Science Wise

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.

03-11

38:26

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.

03-04

10:37

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.

02-25

41:03

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.

02-18

08:58

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. 

02-11

40:33

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. 

01-12

48:51

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.

05-27

19:13

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.

05-20

10:23

Emilia and Rori, host Dr. Fatimah Jackson, covering her groundbreaking journey as an African American woman in science, her significant contributions to understanding genetic variation in Black populations, and her challenges and triumphs in academia. Jackson shares insights from her early life, her exploration of human biology stirred by personal experience and cultural heritage, and her academic career path that led her from Cornell University to Howard University. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:01:56 Dr. Jackson's Early Life and Influences03:59 From Tight Jeans to Biological Anthropology06:06 The Journey to Cornell and Beyond09:32 Adventures and Learnings in Tanzania13:23 Returning to Academia with a Mission21:08 Faith and Science: Dr. Jackson's Perspective24:28 Navigating Academia: A Personal Journey25:46 Challenges and Triumphs at UC Berkeley37:39 Embracing Opportunities at Howard University40:08 Reflecting on a Journey of Learning and GrowthCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

05-13

42:34

Rori and Emilia discuss their takeaways from their conversation with Dr. Maria ElenaZavala. They highlight the importance of drawing lessons and inspiration from one's family, thevalue of mentors beyond shared identities, and the necessity of diverse mentorship types. Theconversation also covers personal growth through mentorship, both as mentors and mentees,and the impact of community and support networks in academic and scientific careers.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:01:21 Lesson One: Drawing Inspiration from Family03:15 Lesson Two: The Importance of Trust and Rapport in Mentorship08:18 Lesson Three: The Value of Diverse Mentorship11:35 Leveraging Networks and Building Relationships13:27 Closing Thoughts and GoodbyesCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. SoundEngineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A DiferenteCreative Production.

05-06

13:49

Rori and Emilia engage in an enlightening conversation with the remarkable Dr. MariaElena Zavala, a pioneering plant developmental biologist, and the first Latina to receivea PhD from UC Berkeley's botany department. Dr. Zavala shares insights into her earlyfascination with plants, and navigates through her educational and professional path,revealing the challenges and triumphs of being a woman of color in science. Dr. Zavalaalso delves into her impactful work in mentoring and amplifying the participation ofunderrepresented groups in STEM fields, which has earned her prestigious awards andrecognition. Her story highlights the crucial role of mentorship and representation infostering diversity within the scientific community.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:37 Celebrating Dr. Maria Elena Zavala's Trailblazing Journey in Science06:07 The Power of Curiosity: Choosing Science Over Tradition13:38 Mentoring and Making a Difference: Learning from Life and Academia16:11 Navigating Academic Challenges: From UC Berkeley to Indiana16:51 Transition to Yale: Pursuing Pollen Longevity and Roots18:19 Choosing CSUN: A Decision Driven by Student Potential26:50 The Power of Mentoring: Shaping Futures Beyond the Lab29:09 Revise and Resubmit: Reflecting on a Career Without RegretsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. SoundEngineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. ADiferente Creative Production.

04-29

30:51

Emilia and Rori highlight their main takeaways from their conversation with Dr. Sue Rosser. Such as the importance of building relationships with those who share your identity, setting ambitious goals, and seeking mentorship during career transitions. Dr. Rosser's story is a powerful example of overcoming adversity and making significant contributions to feminism and academia.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:43 Life of Dr. Sue Rosser00:58 Lesson One: The Power of Shared Experiences02:04 Lesson Two: The Courage to Demand Recognition05:29 Lesson Three: Embracing Big Ambitions and Necessity07:27 Lesson Four: The Importance of Mentorship in Career Transitions11:37 Signing Off: The Value of Mentorship and CommunityCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

04-22

11:55

Rori and Emilia engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Sue Rosser, a pioneering figure for women in STEM. Having started her career in the 1960s, Dr. Rosser has made significant contributions through her research in zoology, studies on the experiences of women in STEM, and her advocacy for feminist principles within these fields. Dr. Rosser discusses the challenges she faced, including sexual harassment and the struggle for recognition in academic publishing. The discussion also touches on her experiences as a lesbian in academia, and her thoughts on the current state and future of women in STEM.TIME CODE OF MAIN EVENTS:02:49 From French Major to Science Trailblazer: Dr. Rosser's Academic Path05:46 Discovering Feminism and Fighting Sexual Harassment12:12 Embarking on a Career in Women's Studies and Biology16:39 Confronting Gender Bias in Academic Publishing20:21 A Personal Journey: Coming Out and Navigating Academia25:00 Transitioning Careers: From Mary Baldwin to a Broader Impact33:11 Leveraging Leadership Positions for Change35:57 Revise and Resubmit: Reflecting on Career Choices37:55 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.

04-15

38:43

Rori and Emilia discuss their take-home lessons from Dr. Ivelisse Rubio such as the importance of focus and dedication in research, the value of critical thinking and mathematical logic in navigating life, and the necessity of sustainability in academic and scientific efforts.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:04:45 The Power of Mathematical Thinking in Life06:11 Learning to Avoid Burnout: Ive’s Organizational Challenges07:50 Sustainable Models for Academic Programs09:07 Reflections and Gratitude: Wrapping Up the EpisodeCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. SoundEngineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A DiferenteCreative Production.

Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Ivelisse Rubio, a professor of mathematics and computer science at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, about her impactful educational initiatives, and her significant contributions to promoting diversity in the mathematical sciences. Highlighting Dr. Rubio's academic journey, from her undergraduate studies in Puerto Rico to her Ph.D. at Cornell University, and her passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in mathematics. The episode also touches on the importance of mathematical thinking in everyday life.02:08 From Puerto Rico to Cornell: Dr. Rubio's Academic Journey10:27 Creating CIMU: Fostering Diversity in Mathematics13:41 The Impact of CIMU and Transition to New Projects19:08 Navigating Academia and Advice for the Future21:29 Promoting Mathematical Thinking and Diversity26:20 Finding Balance: Life Beyond MathematicsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.