Science Wise

DESCRIPTION: Wrapping up Season 2, Drs. Rori Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez return with a special twist: this episode is driven by your questions—and answered by the inspiring scientists we’ve featured all season.This finale isn’t just a look back—it’s a conversation shaped by curiosity. With insights from guests like Dr. Joann Trejo, Dr. Lisa White, Dr. Maria Orive, and more, Rori and Emilia dive into what it takes to thrive in science. They go beyond the lab, from missed opportunities and navigating stereotypes to building resilience and finding unexpected breakthroughs.A big thank-you to the Science-Wise community for listening, questioning, and growing with us this season! Please let us know what you thought of seasons one and two in the reviews, we’d love to know. EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:31 Highlighting Our Esteemed Guest02:35 Listener Questions: Biggest Failures05:59 Facing Stereotypes in Science14:49 Support from Science Mentors17:20 Dealing with Toxic Work Environments24:00 Unexpected Career Flukes27:56 Wrapping Up Season TwoCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Emilia and Rori sit in-studio with Dr. Anne Stone to discuss how scientists can succeed without having all the answers. They share three big takeaways—from handling disagreements in research, to choosing the right path for your work, and why coding skills still matter. It’s helpful advice for scientists at any stage of their career.EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:39 – Lesson 1: Resolving disagreement by citing authoritative sources 02:21 – Lesson 2: Balancing interest, opportunity, and strategy in research choices 03:44 – Lesson 3: Why every scientist should learn to code — even if you won’t master itCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative Production.

DESCRIPTION:Dr. Anne Stone joins Emilia and Rori for an in-person conversation, sharing her journey into the world of ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Anne, a Regents Professor at Arizona State University, shares how her childhood curiosity led to a career studying ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Stone reflects on her early life, time studying in Germany, and education at Penn State. She talks about her research on ancient diseases like tuberculosis, her work in forensic genetics, and the challenges she faced along the way.EPISODE CHAPTERS:02:10 – Early life and family05:57 – Academic path and early interests09:40 – Grad school and first research projects17:05 – Starting her career18:18 – Research ideas and teamwork19:40 – Challenges with ancient DNA20:21 – Becoming a professor23:08 – Studying tuberculosis29:14 – Forensic genetics work33:20 – Final thoughts and future plansCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Rori and Emilia discuss key lessons from their conversation with Dr. Dawn Wright, an accomplished oceanographer known for her remarkable achievements and approachable demeanor. They delve into the importance of being open to new experiences, seeking regular feedback from advisors, and staying flexible with one's career path. They also reflect on Dr. Wright's bold decisions, such as leaving tenure, and her enthusiasm for sharing science with the world.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:31 Lesson 1: Embrace New Experiences01:45 Family Influence and Inspiration02:42 Personal Reflections and Support04:02 Lesson 2: Seek Regular Feedback05:46 Dr. Wright’s Vision and Flexibility07:08 Lesson 3: Keep your eye on your vision, and be flexible about your specific next steps08:23 Bold Career MovesCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Dawn Wright.

Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist of Esri and former faculty at Oregon State University, about her incredible journey in marine geology. Dr. Wright shares her experiences growing up under the influence of an ambitious mother, her challenges and milestones in academia, and her groundbreaking research adventures. Her stories encapsulate her dive into the Challenger Deep, overcoming academic obstacles, and exemplary mentorship. Dr. Wright also discusses self-care and balancing personal and professional ambitions.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:26 Meet Dr. Dawn Wright: Marine Geologist Extraordinaire01:52 Dr. Wright’s Early Life and Influences05:19 Adventures in Hawai’i and Early Ocean Fascination09:47 Transition to Maryland and Academic Pursuits12:33 College Choices and Mentorship14:29 Graduate Studies and Challenges17:26 Entering the Field of Oceanography18:42 Switching Advisors and Finding Mentors21:50 Completing the Thesis Against the Odds24:38 Becoming a Marine Technician28:18 Exploring the Deep Sea32:38 Reflections and Career AdviceCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Note: This episode includes discussions on sexual harassment.Join Rori and Emilia as they discuss key insights from their interview with Dr. Pilar Ossorio. They focus on her strategies for dealing with harassment and her bold career change from molecular biology to bioethics. Pilar's proactive approach to harassment and her career shift offer key lessons. They also discuss her important work on race and ethnicity in scientific research, showing how these categories can vary depending on context.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:32 Confronting Harassment: Dr. Pilar Ossorio's Strategy03:07 Lessons on Handling Harassment04:12 Embracing Change in Career Paths05:45 Dr. Ossorio's Work on Race and Ethnicity in ScienceCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Pilar Ossorio

Note: This episode includes discussions on sexual harassment.Hosts Rori and Emilia talk with Dr. Pilar Ossorio, a University of Wisconsin Madison law professor, to dive into her unique journey through human genetics, law, and bioethics. Dr. Ossorio, also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, opens up about growing up in an academic and diverse family, overcoming misogyny and prejudice, and her shift from microbiology to law. She shares her work on major genetic projects like the 1000 Genomes Project, her advocacy against sexual harassment, and her contributions to bioethics. EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:35 Introducing Dr. Pilar Ossorio02:02 Pilar's Upbringing and Family Background07:35 Academic Journey: From Rural Colorado to Stanford11:59 Graduate School Challenges and Activism24:59 Transition to Bioethics and Law38:17 Current Projects and Future FocusCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Pilar Ossorio

Emilia & Rori reflect on Dr. Wakimoto’s journey—from science fairs to academic service—discussing the impact of first authorship, challenges for first-gen students, and the importance of protecting students' time.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:38 Lessons on protecting the environment01:35 The importance of first authorship05:49 Reflecting on academic service09:21 Discussing Dr. Wakimoto’s thoughts on retirementCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Rori and Emilia chat with Dr. Barbara Wakimoto, geneticist, and Professor Emerita at the University of Washington. Dr. Wakimoto shares her journey from growing up on an Arizona farm to becoming a leader in genetics, her family’s World War II internment experience, and her pioneering work on heterochromatin.EPISODE CHAPTERS:02:03 Dr. Wakimoto's Early Life and Family Background22:17 Diving into the Science24:58 Building a Supportive Lab Environment25:27 The Journey to Tenure29:17 Balancing Service and Research39:03 Reflections on Retirement40:31 Revise and Resubmit: Career ReflectionsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Listen in as the hosts explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a trailblazing gay two-spirit computational chemist, whose career spans from the post-Stonewall era of the 1970s to today. The hosts delve into Dr. Ondrechen’s innovative approaches to building connections in a challenging and often hostile environment. They also discuss the detrimental effects of poor leadership on both morale and progress, and the critical importance of resilience, self-belief, and finding alternative paths during difficult times. The episode highlights the power of community, meaningful connections, and knowledge sharing in overcoming adversity and achieving success.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:31 Surviving in an Adversarial Environment01:00 The Impact of Leadership on Progress03:11 Navigating Bad Leadership05:27 Believing in Yourself Through Difficult Times06:38 Conclusion and GratitudeCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen. 

Hosts Rory Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez chat with Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a leading computational chemist known for her work on predicting protein functions and designing machine learning software. They talk about her contributions to helping Indigenous scientists, her love for science from an early age, and the mentors who made a difference in her career. Dr. Ondrechen also shares what it’s like being an openly gay, two-spirit scientist and reflects on her career journey, the importance of mentorship, and her work to make science more inclusive for future generations.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:29 Meet Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen03:26 High School Chemistry Adventures05:33 College and Career Beginnings07:55 Graduate School and Beyond15:50 Faculty Life and Sabbaticals20:13 Transition to Biological Research22:58 COVID-19 Research Efforts26:28 Gender and Sexuality in Science32:37 Revise and Resubmit: Career ReflectionsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen. 

Emilia and Rory discuss Dr. Joann Trejo's inspiring journey from fixing bikes in Stockton to becoming a UC Berkeley professor. They explore the pivotal role of mentorship in her life, from a vice principal to academic mentors, and share key insights on starting small, building infrastructure and balancing service with research. EPISODE CHAPTERS:02:36 Building Mentorships: Reaching Out and Making Connections05:11 Personal Mentorship Stories: Emilia and Rory Share06:48 Starting Small: Lessons from Dr. Joann Trejo11:31 Balancing Service and Science: Strategies and Challenges14:45 Gratitude and Farewell: Appreciating Dr. Joann TrejoCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Joann Trejo, a daughter of Mexican migrant farm workers who blossomed into a respected pharmacology professor at UC San Diego. Dr. Trejo shares how thinking beyond the lab helped her reach her goals and grow in biomedical research.  EPISODE CHAPERS:02:52 Dr. Trejo's Early Life and Family Background06:34 Educational Journey and Early Influences10:26 College and Early Research Experiences19:43 Pursuing a Faculty Position23:07 Balancing Academia and Mentorship24:41 Facing Bias and Discrimination25:43 Why some scientists should get an MBA35:15 Reflections and AdviceCREDITS:  This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. Special thanks to Dr. Joann Trejo. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Emilia and Rori share the biggest lessons gained from their conversation with Dr. Lisa White, such as learning to filter advice and prioritizing student well-being and safety during fieldwork. EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:57 Lessons from Dr. Lisa White: New Eyes in Science02:31 Mentorship and Belonging in Geology04:10 Navigating Advice and Personal Filters06:09 Field Work Challenges and Emotional SafetyCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. Special thanks to Dr. Lisa White. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Rori and Emilia speak with Dr. Lisa White, a multidisciplinary scientist in paleontology, oceanography, and geology about her inspiring journey from growing up in diverse San Francisco to shifting her focus from art and photography to geoscience.She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced in a predominantly homogeneous field, her extensive research, and her role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Despite facing racism and misogyny, Dr. White remains committed to her passion for geology and advocates for environmental justice while inspiring the next generation of diverse scientists.EPISODE CHAPTERS:02:35 Early Life and Inspirations03:14 Discovering a Passion for Science10:30 Challenges and Mentorship in Geoscience19:10 Family Legacy and SF State Connections21:21 Returning as Faculty: Challenges and Reflections24:41 Leadership Roles and NSF Grants25:09 Transition to a New Role at Berkeley31:33 Mentorship and Field Trips: Inspiring Future Scientists35:57 Overcoming Professional Challenges and ConflictsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. Special thanks to Dr. Lisa White. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Rori and Emilia hash out their interview with Dr. Maria Orive, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from her experiences. Like the struggle for work/life balance, the critical role of supportive peers, and the undeniable importance of hard work over natural talent.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:44 Lesson 1: Basic Needs03:04 Lesson 2: Peer Inspiration05:26 Lesson 3: Hard Work Over Natural TalentCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Rori Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez. Special thanks to Dr. Maria Orive. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Emilia and Rori speak with Dr. Maria Orive from the University of Kansas, who shares her journey as a Cuban American who became a renowned population geneticist. She discusses growing up in a Cuban American community in Olympia, Washington, and her academic journey through Stanford and UC Berkeley, including the challenges she faced. As an associate dean and fellow at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Orive highlights the significance of mentorship, the importance of resilience, and the balance between work and personal life in academia.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Science Wise Season 201:36 Growing Up Cuban American in Olympia03:46 Early Interests and Challenges07:19 Academic Journey and Influences13:10 Undergraduate Research Experience18:09 Graduate School and Mentorship20:18 Challenging Postdoc Experience22:33 Struggles with Dissertation Completion28:33 Transition to Faculty and Career Growth37:21 Revise and Resubmit: Overcoming RejectionCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. The hosts are Dr. Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Dr. Rori Rohlfs. Special thanks to Dr. Maria Orive. 

In this special live recording of Science Wise, hosts Rori and Emilia sit-down in Juriquilla, Mexico with the founding faculty of LIIGH (Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano), to discuss the lab's groundbreaking origins, remarkable achievements, and impressive collaborations among its founding faculty (all women), which have helped propel the lab to international recognition and growth. Special thanks to Dr. Alejandra Medina Rivera, Dr. Lucia Morales, Dr. Daniela Robles-Espinoza, Dr. Maria Avila Arcos. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:26 The inspiration behind Science Wise02:36 Introducing LIIGH04:14 Highlighting LIIGH's Founding Faculty05:11 Daniela's Achievements06:07 Lucia's Mentorship and Contributions08:13 Alejandra's Innovations11:03 Maria's Leadership and Community Engagement13:22 The Founders' Academic Journeys24:36 Mission of Group Advocacy24:49 Reuniting as Institutional Colleagues26:55 Collaborative Research Programs29:02 Building a Supportive Culture45:41 Advice for Academic AdministratorsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. The hosts are Dr. Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Dr. Rori Rohlfs. 

Rori and Emilia reflect on conversations they had with their brilliant guests this season, such as the invaluable lessons learned from their experiences, and the personal impact these stories have had on their own lives.The episode also answers listener questions and touches on the universal challenges faced by women in science and the strategies that their guests used to overcome them.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:20 Diverse Paths to Science: Personal Stories and Inspirations02:34 Life Lessons from Science: Integrating Family, Managing Stress, and EmbracingChange08:24 Listener Questions: Earning Extra and Summing Up Lessons17:19 Reflecting on the Journey: The Power of Podcasting and CommunityCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. SoundEngineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. ADiferente Creative Production.

Emilia and Rori reflect on their insightful conversation with Dr. Fatimah Jackson, her admirable balance of family and career, her resilience in facing challenges, and her boldness in making life-changing decisions. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:47 Lessons from Dr. Fatimah Jackson01:02 Lesson One: The Power of a Grounded Scientific Mission03:11 Lesson Two: Balancing Sacrifice and Ease in a Scientific Career06:14 Lesson Three: Bold Moves and Graceful Assertions09:51 Reflecting on Dr. Fatimah Jackson's Impact and Closing ThoughtsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.