Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM

This episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary Conversations with Women in STEM' features Charli Matthews, a champion for empowering women in STEM fields and trades. Charli Matthews is a visionary leader with a mission to Connect, Inform, and Educate the Global Pump Industry. Charli's groundbreaking online information and connection hub has reshaped industry communication. As a well-recognized and respected figure in key industry events, Charli bridges the gap between traditional practices and cutting-edge digital strategies. Her passion for #EmpoweringConnections is driving change for the process industries equipment manufacturers, engineers, and safety/reliability experts.Charli's leadership extends beyond business; she's a fierce advocate for diversity and empowerment. As the Marketing Chair for the Fluid Sealing Association, she earned the prestigious Award of Merit for her dedication to industry growth. Additionally, Charli is deeply committed to empowering women in industry across the globe, championing their advancement and representation in traditionally male-dominated fields.What do we talk about in this episode?Charli's Journey from Marketing to Empowering the Pump IndustryThe Challenges and Triumphs of Starting Your Own BusinessNavigating the Complexities of Gender Perception in the WorkplaceThe Power of Being Yourself in Professional SpacesGlobal Outreach: Making a Difference in Uganda

Dr. Chanfeng Zhao is the VP of R&D Chemistry at TriLink BioTechnologies. She has over 25 years of experience in nucleotide and modified nucleotide chemistry for sequencing and genomics applications. She co-founded MyChem LLC, a company later acquired by TriLink, specializing in ultra-pure synthetic nucleotides. Chanfeng was the CSO and Co-founder of Sequlite Genomic (acquired by Fapon International), a company that was developing NGS instruments and reagents. Previously, Dr. Zhao was one of the first employees at Illumina, where she developed oligonucleotide attachment chemistry for BeadChip products. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from SUNY Buffalo and a B.Sc. in Petroleum Chemical Engineering. Dr. Zhao is an inventor on over 20 issued patents.What do we talk about in this episode?What are nucleotides & genomes?The difference between chemistry and chemical engineering.Chanfeng’s career path from chemical engineering to chemistry. Working at startups, starting her own company, and selling that company.Her experience coming to the US and raising a son while going to grad school.How her curiosity fuels her passion for science.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesGenomics is an interdisciplinary field of biology focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes. A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes as well as its hierarchical, three-dimensional structural configuration. (Wikipedia)Nucleotides are organic molecules composed of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar and a phosphate. They serve as monomeric units of the nucleic acid polymers – deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid, both of which are essential biomolecules within all life-forms on Earth. (Wikipedia)Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez.AGTC is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing genetic therapies for people with rare and debilitating ophthalmic, otologic and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. (https://agtc.gcs-web.com)

Abigail Fritschel is about to graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Abby was first on the podcast as Episode 13 when she had just graduated from high school in the summer of 2020. She's back to provide an update on college life, her college experience vs. her expectations, internships, Society of Women Engineers and what she'll be doing when she graduates this spring.What do we talk about in this episode?College expectations vs. reality.Why Abby almost quit engineering and what made her stick with it.How Abby found and got involved with Society of Women Engineers.Abby's internship experience.What Abby will be doing after college.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesSociety of Women Engineers - For more than seven decades, SWE has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. Our organization is centered around a passion for our members’ success and continues to evolve with the challenges and opportunities reflected in today’s exciting engineering and technology specialties. (https://swe.org)

Asha Devasia is an executive with experience in strategy, products, innovation and operations in the Energy industry. She leveraged her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Business and her MBA to transition to leadership early in her career. She has an entrepreneurial spirit and empathetic leadership style.What do we talk about in this episode?Asha’s career journey and how she got into strategy and leadership.Deep dive into Asha’s leadership style and roles within her career.The importance of prioritization and the importance of family and friends as she began her family.We discuss motherhood and women’s decisions to continue working or stay at home. Asha’s provides her advice on making decisions.The importance of having a support system and having key people in your life that provide honest feedback.Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go through life.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesDallas CASA – Every year, more than 20,000 Dallas County children are reported abused or neglected. Some of them must be removed from their homes because it isn’t safe for them to remain. Many enter foster care and wait for the complex, often lengthy process in which a judge will determine where they may safely and permanently live. During this time they may move from one temporary home to another, never knowing what will happen next. This is where a CASA volunteer steps in. (https://www.dallascasa.org)

Sylleste Davis is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 100th District. She is the Chair of the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. Prior to representing the people of South Carolina, Sylleste worked at an electric company in various roles from Information Technology to Power Supply leadership positions. Sylleste has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Computer and Information Systems Management. What do we talk about in this episode?What does a Sylleste do as a State Representative?How did she get started in politics and why did she go into it?How does her experience in the utility industry and technology background fit into her work in politics.Why she majored in math and our joint love of mathematics (and architecture).Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesSylleste Davis Legislature Biography: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.php?code=0456249946

Kathy Ford is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Kura Oncology. She has over 30 years experience in biopharmaceuticals. She is equally passionate about the work she does bringing treatment to cancer patients and as a mom and grandmother. Kathy earned her R.N. from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing and her B.S.N. from Fitchburg State College.What do we talk about in this episode?Kathy's journey from nursing, being a stay at home mom, and back into the job market and into executive management in biopharmaceuticals.The changes she has seen for women in medicine and STEM fields over the past several decades.The importance of family in her life. Grandmotherhood is her greatest joy!Her passion for working for a company working to treat and cure cancer.The importance of women, especially in higher positions, using their voice to support other women.What does a COO do?Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesHematologic cancers begin in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system. Examples of hematologic cancer include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It's also referred to as blood cancer. (https://www.summitcancercenters.com/cancers-we-treat/hematologic-cancer/#:~:text=Hematologic%20cancers%20begin%20in%20blood,referred%20to%20as%20blood%20cancer.)Some 37% of active physicians in the U.S. were women in 2021, up from about 36% in 2019, and about 47% of residents and fellows were women, according to the AAMC report.Large gender pay gaps still exist, however. A 2021 report from the Rand Corporation published in Health Affairs found female physicians earn $2 million less than men over the course of their career, with the largest gaps in male-dominated specialties. (https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/AAMC-us-physician-workforce-women-specialties/640621/#:~:text=Some%2037%25%20of%20active%20physicians,according%20to%20the%20AAMC%20report.)

Sheryl Recinos is a physician, author, speaker and advocate. She is a locums hospitalist. After spending her teen years homeless and living on the streets in Los Angeles, she got a Bachelor's Degree in Cellular and Microbiology and later went back to school for her MD. Her childhood trauma helps her identify trauma in patients she sees and she advocates and works with homeless in Los Angeles. She has written several books about homelessness including a memoir, Hindsight, which chronicles her childhood.What do we talk about in this episode?Sheryl's traumatic childhood and how she survived and became a physician.How the trauma she grew up with helps her in her job as a physician.How she strives to be the parent she always wanted to have.Her writing career. She has written a memoir about her childhood, a series of young adult books, and is about to publish a children's book.How the system not only failed her as a child, but actually worked against her.Her life now a physician, author, speaker, and mother.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesYou can find lots of information and resources and work Sheryl is doing here: https://sherylrecinosmd.com"Hindsight: Coming of Age on the Streets of Hollywood":  https://www.amazon.com/Hindsight-Coming-age-streets-Hollywood-ebook/dp/B07HYJTPKZ/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1583000285&refinements=p_27%3ASheryl+Recinos&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Sheryl+RecinosMy Friend's Place - For 33 years and counting, My Friend’s Place has beenassisting and inspiring youth experiencing homelessnessto build self-sufficient lives. (https://www.myfriendsplace.org)There's a lot of information and statistics on foster care system that can be found here: https://www.aecf.org/blog/child-welfare-and-foster-care-statisticsOne in every five foster youth is homeless when they age out of the system at 18. Ten percent of foster children are placed in institutions and group homes, many of whom are older teenagers. Four percent of foster cases have the goal of emancipation, but over 50 percent have the goal of reunification. (https://www.fosterva.org/blog/what-happens-to-foster-children-when-they-turn-18#:~:text=One%20in%20every%20five%20foster,have%20the%20goal%20of%20reunification.)

Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, is on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them simple strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with a proven model and is known for her actionable tips and ability to build trust quickly. During her corporate career, she led a team of facilitators while traveling the globe consulting industry leaders on the seemingly soft skills that impact the bottom line. Karen is the author of Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication, as well as the host of her highly ranked podcast, Ignite Your Confidence.What do we talk about in this episode?How Karen got into confidence coaching.Karen's signature "Confidence Cocktail"TM.Karen provides advice and tips on how to improve your confidence.Her influences in childhood that helped her build her confidence.How to introduce yourself using the PPU method.Creating a Celebration Portfolio.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesKaren Laos' website: https://karenlaos.com"Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication" book. (https://karenlaos.com/book/)"Ignite Your Confidence" Podcast (https://karenlaos.com/podcast/)Between the ages of 8 and 14, girls' confidence levels fall by 30 percent. At 14, when girls are hitting their low, boys' confidence is still 27 percent higher. (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/well/family/confidence-gap-teen-girls-tips-parents.html)"Pioneers in Skirts" An Emmy-nominated 60-minute documentary about the issues that affect a woman’s pioneering ambition. Real-life stories and frank commentary leave viewers seeing their role in the solution, feeling hopeful, and motivated to act. (https://www.pioneersinskirts.com)The phrase “Women must be seen and not heard” originates from an old English proverb, “Children must be seen and not heard”. This proverb first appeared in a book by John Mirk published in the 15th century titled Mirks Festial. (https://doseofwonani.wordpress.com/2021/08/23/why-i-have-a-problem-with-women-must-be-seen-and-not-heard/#:~:text=The%20phrase%20“Women%20must%20be,15th%20century%20titled%20Mirks%20Festial.)

Liz Lee Heinecke is an author and media figure for science and STEM. She has loved science she was young which drew her to study molecular biology where she worked in research for ten years. As she transitioned to parenting, she began sharing her love of science through experiments with her kids which became the basis for her books and media appearances. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Art and a Master's Degree in Bacteriology.What do we talk about in this episode?How Liz got involved in writing and media appearances in STEM.How you can potentially get involved in presenting STEM on TV.Her philosophy about saying "yes" and trying anything which has led to great experiences.Teachers can put kids on a good or bad trajectory. They have a lot of influence - good or bad.Math is a language and should be taught as a language.Experiment Outside the Box.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesLiz's website with her books and appearances: www.lizleeheincke.comConnect with Liz here: Email at lizleeheinecke@gmail.com or find her @lizheinecke on Instagram, @kitchpantrysci on Twitter and Liz Heinecke, The Kitchen Pantry Scientist on Facebook.Books:Biology for KidsKitchen Science Lab for Kids, Edible EditionOutdoor Science Lab for KidsChemistry for KidsSTEAM Lab for KidsKitchen Science Lab for KidsStar Wars The Padman CookbookEcology for KidsPhysics for KidsStar Wars Maker LabSheet Pan ScienceKitchen Science for KidsShe Can STEM: 50 Trailblazing Women in Science From Ancient History to NowSuper Fun Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments From Around the WorldRadiant: The Dancer, The Scientist, and a Friendship Forged in Light

Pamela Kellert is a strategic leadership coach focusing on women in STEM. She works with individuals and organizations to elevate their leadership skills, confidence and organizational impact. She is the Founder of Women Leading in STEM. Prior to starting her own business, she spent 16 years in the corporate world leading strategy within technical companies in the transportation sector.What do we talk about in this episode?Pamela's work as a career coach and strategist.The importance of mentors, networks, and community.We discuss how far women have come in leadership roles. Men have been leaders for thousands of years. It's been very recent that women have been in leadership. Sometimes we get discouraged thinking we're not making progress fast enough, but we are making progress! It's an important perspective.How can we make a better and more productive user experience for women in STEM at work.Do we need "job therapy"?We discuss the systems we work in and how they affect women's views of themselves.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887Resourceswww.womenleadinginstem.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/womenleadinginstemList of elected and appointed female heads of state and government: The first woman to be democratically elected as prime minister of a country was Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka), when she led her party to victory in the July 1960 general election. (Wikipedia)Fewer than a third of UN member states have ever had a woman leader. Women currently serve as the head of government in just 13 of the 193 member states of the United Nations. And fewer than a third of UN countries have ever had a woman leader, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. (https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/03/28/women-leaders-around-the-world/)Research has shown that firms with more women in senior positions are more profitable, more socially responsible, and provide safer, higher-quality customer experiences — among many other benefits. (https://hbr.org/2021/04/research-adding-women-to-the-c-suite-changes-how-companies-think)Countries led by women had “systematically and significantly better” Covid-19 outcomes, research appears to show, locking down earlier and suffering half as many deaths on average as those led by men. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/18/female-led-countries-handled-coronavirus-better-study-jacinda-ardern-angela-merkel)Between the ages of 8 and 14, girls' confidence levels fall by 30 percent. At 14, when girls are hitting their low, boys' confidence is still 27 percent higher. (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/well/family/confidence-gap-teen-girls-tips-parents.html#:~:text=and%20their%20parents.-,Between%20the%20ages%20of%208%20and%2014%2C%20girls%27%20confidence%20levels,is%20still%2027%20percent%20higher.)

Dr. Alison Banwell is a Glaciologist and Research Scientist in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), part of the University of Colorado Boulder. She studies glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctica and glacial lakes that form from glacial ice melt. She has led many field expeditions in Antarctica and has also conducted fieldwork on the Greenland Ice Sheet, Svalbard and the Himalaya. She has a PhD in Polar Studies from the University of Cambridge. What do we talk about in this episode?What is a glaciologist or glacier scientist and how she got interested in this field.How climate change is affecting glaciers throughout the world and how studying glaciers can help understand climate change.What her field work experiences in Antarctica and the Arctic.What it's like to be a glaciologist when you hate the cold!How does one get to Antarctica for work (it's a really long commute)?Penguins in Antarctica...they're so cool!Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesContact Dr. Banwell: email: alison.banwell@colorado.edu; Instagram & Twitter: @alibanwellInfo on Dr. Alison Banwell and links to her publications: https://cires.colorado.edu/researcher/alison-banwell3.2% of all climbers are women. Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Svalbard, is a tiny Norwegian metropolis with 2,400 residents from almost 53 different countries. Longyearbyen is the gateway to the nature-based experiences and the starting point for most adventures in Svalbard. (https://en.visitsvalbard.com/visitor-information/destinations/longyearbyen)As powerful predators, polar bears pose a major risk to human life and property. Throughout the polar bear’s range, attacks on humans and property continue to rise. In recent years, more than 20 direct attacks on humans have been reported within the polar bear’s range. (WWF)Leopard seals are the only seals known to regularly hunt and kill warm-blooded prey, including other seals. Although rare, there are a few records of adult leopard seals attacking humans. (www.doc.govt.nz)A glacier is an accumulation of ice and snow that slowly flows over land. At higher elevations, more snow typically falls than melts, adding to its mass. (https://nsidc.org/learn/parts-cryosphere/glaciers)Mer de Glace, (French: “Sea of Ice”) one of the longest glaciers in the Alps, extending for 3.5 miles (5.6 km) on the northern side of Mont Blanc near Chamonix, France. (Britannica)McMurdo Station is located on volcanic rock marking  the southernmost solid ground accessible by ship, it is the gateway of most all scientific, private, and touristic jaunts into the Antarctic. (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mcmurdo-station)The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn, Chile, Argentina and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean (Scotia Sea) with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean. The passage is named after the 16th-century English explorer and privateer Sir Francis Drake. The Drake Passage is considered one of the most treacherous voyages for ships to make. Currents at its latitude meet no resistance from any landmass, and waves top 40 feet (12 m), hence its reputation as "the most powerful convergence of seas". (Wikipedia)

Nancy Joie Wilkie worked for over thirty years in both the biotechnology industry and as part of the Federal Government’s biodefense effort. Nancy is now retired and explores many creative pursuits including writing, composing original music, playing a variety of instruments, and is recording many of her compositions. Nancy has a BA degree in Biology and a MS degree in Bio-Chemistry.What do we talk about in this episode?Nancy recently published a book "Faraway and Forever", a collection of 5 novelettes combining STEM, science fiction, and faith. Nancy shares how she brings together her STEM career, music, writing, and art into her life in retirement. She shares how she got into biochemistry in the late 1970s and her successes and challenges.How Nancy weaves art, music, and writing into her life now that she is retired.How her grandfather influenced her which led to her becoming a biochemist.Her experience working at NIH and developing the second known small pox vaccination.Faith and science. One does not preclude the other.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887Resourceshttp://www.mindsights.net - Nancy's website featuring her art, music, and writings."Faraway and Forever" by Nancy Joie Wilkie. A collection of 5 novellas.Radiocarbon dating, or carbon-14 dating, is a scientific method that can accurately determine the age of organic materials as old as approximately 60,000 years. First developed in the late 1940s at the University of Chicago by Willard Libby, the technique is based on the decay of the carbon-14 isotope. (news.uchicago.edu).

This is a recording from a keynote speech I gave at a women in energy forum in 2017. I talk about the importance of: Showing up - especially as your authentic selfSigning up, or just say "yes" if an opportunity comes upSpeaking up - use your voice, even when it shakesGiving a hand up - to women who come behind you - we need to support each other.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio

Sherry Shannon - Vanstone is a serial entrepreneur. She started her career as a cryptology mathematician in the US government, then went on to work at a start up in Silicon Valley. She then went on to co-found and found companies specializing in security and her latest company, Profound Impact, a female-founded, Canadian data analytics company that leverages AI and machine learning to provide solutions for the higher education and research sectors. She has a BS degree in Mathematics and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.What do we talk about in this episode?Sherry shares her passion for promoting women in STEM and women in sports. Sherry began her career in cryptology as a code breaker over 40 years ago. She shares her experience as a woman working in this field so many years ago. She shares her experience in Silicon Valley and then working in security and encryption founding and co-foudning companies with her husband and later on on her own.How she brings her "why" into her work and other ventures.Being a code breaker for the government is indeed as cool as it sounds!How a university president changed her course of study and got her into mathematics - our supporters and champions are so important.How she met her husband - at a mathematics conference!! (There has to be an equation for that!)Her experience trying to get funding, her work on changing the VC world for female founders and opportunities we may all have to make change in this space.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesPerimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics is an independent research centre in foundational theoretical physics located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. (Wikipedia)The Emmy Noether Council works collectively with Perimeter to increase the number of women in physics and drive the philanthropic support that will advance women at critical stages of their education and careers at Perimeter and beyond. They are specifically focused on leading the growth of the Emmy Noether Emerging Talent Fund, an endowment devoted to providing support and programming for exceptional PhD students at Perimeter. (https://perimeterinstitute.ca/emmy-noether-council)Golden Triangle Angel Networks one of Canada’s most active and longest-established angel investment clubs. (https://www.goldentriangleangelnet.ca)

Lydia Blume is the Morning Meteorologist at WDAY in Fargo, North Dakota. Lydia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. She focuses on communications of scientific information to non-scientific people. What do we talk about in this episode?Lydia talks about her love for meteorology and weather from a young age. She grew up on a farm in rural South Dakota, fascinated by weather and never deviated in her goal of becoming a meteorologist. She shares the challenges of being a female meteorologist, including being pregnant, on live TV in the age of social media. "Nothing great comes from your comfort zone".Her insane schedule - she wakes up at 2 a.m. to get to work and prepare for live TV which starts at 5 a.m. All of this with a 16 month old baby.How she became interested in being a meteorologist at a young age and has been laster focused on achieving this goal ever since.How she handles the negative comments she gets from viewers (people are mean - be nice people!!)The importance of the spouse or life partner you choose. Her husband is her biggest champion and supporter.Being pregnant in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers on live TV.The science behind weather forecasting, weather balloons, and the importance of humans behind computer generated forecasts.Meteorologists are not weather girls!!!Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesLydia Blume: https://www.facebook.com/lydiablumewx/There are 122 National Weather Center Offices throughout the United States. They typically consist of 20 - 50 counties per office. (https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/wfos)An agriculturist, agriculturalist, agrologist, or agronomist, is a professional in the science, practice, and management of agriculture and agribusiness. It is a regulated profession in Canada, India, the 

Nicole Kelner is a science and climate artist. She is the founder of Arts and Climate Change. Prior to founding Arts and Climate Change, she was an Artist in Residence at MCJ Collective. Prior to these two positions she worked in operations areas at climate companies. Nicole has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Shreyer's Business College and Honors in Engineering Entrepreneurship from Penn State.What do we talk about in this episode?Nicole shares how she went from technical areas into art with a focus on science and climate. She talks about her journey figuring out her major in college, starting out work and how that lead her to where she is now. She shares what she does as a science and climate artist and some of her latest work.What is a science and climate artist and how did she get there?Her experience as an entrepreneur while she was still in college.Her college journey - from undecided to elementary education to advertising and communications. What seemed to be random prepared her for where she is now in her career and provides the perfect background for what she does now.Nicole's upcoming projects and where to find her work.Left brain vs. right brain - reality or myth?Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesYou can find Nicole's work here: https://nicolekelner.darkroom.comThe U.S. grid is divided into three major regions: The Eastern Interconnection, which operates in states east of the Rocky Mountains; the Western Interconnection, which covers the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountain states; the Texas Interconnected system.(https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/us-grid-regions)A regional transmission organization (RTO) in the United States is an electric power transmission system operator (TSO) that coordinates, controls, and monitors a multi-state electric grid. The transfer of electricity between states is considered interstate commerce, and electric grids spanning multiple states are therefore regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The voluntary creation of RTOs was initiated by FERC Order No. 2000, issued on December 20, 1999. The purpose of the RTO is to promote economic efficiency, reliability, and non-discriminatory practices while reducing government oversight. An independent system operator (ISO) is similarly an organization formed at the recommendation of FERC. In the areas where an ISO is established, it coordinates, controls, and monitors the operation of the electrical power system, usually within a single US state, but sometimes encompassing multiple states. RTOs typically perform the same functions as ISOs but cover a larger geographic area. (Wikipedia)Left Brain vs. Right Brain: According to recent research, the idea of people being "left-brained" or "right-brained" may also be less fixed than we'd thought. (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/right-brainleft-brain-right-2017082512222)"A Brighter Future: Illustrating Climate Change and Solutions" In this beautifully illustrated book, Nicole Kelner has created an educational and playful way to learn about climate change. (https://www.amazon.com/Brighter-Future-Illustrating-Climate-Solutions/dp/1667870807)

Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, podcast host, live radio and live radio show host. She's a former tech executive who left the corporate world to start her own business. She founded Sahita, a Global community for South Asian Women to achieve Career & Financial empowerment so you can "Live the life YOU Dream". She has a PhD and Master's Degree in Materials Science and a Master's Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Physics.What do we talk about in this episode?Sirisha shares her experience leaving corporate life and starting her own business. She has a passion for empowering women both in their careers and helping them achieve financial independence. We talk about raising children, teenage boys, confidence in both boys and girls, networking and the importance of community and bringing people together.The different thought processes between science and engineering.You're not expected to know everything when you are coming out of college.Getting her PhD while she was a stay at home mom.The different stages of raising children. We have less control over out kids personalities than we think we do when we go into parenting.Owning your career and owning your financial future.Meet up with people in your network face to face when you travel to different cities.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesSahita - A global community for South Asian Women. (Sahita.live)LinkedIn Live Fireside Chat: https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:7053836357298761728/

Dr. Rachel Cady is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and a Certified Menopause Practitioner. She is an active member of both the North American Menopause Society and the International Menopause Society. Among the concerns and symptoms she treats are weight management, sexual problems, vaginal dryness, abnormal bleeding, pelvic floor rehab, incontinence, heart health, mood swings, hormone replacement, bone health, sleep issues, and hot flashes.What do we talk about in this episode?Dr. Cady shares a wealth of information about menopause: symptoms, treatment, hormone therapy, and so much more. We talk about hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood swings, weight changes, estrogen receptors and so much more. Dr. Cady answers all my menopause questions and questions from listeners. What is menopause and perimenopause and how do I know when I’m in it?Hormone Replacement Therapy. What is it? Who needs it? How to figure out what to do.What is a menopause specialist and how do I find one? What do they do? There are 1,000 Certified Menopause Practitioners in the United States.Weight management and nutrition in menopause. Women need 400-500 less calories when we go into menopause.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesInternational Menopause Society's mission of the International Menopause Society (IMS) is to work globally to promote and support access to best practice health care for women through their menopause transition and post-reproductive years, enabling them to achieve optimal health and well-being. (https://www.imsociety.org)The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is North America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. (https://www.menopause.org)To find a Certified Menopause Practitioner in the US: https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspxThe Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is a multi-site longitudinal, epidemiologic study designed to examine the health of women during their middle years. The study examines the physical, biological, psychological and social changes during this transitional period. (https://www.swanstudy.org)The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) is a long-term national health study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, or NHLBI. (https://www.whi.org)“You Are Not Broken” Podast hosted by KJ Casperson, MD – Empowering women (and the partners who love them) to live their best sex lives. Combining the power of mind-work, body-science and relationships, I joyously smash the societal barriers that are keeping us from living our best intimate lives.

Dr. Ginger Campbell is a Palliative Medicine Physician. Prior to Palliative Care, Dr. Campbell was an Emergency Physician. She earned a BSE in Electrical Engineering and an MSE in Biomedical Engineering prior to her MD. Dr. Campbell launched her podcast Brain Science in 2006 and was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2022.What do we talk about in this episode?Dr. Campbell shares her experiences in palliative and emergency room medicine. She is in the process of moving from doing palliative care in the US to doing palliative care in New Zealand. She also talks about her podcast and the difference between podcasting in the early years of podcasting and podcasting now.What is palliative care and a palliative care doctor?A day in the life of a palliative care doctor and a day in the life of an emergency room doctor (it is not so much like the TV series ER).The importance of being able to communicate with people in a way they can understand especially at critical times such as end of life.Dying is part of living. The importance and honor of escorting people out of this world and preparing their family for the transition.What working with people at end of life has taught her for her own life.Her favorite podcast topic and guest.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887ResourcesBrain Science Podcast has been exploring how recent discoveries in neuroscience are unraveling the mystery of how our brain makes us human. (https://brainsciencepodcast.com)Dr. Campbell’s background is an important element in her success as a science communicator. Prior to medical school she studied electrical and biomedical engineering. In 2011 she was chosen one of 40 Engineers Making a Difference as a part of 40th Anniversary celebration of the School of Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she was an assistant professor from 1985-1989.(https://www.virginiacampbellmd.com)Māori originated with settlers from East Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages between roughly 1320 and 1350. (Wikipedia)Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern (born 26 July 1980) is a New Zealand politician who served as the 40th prime minister of New Zealand and leader of the Labour Party from 2017 to 2023. A member of the Labour Party, she was a member of Parliament (MP) as a list MP from 2008 to 2017, and for Mount Albert from 2017 to 2023 (Wikipedia)Elizabeth Kubler-Ross - Her bestselling first book, On Death and Dying, 1969, made her an internationally-renowned author. Even today, her trail-blazing book is required reading in most major medical, nursing, and psychology programs. A 1969 Life Magazine article outlining her work gave further mainstream credibility and awareness to this new way of dealing with dying patients, although her conclusions were quite revolutionary at the time. (https://www.ekrfoundation.org/elisabeth-kubler-ross/biography/)Doc Hollywood is a 1991 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Caton-Jones and written by Daniel Pyne along with Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman, based on Neil B. Shulman's book What? Dead...Again? The film stars Michael J. Fox, Julie Warner, Barnard Hughes, Woody Harrelson, David Ogden Stiers, Frances Sternhagen, and Bridget Fonda. (Wikipedia)

Anna Litvinova is a Flight Test Engineer. She graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering about three years ago and spends her time writing test plans, executing test missions on planes per those test plans, and analyzing the data from the tests. Anna immigrated to the US after growing up in Russia and then Germany. She is currently working on a Master’s Degree in Flight Test Engineering at the National Test Pilot School.What do we talk about in this episode?"If one never tries, one never knows" - Anna shares her experience growing up as the daughter of two physicists and being interested in airplanes and aerospace from a very young age. She also shares her experiences coming to the US at 16 years old, leaving her friends behind, the challenges that brought and how she overcame some of those challenges.What does a flight test engineer do? How does one become a flight test engineer?Challenges of "fitting in" in coming to a new high school from another country. Learning a new language while taking classes with the content in the new language.Anna's hobbies of travel and photography.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound StudioYou can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkResourcesThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the largest transportation agency of the U.S. government and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the country as well as over surrounding international waters. (Wikipedia)The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (ASEA) is an agency of the European Union with responsibility for civil aviation safety. It carries out certification, regulation and standardisation and also performs investigation and monitoring. (Wikipedia)Aileron - a hinged flight control surface usually forming part of the trailing edge of each wing of a fixed-wing aircraft. Ailerons are used in pairs to control the aircraft in roll, which normally results in a change in flight path due to the tilting of the lift vector. (Wikipedia)Aerospace Engineering - the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. (Wikipedia)Rhythmic Gymnastics - a sport in which gymnasts perform on a floor with an apparatus: hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon. The sport combines elements of gymnastics, dance and calisthenics; gymnasts must be strong, flexible, agile, dexterous and coordinated. (Wikipedia)"Man's Search for Meaning" is a 1946 book by Viktor Frankl chronicling his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, and describing his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose in life to feel positive about, and then immersively imagining that outcome. (Wikipedia)National Test Pilot School (NTPS) - The mission of the National Test Pilot School is to educate and train military and civilian aviation personnel so that each graduate increases flight test competency, improves flight test and aviation safety, and enhances the aerospace profession worldwide. (https://www.ntps.edu)