Six episodes of 'Texas A&M Today' now available on demand

'Texas A&M Today' is a six-episode series that explores the history, features and residents of the university, led by host Chelsea Reber '10. It originally premiered bi-weekly on Mondays beginning Sept. 26 and is now available on demand to stream online via PBS.

Episode 1: Art at Texas A&M 

The first episode of the series takes a look at the art of Texas A&M. We meet Bill Merka, A&M's official glassblower, and look at how he combines chemistry and art to make beautiful custom pieces for researchers. We also visit with Rodney and Susan Hill, who are responsible for the MSC woodcarvings. Then, we take a tour of the state of the art Zachry Engineering Education Complex. To conclude, we hear from A&M athletics director Ross Bjork. Watch Episode One.

Episode 2: Nature at Texas A&M  

In this episode, we take a look at natural regions and conservation at Texas A&M. Our host takes a tour of The Gardens, a green space on west campus that offers students a chance to experience the outdoors while studying or attending class. We then get to visit the Schubot Center for Avian Health and the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center, two animal health facilities on campus. We also visit A&M's Industrial Hemp Breeding Program, which works to provide hemp products for anything from textiles to fuel. Lastly Reber '10 visits with communication professor Jennifer Mercieca, an expert in political rhetoric.  Watch Episode Two.

Episode 3: Health at Texas A&M

The third episode of "Texas A&M Today" looks at the ways that Texas A&M impacts community health. We take a look at how family farms are impacted by the work of A&M’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center and AgriLife Extension specialists. The work of Texas A&M's Disability Resources Department is observed as they work to keep the campus accessible and inclusive to everyone. Then we hear from Dr. Rebecca Fischer on Texas A&M’s response during the pandemic. Watch Episode Three.

Episode 4: Air and Space at Texas A&M

This episode focuses on air and space developments made by Texas A&M faculty and former students. We take a look at how the Department of Atmospheric Sciences trains future meteorologists by utilizing experienced faculty, like Shel Winkley '07. We see how Bonnie Dunbar, a former NASA astronaut, is utilizing students and equipment in the journey to Mars. A tour of the Oran W. Nicks Low Speed Wind Tunnel is given, and we hear from A&M's interim vice chancellor and dean of engineering, Dr. John E. Hurtado '91. Watch Episode Four.

Episode 5: Texas A&M University Libraries 

This episode of 'Texas A&M Today' explores the university's libraries and takes a special look at the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives. This facility hosts interesting collections such as that of George R.R. Martin's personal collection of memorabilia and ancient historical artifacts. To conclude, Reber visits with the new Corps of Cadets commandant, Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis. Watch Episode Five.

Episode 6: Famous Programs of Texas A&M 

The final episode of season one looks at some of the well-known programs of the university. Barbecue Summer Camp is featured, and we hear from "The Three Brisketeers": meat science educators Davey Griffin '78, Ray Riley '79, and Vice Chancellor and Dean Jeffrey W. "Jeff" Savell '75. We take a look at Texas A&M's Visualization Program, which prepares animators to work on blockbuster movies. Then we look at the Corps Boot Loan program and a touching story about a cadet receiving senior boots. Finally, to end the episode with a bang, we head to the Mitchell Physics Building and visit with TikTok-famous professor Tatiana Erukhimova, who has gone viral with her enthusiastic personality and demonstrations. Watch Episode Six.