David Ruth, Dean of STEM at the University of Austin and retired Navy captain, joins the show to discuss the future of technical education, the ethics of AI in warfare, and what it takes to build a new university from scratch.

From nuclear submarines to autonomous drone targeting, this conversation spans practical experience and deep philosophical questions.

Dave explains how UATX is rethinking curriculum to blend engineering and philosophy—and why today’s students must be both technically sharp and morally grounded.

We also get into nuclear energy policy, drone warfare, and what startups look for in engineering talent. A wide-ranging episode at the intersection of defense, academia, and the future of war.

Episode #33.

Get the show everywhere! 👇

⁠⁠YouTube @thedroneultimatum⁠⁠

⁠⁠Spotify (The Drone Ultimatum)⁠⁠

⁠⁠Substack (The Drone Ultimatum Podcast)⁠⁠

⁠⁠Apple Podcasts (The Drone Ultimatum)⁠⁠

Get the latest updates whenever a new episode drops:

⁠⁠Instagram @thedroneultimatum⁠⁠

⁠⁠X/Twitter @droneultimatum⁠⁠

⁠⁠LinkedIn (The Drone Ultimatum)⁠⁠

--

Follow Steve:

⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Twitter/X⁠⁠

⁠⁠Check out Allen Control Systems⁠⁠

##