, career growth, and Dr. Díaz de la Rubia’s personal interest in wine. 

What is It's an Honor?

Welcome to It’s an Honor, a podcast from the W.A. Franke Honors College. It’s an Honor invites listeners into nuanced conversations that embrace the complexity of the world we inhabit. By examining the areas where ideas rub against each other, guests will engage in bold discussion that fosters understanding, empathy, and growth. Exploring different perspectives enhances our own—it's an honor for us to learn from one another. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the W.A. Franke Honors College.