For our Love of Science

Dr. LaTasha Fraser, program manager for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at New York University (NYU) joins us today to discuss her journey in science, the people who inspired her, and the lessons she learned along the way. She was motivated to go into science by a very unconventional source–the Maury Show. Specifically, Tash remembers the days she spent in front of the tv, when she was home sick, and engrossed by the family drama unfolding before her eyes as Maury would reveal the results of paternity testing. From there, Tash was determined to go into forensic science. She completed summer programs and attended the University of New Haven, which has a renowned forensic science program. After completing her undergrad, Tash realized laboratory research was a better fit for her career goals than working on a real-life crime scene; and she attended the University of Connecticut for her Masters in biochemistry. With this new drive, Tash completed her doctorate in molecular genetics from Rutgers University. While at Rutgers she was also introduced to the experience of recruiting students, and this moment changed everything for Tash. She couldn't describe or specifically see what career path this activity encompassed, but Tash knew she wanted to help students become scientists. Looking back at her journey, one piece of advice she would give her younger self is reassurance. “The beauty of things not working out the way you envisioned them, is you learn how to navigate,” she explains. In her reflections, Tash also wishes she had more confidence in her decision making, rather than waiting for the approval or support of others. Outside of work Tash enjoys spending time with her family and singing karaoke–you can find her breaking into song and dance anytime!    If you missed the last episode listen here. Listen to the latest episode here.Tune into this episode to hear LaTasha discuss: How her dreams of becoming a forensic scientist were completely shattered by realityWhat she admired most about her mentors and their personalitiesHow she envisions her future selfReach out to LaTasha:step@nyulangone.org To learn more about STEP:https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 7: STEMLand Future of Science - The JourneyVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today we welcome Dr. LaTasha Fraser, program manager for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at New York University (NYU), which offers resources to middle school through graduate school students in numerous areas within STEM–engineering, math, medicine, and others.. The program works through a tiered system providing courses to strengthen introductory STEM coursework, to understand the application of STEM concepts in the real world, and an immersive introduction to medical and professional training. In her every day, Tash balances numerous responsibilities including making sure key deliverables are met for particular programs through various tasks from budgeting to achieving team goals to working directly with students. What she enjoys most is the ability to learn new things regularly and interact with students eager about STEM. “It makes me feel like I'm doing work that is truly affecting the lives of these students,” explains Tash. Apart from these highlights, there are also challenges that come with her role like being a saleswoman; she is constantly looking for new schools to partner with, realizing that every school will have different and unique needs, and advocating for support for the STEP program. The best advice Tash has for anyone who is interested in a similar career in program management is to get involved with student organizations or volunteer organizations to get a flavor of what it is like to juggle many plates and responsibilities.      Tune into this episode to hear LaTasha discuss: Why she feels like she is in the circus juggling plates like an acrobatWhat she loves about her job and working with studentsHow program management compares to academic career pathsReach out to LaTasha:step@nyulangone.org To learn more about STEP:https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 6: STEMLand Future of ScienceEp17 : Mentors of Incalculable Worth - AnthologyVisit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comSuggest a guest Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textWe are back today with Ariel Parker, Director of Partnerships and Legacy at the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) to learn about her career journey. As a child, her science spark was ignited by a combination of playing with a toy microscope, an inspirational physics teacher, and the board game Life. In high school, Ariel was especially fortunate to attend a private school in the suburbs of Philadelphia and encountered fantastic teachers, many of whom were women with PhDs, who inspired her with stories from their time in academia and industry. Her teachers not only taught her the basics of STEM, but encouraged her to pursue opportunities outside of the classroom like summer research programs. Ariel's journey through science in her youth was almost a fairy-tale-like experience guided by mentors, teachers, and experiences that set the foundation for her future. “I was solidifying the desire to be a scientist.  . . I was definitely being prepared for a career there by the best,” she remembers. As an undergraduate at Swarthmore College, she contemplated becoming teaching faculty, or working in science outreach before a career assessment surprised her with options like diplomat and school principal. Ariel was at a bit of crossroad--how could she keep her interest in science yet find intersections with areas such as diplomacy? While attending Johns Hopkins University for her doctorate, Ariel reflected on her cv and let it “speak to her,” leading to a position as a public school biology teacher. Her intentional decision making at this step was rooted in her own personal experiences as a high school student, having exposure and access to great teachers and mentors. Currently, Ariel keeps herself busy with many hobbies outside of work–reading, learning, eating out, and passion projects. Check out the previous episode here.Tune into this episode to hear Ariel share:How a career assessment almost derailed her science career goalsThe importance of finding a group of people who will fight for you, in rooms you are not inThe importance of exposure, equity, and access in guiding her career choiceReach out to Ariel:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-parker/Email: pariel@seas.upenn.eduIf you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 52: How Science and Philosophy Intertwine - The JourneyTHE ADMISSIONS GAME - SATIRE EDITIONYour satirical guide to elite college admissions by the fictional counselor to the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textToday, we are joined by Ariel Parker, Director of Partnerships and Legacy at the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB)–a science and technology center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The CEMB represents faculty across various disciplines at multiple institutions within mechanobiology, an interdisciplinary field exploring how physical forces affect living things. In her role, Ariel manages the educational programs, recruits new students, provides first-hand research experiences, organizes a postdoc preview day and much, much more. While Ariel's role doesn't require using a pipette anymore, she has made use of translational skills, such as successful project planning and knowing what questions to ask during the planning process. “A good researcher thinks not only about today, but their Tuesday, 3 months from now,” explains Ariel. Two of the favorite things about her job are the diversity of the tasks and responsibilities, and working with her colleagues. A challenge that Ariel encounters in her role is, of course, funding and the uncertainty this can create in providing sustainability for CEMB. Looking back at some of the events Ariel has organized for K-12 outreach, she recalls an outreach day where students conducted experiments with venus flytrap plants. The event allowed the students to have memorable experiences beyond simply learning the science. “Exposure, equity and access–those three things allow us to change outcomes for people,” Ariel explains. One piece of advice from Ariel is to embrace pursuing your interests broadly to find your perfect fit.   Tune into this episode to hear Ariel share:How her values drive her decisions in her career path Why there is no such thing as useless knowledge Reach out to Ariel: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-parker/Email: pariel@seas.upenn.eduIf you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 36: Sista, Sista! Graduate School Years - The WorkEp 12: Immunology and squidTHE ADMISSIONS GAME - SATIRE EDITIONYour satirical guide to elite college admissions by the fictional counselor to the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textDr. Luis Martinez is back to speak with us about his journey. As a senior venture associate at Capital Factory, a venture capital firm, his love of science began by noticing what was missing–people doing science who looked like him. Luis was raised in an incredible town on the U.S.-Mexico border–El Paso, Tx. His introduction to science came from experiences at the local library and shows like Star Trek and Cosmos. As a high schooler, he was on the science team and had the opportunity to take a state exam for chemistry. But, rather than studying, he took the exam without any preparation. And somehow he passed; ranking first in the state! This, for him, set a path to pursue science in college. He attended Trinity College as a first generation college student and had the incredible opportunity to complete research as an undergraduate. As a junior, he declared himself as a chemistry major and was introduced to graduate school by a guidance counselor. The decision for Luis was easy–graduate school was free–it was a clear yes. As a graduate student at Harvard University, he remembers his involvement in a major scientific discovery that focused on developing organic molecules using efficient and sustainable methods. From this discovery, he also learned about patenting and scaling innovations; important lessons he would need for the future. At the end of his doctorate, Luis had to decide between a postdoctoral fellowship or joining a consulting firm. He chose the latter. After a few years, however, a family emergency brought him back to El Paso to join the university as a chemistry professor. Later on, he again moved to Trinity University as a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation to lead an undergraduate entrepreneurship program. When Luis looks back at his journey so far, he recommends two pieces of advice, “Be bold; and don't worry about it, it'll all work out.”               Check out the previous episode with Luis.Tune into this episode to hear about Luis's journey and:How he chose his major as a first generation college studentHow he was able to adapt his unique professional experiences to drive his career journey  Reach out to Luis: LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drluismartinez/If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 43: Science CEO Level: Unlocked - The Journey THE ADMISSIONS GAME - SATIRE EDITIONYour satirical guide to elite college admissions by the fictional counselor to the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textToday we are joined by Dr. Luis Martinez, a senior venture associate with a background in organic chemistry and entrepreneurship at the venture capital firm, Capital Factory. The firm, based in Austin, Tx, was founded in 2009 to bring together entrepreneurs with potential partners, customers, and future hires. The firm works with a multitude of clients from corporate companies to start-ups to federal partners. Over the last year, they have invested about $23 million over 45 different entities within their expansive portfolio with a technology focus. Even though Luis has countless years of experience in entrepreneurship and innovation, he still finds that studying and understanding science is a very important and it is a worthwhile investment. “What is more awesome now in 2025, then when I got my Ph.D. in the 1990s, is that there are a lot more opportunities to apply your science and do what you do as a scientist beyond the paths that are presented out of graduate school,” he explains. In particular Luis finds the ability to take the unique skills learned in graduate school and apply them to different scenarios in entrepreneurship, start-ups, and solving critical questions to be key. For those who are interested in exploring entrepreneurship, he recommends taking time to visit your current or alumnus university entrepreneurship center, i.e. get out of the lab and walk across campus. Additionally, he suggests getting involved with training programs such as Activate and Nucleate, which focus on entrepreneurship for scientists. And, take advantage of the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program which facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. The last piece of advice he recommends is actually joining someone else's start-up before venturing into your own to get the best hands-on experience.    Tune into this episode to hear about Luis's work and:The next wave of science entrepreneurship careersWhy science is important for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship important for scienceWhat areas of science are hot for entrepreneurship right nowReach out to Luis: LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drluismartinez/If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 6: STEMLand Future of Science - The WorkEp 39: The Art of Science with Laura Canil - The WorkEp 42: Science CEO Level: Unlocked - The Work  Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textToday Latasha Wright, co-founder and executive scientific officer of BioBus takes us through her career journey, which had some very unexpected twists and turns along the way. Her childhood began in Mississippi as the youngest of 5 children. Both her parents nurtured the importance of education through constant exposure to books and just asking, “What did you learn today?”. Once Latasha started high school, however, she truly discovered her love of science with an incredible science teacher who encouraged mixing things together and blowing things up! She continued her education at Tougaloo College, a historically black college and university (HBCU), determined to get her degree in chemistry. As a college student, Latasha also received the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC U-STAR) scholarship. She also confidently declared her interest in going to graduate school for a PhD–but she didn't know what a PhD actually was! This experience opened the doors to completing a program at the NIH, giving her first-hand experience in lab research. And, Latasha absolutely loved every minute of it. Excited for her future as a scientist, it was now time for Latasha to apply to programs; she was grappling between NYU, Berkeley, and Emory. However, a chance encounter with the associate dean of NYU changed her trajectory completely, and she ended up attending NYU. After receiving her doctorate in cellular and molecular biology, she completed two post-doctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medical College. By chance, during her time back in NYC she met Ben Dubin-Thaler, and that connection led to the creation of BioBus. Currently, Latasha is really excited about bringing BioBus to the Bronx with a Community Lab. And she keeps reminding herself to “Be ready for the journey, it's gonna be good!”.Tune into this episode to hear about Latasha's journey and:How Latasha learned about the option of completing a Ph.D.Why she decided to go to NYU over Berkley and EmoryWhat convinced her to transition from academia to science-outreach with BioBusReach out to Latasha: Email: latasha@biobus.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latasha-wright-95bb7a16/ Book a BioBus visit: https://www.biobus.org/programs If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 67: BioBus of the Future - The Work Ep 42: Science CEO Level Unlocked - The WorkEp 6: STEMLand Future of Science - The WorkCheck out Latasha's show on March 18th: Story Collider presents Stories of Brain and Beyond: https://www.storycollider.org/tickets/2025/mount-sinai-brain-beyond Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textToday we are speaking to Latasha Wright, co-founder and executive scientific officer of BioBus, a science non-profit with a mission to support all students in acheiving their scientific potential. A real life version of the magic school bus, BioBus started as an upcycled 1974 transit bus, filled with microscopes, that brings science to students throughout New York City. The immersive experience of BioBus not only introduces students to asking questions and experimentation, but also challenges the idea of what science is and who does science. The curriculum of BioBus has also now expanded beyond the interactive bus-based experimental set up to also include community labs and junior scientist internship programs that encourage students to solve problems in their community using science. In her everyday life as an executive scientific officer, Latasha considers herself the manager of all managers. Her work touches on developing strategy for the organization as they expand, looking at equitable engagement with the community, integrating programs with what is already taking place in the community, and program evaluation as well as constantly finding ways to better teach science to students. “We are here to add the salt on top of something that's already delicious,” explains Latasha. One of the more challenging aspects of her job is fundraising, which is common when it comes to running a non-profit. Her goal is to always make sure there are enough resources to support the organization and its mission currently, and into the future. The aspect of community is very foundational to the success of BioBus; many students walk away from their experiences with BioBus with a sense of belonging in a newfound accepting, scientific community. Latasha recommends that anyone who wants to start their own science non-profit should not go it alone–you need at least two kinds of people: a dreamer and a do-er. Check out the latest episode!Tune into this episode to hear about Latasha's work and:How BioBus adapts its programming to the interests of the community What she learned as a graduate student starting a non-profitWhy she does not recommend starting a non-profit aloneReach out to Latasha: Email: latasha@biobus.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latasha-wright-95bb7a16/ Book a BioBus visit: https://www.biobus.org/programs Check out Latasha's show on March 18th: Story Collider presents Stories of Brain and Beyond: https://www.storycollider.org/tickets/2025/mount-sinai-brain-beyondIf you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 48: Advocating for Science and Research - The WorkEp 42: Science CEO Level Unlocked - The Work Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textNikolay Kukushkin an author, neuroscientist and clinical associate professor at NYU shares with us the journey of his career path thus far. Niko grew up in Russia where the education curriculum requires students to specialize before college in their preferred subjects. Following the example of his parents, he decided to focus his studies on pursuing science. Although coming from a family of chemists, he is the sole biologist. He remembers having a wonderful childhood that was also very international–living in several countries around the world, after his family left at the fall of the USSR. Niko's journey into publishing a novel began with a previous return trip to Russia as he was waiting to renew his visa and needed a way to pass the time. During that trip, he was invited by a friend who was a local science writer to illustrate her work. This then led to a side job in writing popular science for Russian media. From there, things happily snowballed into developing the concept for writing a novel–One Hand Clapping: The Origin Story of the Human Mind. And of course, he also brought his original illustrative style to the book. Looking back at his journey, from the time he spent at Saint Petersburg State University as a college student to his post doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, Niko had countless mentors who shaped his approach to science and teaching. However, his most influential mentors will always be his parents, who instilled in him a genuine curiosity to explore the natural world from day one. The best advice he would give his younger self is “Keep calm and carry on.” He sees how things have turned out quite well on his journey so far and he is just at the very beginning of starting something interesting in his career journey. Even the regrets and setbacks along the way contributed to helping him grow and he would not do anything differently. Tune into this episode to hear about Niko's journey and:What big event he is preparing to celebrate with this friendsHow the international influence of his early childhood shaped his view of scienceHow the doodles in his college notes eventually led to becoming an authorReach out to Niko: Website - https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com/Substack - https://nikolaykukushkin.substack.com/ And look out for the release of his book, One Hand Clapping If you enjoyed this episode, check out Niko's previous episodeEp 66: Memory and the Human Mind - The WorkAnd one more: Ep 56: Once upon a time - Origin storiesEp 40: The art of Science with Laura Canil - The Journey  Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textOur special guest for today is Nikolay Kukushkin, a clinical associate professor and neuroscientist at NYU, and author, who also considers himself a molecular philosopher. His research answers the question, “What is memory” at the most basic, cellular level. Most of Niko's research takes place in the humble model organism, the sea slug. But now, he has shifted into exploring if generic, non-neuronal cells can behave similar to neurons and activate memory genes. Spoiler alert: non-neuronal cells undergo the same process of turning on memory genes as neurons!! And, when Niko and his lab dug into this question even deeper, they discovered that non-neuronal cells can actually differentiate between very, very fine patterns just like neurons, which is essentially a core property of memory. Apart from publishing papers, Niko has also written a bestseller called One Hand Clapping: Unravelling the Mystery of the Human Mind. The book explores the unique and special experience of the individual and the connection between the world within and outside the human body. It also goes into how our brains affect how we perceive the world. For example, if you consider those visual illusion images; you can only see one image at a time, never both. And the book explains why this is the case. As Niko was doing research for the book, he was surprised to discover how fragile our conscious perception is as he watched videos of treatment for epilepsy patients. Part of the treatment involves implanting electrodes into the brain of a patient. This treatment occurs while the patient is awake and they are able to communicate with the doctor how their perception and sensation changes as the electrodes are placed in different areas of the brain. Literally their perception of the world is impacted by the placement of the electrodes in the brain! Over the years, Niko has also realized even though it is actually hard to stop writing a book, you still have to start somewhere, and this is with a sentence. Tune into this episode to hear about Niko's work and:The broader takeaways from his latest discovery that non-neuronal cells can activate memory genes and learn The Buddist inspiration to the title of his book, One Hand Clapping How mapping the brain is like the game MinesweeperWhat he enjoys most about being a professor Reach out to Niko: X: @niko_kukushkinWebsite - https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com/Substack - https://nikolaykukushkin.substack.com/ And look out for the release of his book, One Hand Clapping If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 51: How Science and Philosophy Intertwine - The WorkEp 13: Estrogen Heals Both Sexes - The Work Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textWe continue our conversation with Chynna Broxton, an analytical developmental scientist at Spark Therapeutics on her journey to this point in her career. In the early days of her education Chynna vividly remembers the difficulty she had learning how to read; this setback didn't deter her from doing well generally in her classes. In high school, however, something clicked in her brain in a way that felt very different compared to the struggles she had previously with reading. It was a big wow moment for Chynna as she effortlessly absorbed mathematical theorems and chemical equations in her high school STEM classes. She had an even bigger wow moment in her undergraduate biochemistry course at Saint Elizabeth University–understanding how molecules and compounds are applied to treat diseases. During the summer of her junior year, Chynna was encouraged by a mentor to attend the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, which allowed her to spend time at Syracuse University doing research. Chynna remains thankful to the mentor who encouraged her to apply for this foundational program and opened her eyes to the possibility of becoming a scientist. As she looks back, she had many thoughtful mentors from her early days in middle and high school to managers in the workplace who had faith in her and nurtured her abilities. These countless mentors have helped Chynna to tackle a continual battle with imposter syndrome. She could not believe her acceptance to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, initially, and even more recently had doubts about leading a three-hour workshop. Through the doubts, however, Chynna has really learned to persevere. The best advice she gives for handling imposter syndrome is, “Even if you don't believe in yourself, you have to listen to the people who invited you there. They invited you there for a reason.” Reflecting back on her career journey, Chynna also realizes that her vision of success has changed over time as she has grown and evolved from the time she was a postdoc and defined by her research project, to now, as an analytical developmental scientist. Tune into this episode to hear about Chynna's career journey and:What influences from her childhood encouraged her to pursue science, despite difficulties How the realization that college professors with Ph.D.'s are also called Dr. opened a door for exploring career options The impact of mentors in guiding her career journeyWhat does it mean to “make more space for [yourself], make more space for rest, and make more space for reflection” Also check out her YouTube channel: @ChynnaNicoleplansInstagram: @planning_phd and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chynna-broxton/If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 61: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The Journey Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmInstagram: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chynna Broxton, an Analytical Development Scientist at Spark Therapeutics, to uncover the realities of working in the biotech industry. Chynna dispels common myths about transitioning to industry, addressing concerns about losing scientific engagement and sharing how she's grown significantly at Spark. She gives a broad overview of her role, which involves developing methods to characterize gene therapy products for inherited genetic disorders. Comparing Academia to Industry, Chynna breaks down the pros and cons of working in both, touching on such themes as flexibility, goals, compensation, and the tangible impact of your work. Drawing from her experiences working at a CRO (Contract Research Organization) and her current role at Spark, she highlights the main difference between these industry settings. Not all industry jobs are the same, she explains. There are a wide variety of roles, and while some mirror the academic experience others are unique to the industry landscape.For anyone considering a move from academia to industry, Chynna offers encouragement, and advice on finding your best fit. Join us to learn from Chynna what it takes to thrive in the biotech industry.Tune in to Learn:What skills learned during her academic career directly transfer to this roleWhat surprised her about working in industryThe pros and cons of working in industry compared to academia Her key tip for finding a role in industry that's a good fit for youHow her graduate and postdoctoral work prepared her for her current positionWhat she loves about doing science other than the discoveries.Reach out to Chynna:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chynna-broxton/Email: cbroxton@steu.eduIf you enjoyed this episode, you'll also enjoy:Ep 60: Arianne Hunter's experience - senior scientist at Abbvie  Ep 50: Clinical trials to cure genetic diseases with CRISPR technologyEp 15: Joseph Iacona's experience - scientist at Janssen Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textFinishing our conversation with Science Communication expert, Jens Foell, he takes us through the twists and turns that have formed his career journey so far. From a love of movies to a love of science, now merged into a successful science communication career with Germany's premiere SciCom team. Among the many lessons he's learned, Jens explains learning to trust himself, and having the courage to follow his path and do what he loves, even without a firm plan in place.Tune in to learn:·       How doing a PhD in Germany is different from the U.S·       Why Jens recommends people should do what they loveReach out to Jens:Instagram: @jens.mailabBlueSky: @fmriguy.bsky.social Email: jens.florida@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-foell-2365a2a1 If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also enjoy:Ep 62: Jens' work episodeEp 39: The Art of Science – communicating science through graphics Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textIn this episode, we have a wonderful conversation with Science Communication Expert and bestselling author, Dr. Jens Foell. In 2020, Jens transitioned from a research role in Florida to work with Germany's most prominent science communication team, Maithink media. As a science editor for their TV show, Maithink X, Jens fully embraces his love of science communication and learning by creating content that is both impactful and entertaining. Their goals align perfectly with the recent emphasis in Germany on supporting science journalism and communication to make science more accessible to the public. After all, “If you don't share your science, you're really just playing with rats for your own amusement!” Jens gives us a 360 view of his role, and describes a fulfilling day and a frustrating day in the world of a TV science editor. He also offers advice for aspiring science communicators, emphasizing the importance of developing skills in reviewing papers, writing literature reviews, and understanding public interest. Jens' passion for science communication runs deeper than his work as he is also a bestselling author of two non-fiction science books, both available in German.Tune in to learn:How Maithink X is changing Science Communication in GermanyThe creative model they use to communicate scienceSimilarities between SciCom and a romantic relationshipThe Jens Foell Strategic Sequence to get a role in science communication How to deal with the biggest challenge in the SciCom fieldAll about Jens' bestselling booksThe “Simple” answer to life, the universe, and everythingThe best Turkish….Hm-mhm... German food to tryLinks from the Show:Read Jens' Nature article on science communication in Social Media: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-021-01138-0Discussion paper on Bees doing Math, original research article linked within: https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13420-021-00474-5Reach out to Jens:Instagram: @jens.mailab BlueSky: @fmriguy.bsky.social Email: jens.florida@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-foell-2365a2a1If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also enjoy:Ep 8 -The Pen is mightier than the pipette: Doing SciCom at a university Public Information OfficeEp 12: Immunology and Squid: Science Outreach with Skype-A-Scientist Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textIn this episode we continue our conversation with Arianne Hunter, a Senior Scientist at Abbvie, on how her journey led her to a love of organic chemistry and a career in industry. Growing up Arianne, describes herself as a really nerdy kid, who adored PBS kids, and enjoyed exploring the world through her toy microscope. As she grew up and learned more about different career opportunities, her interests bounced from orthodontia to food chemistry. Once she attended Dartmouth College, Arianne was presented head on with the rigor of organic chemistry and gladly accepted the challenge of the course as a chemistry major. The experience opened her eyes and solidified her goal of becoming a chemist. Following her undergraduate studies she received a SMART Scholarship from the Department of Defense, which supported her graduate studies at University of Oklahoma, and allowed her to work as a civilian scientist in the forensics field. Things were going very well for Arianne, but she always had this vision in the back of her mind of going back to academia; this led her to complete the two post-doctoral fellowships from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and California Institute of Technology (CalTech). As she neared the end of her fellowships, Arianna found herself at a crossroads–should she continue on the route of becoming a professor in academia, or should she try something new and jump into industry. Of course, she chose the latter and initially felt torn by the decision because it was at odds with her passion of giving back to the community and supporting first-generation students and minority women in STEM. “I had to come to the conclusion that not every decision is a permanent decision,” Arianne explains. She now sees that with her role in industry as a female scientist she can still inspire and influence the next generation of women in science. To hear more about Arianne's career journey, check out the latest episode.      Tune into this episode to hear Arianne discuss:The winding road and experiences that led her to a career in chemistryWhat it means to “not be the hero”Influential mentors who guided her career choices, including mentors from her days as an athlete How she envisions her successful self, with a smileReach out to Arianne:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannehunter/ Instragram - @dr.arihunterIf you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 46: Connecting the Dots between Theory, Physics, and Mathematics - The JourneyEp 27: From Post doc to Assistant Professor - The JourneyEp 16: Storm Chasing and Forensics - The Journey  Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textWe have a wonderful guest today to start off our interviews for this season of We Love Science–meet Arianne Hunter, a Senior Scientist at Abbvie. She is a part of the centralized organic synthesis group and a synthesis expert for medicinal chemistry teams. Her day to day work involves identifying promising molecules that could be used as treatments, in short, she is one of the first steps in developing drugs. Arianne enjoys her work because it combines her two loves–organic chemistry and solving chemical synthesis problems. Similar to academia, her work involved investigating questions and looking to foundational organic chemistry to provide answers for how to bring molecules together and create specific chemical bonds, for example. When she compares working as a scientist in academia with industry, one of the biggest takeaways for Arianne is being able to see her wider impact very quickly. She is in awe everyday of getting to work closely with scientists who have worked on developing some of the biggest drugs for Abbvie and improving the lives of patients. However, Arianne does miss the academic culture of engaging with students regularly and mentoring the next generation. Before she joined industry, Arianne also worked with the government as a forensic chemist and this experience helped solidify her passion for more discovery rather than applied research. To hear more about Arianne and her work as an organic chemist in industry, listen to the latest episode.Tune into this episode to hear Arianne share:Why she views doing science as almost a spiritual experience.Her thought process for transitioning from academia to the government to industry.How networking and speaking to people at conferences helped her find a position in industry.Reach out to Arianne:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannehunter/Instragram - @dr.arihunterIf you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:Ep 45: Connecting the Dots between Theory, Physics, and Mathematics - The WorkEp 26: From Post doc to Assistant Professor - The WorkEp 15: Storm Chasing and Forensics - The Work  Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into 3D bioprinting. What is it? What materials and machinery are used? What are the steps needed to go from raw material cells to layers of tissue and finally a 3D organoid? What challenges have they faced in the bioprinting field and what breakthroughs have pushed it forward? What are the medical and R&D applications of bio-printed tissues and organs? Where is this technology currently? And how long will we really have to wait to get full-sized bio-printed organs on demand? Tune in to learn more.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also enjoy:Ep 58: Unpacking the Science behind everyday thingsEp 50: About the many CRISPR clinical trials to cure genetic diseasesEp 30: Quantum Biology with Clarice Aiello Support the Show: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into a world full of stuff. And no, we're not just talking about your junk drawer! From razors and plastics to glass and yes ‘Delicious' chocolate too, there's so much science behind the everyday materials we take for granted.In his NY Times Bestselling book “Stuff Matters,” materials scientist Mark Miodownik reveals how mundane items are steeped in a rich scientific history. How human ingenuity, perseverance, and good 'ole luck got us things from hot chocolate to 3D printing of body parts and everything in between. If you've ever wondered about the story behind all the stuff around you, this book is a must-read. Whether it's the paper you're scribbling on or the stainless steel keeping your kitchen shiny, "Stuff Matters" will make you appreciate all the science that goes unnoticed in your daily life.Tune in to this book review, recommended for curious minds, chocolate lovers, and anyone who's ever pondered the significance of all our stuff.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also enjoy:Ep 32: We Love Birds Too - Book ReviewEp 22: The Science Behind Baking with Yeast - A Food Science ShortEp 38: The Secret Behind CRISPR Gene Editing Support the Podcast: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textFor our first Science Shorty of the season, we are continuing with the exploration of color and biology, but this time no chickens or other fowl. Instead, we will explore some of the color patterns staring us right in the face—eye color and eye color genetics. Why do people have blue, green, hazel or even purple eyes? Hint: It's all about the layers of the irides. How are those traits for eye color passed down from parent to child? Hint: Mendel's rules don't apply here, at least not completely. There's more to it than meets the eye! To learn more about eye color and the interesting genetics behind it, listen to the episode. Tune into this episode to learn:- What kinds of melanin are responsible for which eye colors- How irides and eye structure influence eye color- The interconnectedness of two genes, HERC2 and OCA2, on eye color and the influence on color inheritanceIf you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:- Ep 54: The colorful life of bird eggs - chickens and turkeys- Ep 44: The colorful life of bird eggs- Ep 55: CRISPR food scienceResources:1. Genotype-phenotype associations and human eye color by White and Rabago- Smith in Journal of Human Genetics (2011)2. What color are your eyes? Teaching the genetics of eye color and vision by Mackey in Nature (2021)3. Eye Colors from Cleveland Clinic Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a textWelcome back for season 4! This season we have so many amazing guests and other episodes lined up for our audience. But, before we get into that, let's go back to revisit with our past guests on how it all started–how did they get their start in science? What influenced them to follow this career path? What surprised them along the way? From family encouragement and supportive teachers to enjoying the natural world and simply realizing what is and isn't a good fit, our guests over the last season have proven that many different paths and experiences lead to a love of science. Listen to the origin stories from Richard, Adriana, Jishad, Maria, Laura, Ijeoma, and Cari. If you haven't heard their entire journey episodes, be sure to check those out too!Episode 52 - Dr. Richard Summers Episode 49 - Dr. Adriana Bankston Episode 46 - Dr. Jishad Kumar Episode 43 - Dr. Maria Qadri Episode 40 - Dr. Laura Canil Episode 37 - Dr. Ijeoma Kola Episode 34 - Dr. Cari Skrdla  Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a Text Message.In the Season 3 finale, We Love Science presents a special episode ALL ABOUT FOOD!! Specifically, we discuss how CRISPR gene editing technology is being used to improve our food and agricultural industry. Gene editing in plants has two main goals. The first goal satisfies consumer preferences for food enjoyment, like improved taste and freshness. The second category of food edits is aimed at solving food supply issues and the growing food insecurity. To this end, researchers have targeted agricultural traits for improvement. CRISPR gene editing has also been used to improve our livestock and fish supply.While most of these products are still in development, some CRISPR gene-edited foods are already commercially available in the United States and abroad.Tune in to learn about:·       How CRISPR gene editing can save our oceans' coral reefs from the effects of climate change·       Where to find conscious greens engineered to taste better, and the non-browning banana that stays fresh longer·       Food engineered to improve the eating experience: blackberries, cherries, and mandarins ·       More nutritious tomatoes that can strengthen the immune system ·       How CRISPR is being used to improve agriculture with increased crop yield, disease-resistant crops etc.·       The delicious flatbread, Injera, made from Teff grain·       CRISPR-edited animals in the U.S and Japan·       Listener Spotlight: Dave in Japan Catch up on the previous CRISPR episodes:Ep 35: The first CRISPR Chronicles episode: How CRISPR gene therapy is bringing hope to the worldEp 38: A foundational discussion explaining the secret behind CRISPR gene therapy Ep 41: A look into the ups and downs of how the CRISPR saga developedEp 47: The CRISPR Cure for Sickle Cell DiseaseEp 50: CRISPR clinical trials Ep 53: Safety and Ethics in human genome engineering Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a Text Message.The egg color saga continues as Fatu and Shekerah look into how domesticated birds like chickens and turkeys got their egg colors. In the previous episode, we learned that the breed of chicken is responsible for egg color and this is all linked to the genetics of the rooster and hen. In the US for example, Leghorn chickens are the most common breed for egg-laying and they always produce white eggs, while Orpington's lay brown eggs and Ameraucana lay blue eggs. Through many years of research, scientists have discovered exactly which genes in chickens are associated with egg color. For chickens that lay blue eggs like the Ameraucana and Dongxiang they both have the SLCO1B3 gene. And even more interesting, this gene has a specific mutation caused by an avian retrovirus that directly changes the way this gene is expressed to produce the blue egg color. So it is both the presence of the SLCO1B3 gene and the avian retrovirus mutation in Ameraucana and Dongxiang that is responsible for the trait of blue egg color. Even with the whole spectrum of the colors available to chicken eggs, consumer preference and culture ultimately determine what color eggs are sold around the world. Europeans have different color preferences compared to Americans and Japanese and this leads to the different egg colors across countries. To hear more about chicken egg color, and even turkey egg color listen to the episode. Tune into this episode to learn more about:Bird egg color, genetics, and evolutionWhat specific genes are associated with bird egg color and how those genes are passed down with each generationHow an avian retrovirus is connected to blue gg colorTurkey eggs and how they get their colorsIf you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:Ep 44: The Colorful Life of Bird EggsEp 38: The Secret behind CRISPR Gene EditingEp 39: The Art of Science - The WorkSources:Refine localizations of functional variants affecting eggshell color of Lueyang black-boned chicken in the SLCO1B3An EAV-HP Insertion in 5′ Flanking Region of SLCO1B3 Causes Blue Eggshell in the Chicken Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of "We Love Science," hosts Shekerah and Fatu delve into the safety and ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR gene editing technology. Joined by special guest, Irina Gostimskaya, we explore the complexities and implications of advances in biomedical technology, including the use of CRISPR in humans. The main purpose of ethical guidelines in biomedicine is to protect patients and ensure responsible scientific conduct. Past abuses of biomedical technology including inhumane medical experiments set the stage for modern bioethics. Key moments that shaped current ethical guidelines include: the 1947 Nuremberg Code developed after the trial of Nazi doctors, and the 1978 Belmont Report issued in response to an unethical Syphilis study conducted on African American men. Throughout the decades, groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology have compelled the scientific community to unite in discussion to create new guidelines for their responsible and ethical use. The advent of CRISPR genetic engineering has been met with the same commitment to responsible application of the technology and ethical biomedical conduct.Tune in to learn about:·       Historical context of Bioethics·       Safety concerns with DNA manipulation·       CRISPR-specific safety issues·       Ethical challenges with CRISPR gene editing·       The CRISPR babies scandal Catch up on the previous CRISPR episodes:·       Ep 35: The first CRISPR Chronicles episode: How CRISPR gene therapy is bringing hope to the world·       Ep 38: A foundational discussion explaining the secret behind CRISPR gene therapy ·       Ep 41: A look into the ups and downs of how the CRISPR saga developed·       Ep 47: The CRISPR Cure for Sickle Cell Disease·       Ep 50: CRISPR clinical trials  And you may also enjoy: Irina's excellent CRISPR review article Ep 23: The Accidental Discovery of PenicillinEp 24: From Dyslexia to Nobel Prize Winner!Reach out to Irina: gostimskaya@gmail.com Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a Text Message.We continue our conversation with Richard Summers, a theoretical biologist and emeritus professor at the University of Mississippi, to learn more about his career journey. Richard's first science spark moment hit him very clearly when he was a young high schooler– he experienced first hand a lunar eclipse with his friends and this experience instilled in him a wonder for the natural world and the interconnectivity of all things. As a high school student, however, his mind was not focused yet on a potential career path; he just wanted to be cool. Once Richard entered college, he dedicated his time to find a suitable career path and spent weeks reading countless books in the college library. After reading hundreds of pages, Richard was still undecided. But he came to a wonderful conclusion: “I did realize one thing. I was limited in my understanding of what was in any of those books only by the amount of mathematics I could understand." This drive to fill in the gaps of his knowledge led Richard to pursue a degree in mathematics with a minor in physical chemistry. From his undergraduate coursework, Richard also gained an appreciation for the role of the observer within biology and this inspired him to go to medical school. His first week in medical school, however, came as a shock, when he realized there were no equations in his anatomy textbooks. After Richard graduated medical school, he had a full career as a doctor and academic. Although he has written many peer-reviewed articles throughout that time, it was not until much later in life that he considered writing books to share his ideas with broader audiences. When Richard reflects back on the many influential mentors who impacted his journey, he is grateful for two mentors he had as a post-doc after medical school. His mentors helped him to understand how to think and reason, which are lessons he carries even to this day. Now that he is retired, Richard notes that the best and worst thing about retirement is waking up and having to decide what to do everyday. Currently his family and grandchildren help him to fill the time and truly feel fulfilled in life. Listen to the episode to hear more!In this episode, Richard will share with us:The defining moments that inspired his scientific pursuitsThe impact of mentorship in developing a new way of thinking about the worldWhat to look forward to once you reach retirement You can find Richard's latest book here: Science as Natural Philosophy and Finding our Place in the UniverseReach out to Richard by email: rsummers@umc.edu If you enjoyed this episode, also be sure to check out: From Post doc to Assistant Professor: The Journey  Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of We Love Science, Fatu and Shekerah explore a world that few modern-day scientists have explored, the intersection of science and philosophy. Today we are speaking with Dr. Richard Summers, a theoretical biologist and emeritus professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His career spans from chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine to vice chancellor for research. Richard has also led cutting-edge research to understand how the human body responds to zero-gravity environments, and has even worked directly with NASA. Throughout his career, between his lab research and academic leadership positions, Richard has co-authored more than 300 publications and books. His most recent book is “Science as Natural Philosophy and Finding Our Place in the Universe”. This book explores the rich history of the origins of science as a way of creating our worldview and understanding our place, as humans, in the world–natural philosophy, as it used to be called. The origin story of science is not only about how we as humans observe and experience the world; interestingly, it can also be deeply influenced by religious perspectives, especially during times in history when religious authorities strongly influenced what was accepted in broader society. “We think of science, philosophy, and religion as being completely separate and conflicting schools of thought. My book connects the dots between the scientific perspective and those of philosophy and religion–on a broad scale,” explains Richard. An overarching theme of all three is to have a better experience and understanding of our world. When it comes to writing, Richard believes that good writing just has to flow, and this means writing can be slow, arduous, and often frustrating. However, this also means that it's important to sit and try every day. Listen to the episode to learn more about Richard's work and his book.  Tune in to hear Richard explain:The evolution of science from observation to experimentationWhat it means to think of science as a natural philosophy The surprising interconnectedness between science, philosophy, and religionThe strong Mississippi tradition of StorytellingWhat it takes to write a good book about scienceYou can find Richard's latest book here:Science as Natural Philosophy and Finding Our Place in the UniverseReach out to Richard: rsummers@umc.edu If you enjoyed this episode, also be sure to check out:Ep 8: The Pen is Mightier than the Pipette: The WorkEp 23: The Accidental Discovery of Penicillin Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a Text Message.We Love Science podcast celebrates our 50th episode with a discussion all about the hopes and progress of CRISPR clinical trials. Before a new drug, therapy, vaccine, or medical device is approved for general use by the public, its safety and effectiveness are evaluated in a series of tests on volunteers. These Clinical Trials progress in 3 successive phases with each phase designed to answer specific questions about the product under evaluation. Questions can include: What side effects does it cause? What is the lowest effective dose? What is the highest safe dose? Does it improve patients' quality of life? Is it an effective cure for the disease in question? How does it compare to the current treatments (if any are available) for that particular disease?Currently, only one CRISPR gene therapy, Casgevy, is approved for public use. It is approved in several countries to treat the blood disorders,  Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia. However, many CRISPR clinical trials are still ongoing; they span ~ 10 major disease categories and occupy every clinical trial phase. In this episode, we discuss the successes and challenges of CRISPR clinical trials to cure HIV/AIDS, Cardiovascular disease, and others. Tune in to learn more about:·       What questions do successive clinical trial phases answer?·       How can CRISPR technology cure HIV/AIDS?·       The results for the hereditary amyloidosis treatment, which is now in phase III of clinical trials·       Listener question: An update for Sickle Cell Disease CRISPR treatmentsFor more information on this topic, visit our website: welovesciencepodcast.comUseful Links: US and EU clinical trials databases: https://clinicaltrials.gov/https://euclinicaltrials.eu/?lang=en Catch up on the previous CRISPR episodes:Ep 35: The first CRISPR Chronicles episode: How CRISPR gene therapy is bringing hope to the worldEp 38: A foundational discussion explaining the secret behind CRISPR gene therapy Ep 41: A look into the ups and downs of how the CRISPR saga developedEp 47: The CRISPR Cure for Sickle Cell Disease Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Send us a Text Message.We continue our conversation with Dr. Adriana Bankston, founder and CEO, Bankston Policy Consulting LLC to learn more about her career path. Her journey of discovery started close to home, in a family filled with scientists–from her grandparents to her parents. As an undergraduate at Clemson University, she was introduced to the world of research through a summer program. From there her interests blossomed, and in graduate school, at Emory University, she conducted research in muscular dystrophy for her dissertation. This experience also allowed her to volunteer with patients and instilled the understanding of the social impact of science. “What you are doing actually impacts real people,” Adriana explains. As she completed graduate school, her attention grew to understanding the obscure world of postdoctoral salaries, how such positions are defined, and the policies behind the status quo. This initial project led her to the world of advocacy and finding strategic ways to solve these challenges within science. Along the way, Adriana has also had several inspiring mentors, starting with her graduate school advisor: one of two female researchers within the department. With her positive experience as a mentee, Adriana now dedicates her time to mentoring graduate students and others who are new to the world of advocacy and policy. Looking to the future, she is excited about starting as an inaugural AAAS Congressional Policy Fellow sponsored by the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy which will allow her to work directly on Capitol Hill, a change from advocating on the outside. In addition to her experience in advocacy and policy, Adriana is also a science writer; as someone who describes herself as having too many opinions, writing has been an excellent outlet to share some of her ideas with the world. After you listen to the podcast, also read her latest blog post on the podcast website: https://welovesciencepodcast.com/f/how-policymaking-works-and-how-scientists-can-engage  And if you want to learn more about science policy, Adriana will lead a workshop hosted by Genetics Society of America: Register hereTune into this episode to hear Adriana explain:How her family history influenced her career journeyHer first encounter with science policy and advocacyWhat it means to ride the rollercoaster with confidence Reach out to Adriana:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianabankston/Website: https://adrianabankston.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdrianaBankstonOther Great Episodes:Ep 5: FORE Advocating Change - Part 2Ep 7: STEMLand Future of Science - The Journey Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

In this episode, we explore policy for science with Dr. Adriana Bankston Founder and CEO, Bankston Policy Consulting LLC. As an advocate for science and research, Adriana shares the outcomes of research with members of Congress to support the continued support of federally funded research by policymakers. The funding that science gets every year is greatly impacted by what happens in Washington DC, specifically by political factors such as who is elected and general pro-science sentiments. As an entrepreneur and founder of her own policy consulting firm, Adriana has been excited to delve into different projects for her clients. One of the challenges of working for herself, however, which she has to balance, is constantly searching for work and opportunities and understanding how best to place value on her expertise when billing clients based on what others are willing to pay. In the course of her current work, she has found many connections between working at the lab bench and working in policy, especially in how to manage multiple projects and work with multiple partners toward common goals. Adriana admits that shifting her career focus away from bench work has been a steep learning curve. “You are starting from the bottom; you have to be ok with not knowing how things work,” she explains regarding the challenge of how to get comfortable learning how to become a professional in a new world. Even with this, however, Adriana loves following her passion with her work. To hear more about what it means to promote policy for science, listen to Adriana's story.  And, to dive deeper into the complex world of science policy, read Adriana's blog post at welovesciencepodcast.comReach out to Adriana:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianabankston/Website: https://adrianabankston.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdrianaBankstonIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to also check out:FORE Advocating Change - Part 1STEMLand Future of Science - The WorkThe Truth about Food - The Work Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

In this fourth installment of the CRISPR Chronicles, show hosts Fatu and Shekerah give  a review of sickle cell anemia, the cause and symptoms of the disease, and discuss how the CRISPR gene therapy treatment works.Tune in to learn more about:The genetic basis of Sickle Cell DiseaseWhat Amazon delivery vans have in common with your Red Blood CellsThe effect of mutant hemoglobin on Red Blood CellsThe variety and severity of symptoms that SCD patients experienceThe disease burden of SCD throughout the worldThe clever strategy used to treat the disease with CRISPR gene therapyThe results of the CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals gene therapy clinical trialsFor more information on this topic, visit our website: welovesciencepodcast.comHear directly from Sickle Cell Disease patients who received the treatment during the clinical trial: Victoria Gray and Jimi OlaghereIf you enjoyed this episode, you will also enjoy:The first CRISPR Chronicles episode: How CRISPR gene therapy is bringing hope to the worldA foundational discussion explaining the secret behind CRISPR gene therapy A look into the ups and downs of how the CRISPR saga developed  Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We continue our conversation with Jishad Kumar on his journey in science. Jishad remembers his first science wow moment during his childhood when a teacher captivated his interest in optics with kaleidoscopes. His curiosity instantly peaked and he really wanted to learn more about how to make such tools; eventually in high school he successfully built his own optical instrument with friends. While discovering the world of optics, Jishad also started to think more about what he wanted to do with his future; he knew there was more to the world than building fun optical tools. Around this same time, he was fortunate to have a very good math teacher who introduced him to the world of mathematics, and simultaneously Jishad discovered that he was very talented in this subject–always scoring at the top of the class. As he continued in his studies, Jishad was introduced to another amazing mentor–a priest who was also a dedicated physics teacher. This teacher taught him one-on-one the intricate details of physics and pointed out to Jishad that he also has a special talent for physics. This encouragement from his teachers and his natural talent set Jishad on the first steps in his journey into mathematics and physics. As he continued on to college and graduate school, he considered traveling abroad to complete his studies, however, this plan was not financially feasible for him or his family. Undeterred by this small setback, Jishad continued in his education in India and he completed his doctorate at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research. He credits his success in his doctoral program to his two outstanding Ph.D. supervisors who really supported him not only through his education but also his growth as an individual. At this stage, Jishad knew he wanted to teach and stay in academia; he set out on completing post doctoral fellowships and traveled the globe from the Czech Republic to the United States to his current position at Aalto University in Finland. His vision of success is still a work in progress; Jishad strives to do so much more in his career. “I want to do more, learn more, and love physics more,” he explains. To hear more about Jishad's inspiring  journey listen to this episode.        Tune into this episode to hear Jishad discuss:His early career ambitions before deciding to follow his love of mathematics and physicsThe importance of mentors in shaping not only his understanding of science but also growth as a personNavigating the ups and downs, and egos of graduate school to find his intellectual strengthsReach out to Jishad:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/drjishadkumarIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to also check out: Quantum Biology with Clarice Aiello - The JourneyFrom Post doc to Assistant Professor - The JourneyNinja Warrior Scientist  Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

 In this episode, Shekerah and Fatu have a delightful conversation with Jishad Kumar, a theorist and researcher. As a theorist he uses concrete assumptions and models to solve problems which can then be further investigated with in depth experimentation. Jishad's journey into theoretical physics started accidentally when he discovered Brownian motion is related to particle motion and has nothing to do with the color brown. From there, he extensively read books and scientific articles building a very solid knowledge base for his graduate studies. But, Jishad had a difficult start in his research career; he struggled with his first project assignment and did not have good support from this research advisor. During this difficult period, however, he found guidance from another advisor who encouraged him to conquer his fear and gave him the motivation to continue with the assignment and ultimately succeed. Things continued to progress and his confidence grew as he was also able to design a very impressive doctoral research project examining superconductivity. Looking back, Jishad sees this initial research experience as very formative in his research journey, and he is grateful for this. “I cannot stay away from science,” he explains as he also looks back and reflects on all the challenges and triumphs of the journey. Currently Jishad's research focuses on applications of quantum thermo-dynamics, such as quantum heat exchange, and he looks forward to future real-world applications and innovations from this research. His long term goals include setting up his own research lab with students and teaching. To hear more about Jishad's work tune into the latest episode.     Tune into this episode to hear Jishad discuss:His start in theoretical physics in a pre-wikipedia worldKeeping motivation on his journey even with several setbackFuture theoretical research goals and aspirations Reach out to Jishad:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/drjishadkumarIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to also check out: From Postdoc to Assistant Professor - The WorkAccidental Discovery of the MicrowaveQuantum Biology with Clarice Aiello - The Work Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

It's another Science Short, and today Fatu and Shekerah discover how bird eggs get their color–from brown, white, blue, speckled, and everything in between. To this day, scientists do not have a good understanding of why egg color developed in birds, but they do know that this trait co-evolved with the introduction of open-style bird nests, as opposed to covered nests. Open nests left bird eggs exposed and vulnerable to the outside environment, which led to one hypothesis that egg colors provide camouflage against potential predators. There are also other hypotheses that connect egg color to bacterial resistance, temperature regulation, and even female genetic fitness; literally as many hypotheses as there are egg color patterns. Even though it is still a big mystery as to why birds have colored eggs, how these colors are formed is not. Birds are only capable of making two pigments–blue and brown–and the different combinations of these pigments produce the diverse spectrum of all the colors we see in eggs. With domesticated birds such as chickens, however, egg color is directly linked to the breed of chicken. Specific breeds only lay specific colors, for example Orpingtons lay brown eggs, Ameraucana lay blue eggs, and the “olive egger” breeds lay olive-green eggs. Catch this episode to learn more about the egg-straordinary story of bird eggs and how they got their colors. Tune into this episode to learn more about:How scientists think different environmental pressures may be the key to why birds developed colored eggsWhat pigments are responsible for the diversity of color we see in bird eggs and how they are deposited on eggshells during egg developmentHow chicken egg colors are influenced by genetics and human selectionWhat causes speckling on bird eggsIf you enjoyed this episode, you'll also enjoy:We Love Birds Too!The Science behind Baking with Yeast The Accidental Discovery of Penicillin Read about the Nature Ecology and Evolution study Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Dr. Maria Qadri, CEO of Clearwater Leadership begins the conversation on her journey into entrepreneurship with memories of building things (flat pack furniture) with her father–both of her parents were engineers and science-y discussions were a hallmark of her childhood. As a child, Maria slowly started to envision becoming a doctor, mainly influenced by her diagnosis with type 1 diabetes and the time she spent with medical experts to understand and manage her disease. However, she was also influenced to consider engineering by her parents. Ultimately, Maria landed on biomedical engineering as the best path for her, combining all of her interests. As she continued in her studies in college at University of Hartford, focusing on pre-med and biomedical engineering, Maria came to the revelation that she “could have so much more of an impact if [she] made the tools that doctors worked with.” This led to the first twist in her journey and she pursued a Masters at University of Connecticut and then received her doctorate at Rutgers University. Along the way, however, she stumbled upon science policy, leading to another turn in her journey. And again she came across a new realization: “good policy is good communication.” This inspired her to complete a unique post-doctoral fellowship at the Association of American Colleges and Universities focused on science communications and policy. She had found the perfect fit in what she was looking for, again combining several different interests. At this current stage in her career journey, Maria has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge, it was just a matter of somehow putting it all together with the other goals she had in her life–starting a family and buying her first home–to find the perfect sweet spot. And now as the founder of her own company, Maria can proudly say she feels like she has it all–a daughter, a husband, a home, and her own business to invest in her many passions. As she looks back on her journey, Maria thinks about her village of family support and mentors that guided her every step of the way. One of the best pieces of advice she would give to anyone interested in following a similar journey is to “run towards the things you are afraid of.” Tune into this episode to hear Maria discuss:How her journey brought together many different interests as she grew both personally and professionallyWhy a Ph.D. is a degree in persistence, not intelligence What her vision is of success And, some tips for anyone interested in going to graduate school for a Ph.D.    Reach out to Maria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajq/ Email: ceo@clearwaterleadership.com If you enjoyed hearing about Maria's work, you might also enjoy: The Art of Science with Laura Canil - The JourneySTEMLand Future of Science - The Journey Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Our journey into science entrepreneurship continues! In this episode we speak to Dr. Maria Qadri, founder of Clearwater Leadership which specializes in data analysis, science communication, and leadership development training. As a new founder of her own company, Maria already has her sights set on the future–she looks forward to growing the company and bringing on additional people depending on how the portfolio for Clearwater Leadership develops and client needs. Maria admits she has always been afraid of entrepreneurship because of the realities of living with type 1 diabetes and the need to have reliable healthcare access. However, at this stage in her career journey she looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead in running her own company, similar to the intellectual pursuits in completing her doctorate. For those who are interested in following a similar career path, that pulls from education and work experience, Maria advises to ask questions about everything. She also explains, “Don't treat [the journey] as closing doors, try to treat it as building bridges.”Tune into this episode to hear Maria explain how she:Combined her scientific background with work experience to advance her career journeyStarted her own business as a solo entrepreneur Overcame the hesitation of becoming an entrepreneurAnd, some tips if you are interested in following your own, independent science-focused venture  Reach out to Maria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajq/ Email: ceo@clearwaterleadership.com If you enjoyed hearing about Maria's work, you might also enjoy: The Art of Science with Laura Canil - The WorkSista, Sista! Graduate School Years - The WorkThe Truth about Food - The Work   Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

You may think that the CRISPR-Cas genome engineering tool was developed from simple human ingenuity. And while its development certainly involved ingenuity, CRISPR was birthed in the wild. As a product of nature, it has an essential function in its native host; spoilers: its natural function involves defending its host from attacks. From the initial discovery in nature to its adoption as a gene therapy tool it took decades of twists and turns, ups, downs, and yes, ins and outs too.  In this episode of We Love Science Podcast, Fatu and Shekerah welcome special guest, Irina Gostimskaya, as the CRISPR Chronicles continues. Together, we take a CRISPR walk through history, discussing the men and women who made it possible to bring CRISPR therapies to the world through their curiosity, perseverance, and a sprinkle of good and bad luck. Tune in to the episode to learn about:·        The cliffhanger that showed the world the first CRISPR sequence ·        The real purpose of CRISPR in the wild ·        How scientists assembled the puzzle pieces to use CRISPR for Gene editing ·        The CRISPR patent dispute·        Bonus Food Science Content: Learn all about Russian cuisineFor more information on this topic, visit our website: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comReach out to Irina: gostimskaya@gmail.comRead Irina's excellent CRISPR review article: CRISPR–Cas9: A History of Its Discovery and Ethical Considerations of Its Use in Genome Editing. Biochemistry Moscow 87, 777–788 (2022).If you enjoyed this episode you will also enjoy hearing about:The Secret Behind CRISPR Gene EditingHow CRISPR Gene Therapy is Bringing Hope to the WorldYogurt Making - DIY Style - A Food Science Short Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We continue our discussion with Laura Canil to learn about her journey in becoming a scientific illustrator. Her earliest memories in science didn't exactly start in science–initially she wanted to be an inventor and then a painter. As she continued in her education, Laura started to also explore science communication. All of these interests remained in the back of her mind as she received her bachelors and masters in physics and materials science in Italy. As a graduate student in Berlin, completing her doctorate research on photovoltaic and photocells, Laura realized that she enjoyed the communications aspect of science a little bite more than the research. She would spend hours making just the right figures and animations to explain her research clearly. As she reached the end of her graduate school journey, Laura began to think critically about what comes next. She didn't know at this point that scientific illustration was a potential choice for a fulfilling career. By chance, she contacted someone online who was already working in the field, and as she learned more and more about his career, it all just clicked. Laura knew this was the right path for her. After receiving her doctorate, she took a gap year to develop additional skills for professional illustration–powerpoint was just not going to cut it. And as she learned and grew in her art, the company CanilVisuals developed organically as a natural next step to get her professional career off the ground. When Laura looks back on her journey, she doesn't recall one specific mentor who helped guide her along the way. Rather, she had tremendous support from her community–friends, Ph.D. supervisors, family, illustrators and other freelancers–encouraging her to reach for her goals. And when reflecting on the choices she has made, there isn't anything she would do differently. “I am who I am because of the choices I've made,” explains Laura; that person is a brilliant scientist AND a talented artist.   Tune into this episode to hear Laura share her perspectives on:How she transitioned from studying languages to physics to scientific illustrationExploring and learning more about different career options as a studentWays to combine different interests and skills into one careerWorking as a freelancer Future plans for CanilVisuals   Reach out to Laura:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-canil-8a203819b/X (formerly Twitter): @laura_canilMore about CanilVisuals:https://www.canilvisuals.com/ If you enjoyed hearing about Laura's work, you might also enjoy: Who Should Art Represent - The JourneyQuantum Biology with Clarice Aiello - The Journey   Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We Love Science is closing out 2023 with another spectacular interview. In this episode we speak with Dr. Laura Canil, a freelance scientific illustrator with her own company, CanilVisuals. As a scientific illustrator, Laura takes on a variety of projects like creating figures to accompany journal articles, crafting catchy covers for journals, producing original scientific comic strips, and guiding others who need advice in developing their own beautiful and engaging designs. After receiving her Ph.D. in physics, Laura took some time off to plan her transition as a freelance scientific illustrator. There was a lot of fear and excitement during this time in starting her own company, but she took the jump and really enjoys her work creating visuals to accompany groundbreaking research. Laura also found a lot of support in the beginning from friends and colleagues she met during graduate school. Her network served as a receptive audience for constructive criticism during her early days testing the waters as an illustrator. For practice, Laura would select papers from people she knew and designed journal covers and other illustrations to accompany their research publications. This provided her with constructive feedback as she perfected her craft and built her portfolio to move on to the next step of reaching out to new clients. “It's easier when you really like something because then you have all the motivation to go through the hard parts,” she explains. Tune into this episode to hear Laura share her perspective on:Living and working outside of her home country  Transitioning into a freelance career from graduate schoolDeveloping new skills to become a scientific illustratorAdvice for those looking to take the jump Reach out to Laura:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-canil-8a203819b/X (formerly Twitter): @laura_canilMore about CanilVisuals:https://www.canilvisuals.com/ If you enjoyed hearing about Laura's work, you might also enjoy: We Love Birds Too!Who Should Art Represent - The WorkThe Pen is Mightier than the Pipette - The Work  Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Humans have ~6 billion bases of DNA in each cell. But every gene has a specific and unique sequence that serves as a kind of genetic address. Before any gene can be edited, the editor must first find the gene's location within the genome. Luckily CRISPR-Cas has a built-in GPS component that makes finding a gene address easy, and switching out one genetic address for another is as easy as typing a street address into your Google Maps navigation app...well almost as easy. In this episode, show hosts Fatu and Shekerah deliver the second installment of the CRISPR Chronicles series.  We discuss the secret sauce that makes CRISPR-Cas gene editing powerful, flexible, and easy to use—it's the gene editing genie that the scientific community had been waiting for.  CRISPR-Cas gene editing has two main components (RNA and protein), each of which plays a critical role. The merger of these 2 components into a unified system is what makes CRISPR-Cas gene editing superior to its predecessors. Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and TAL Effector Nucleases (TALENs) were the gene editing tools of choice before CRISPR-Cas9 was discovered. Unfortunately, the design, production, and implementation of ZFNs and TALENs were difficult and expensive, which prevented their rapid adoption on a global scale as has occurred with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Tune in to the episode to learn:How CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing worksWhat is the secret sauce that sets this technique apart?Which CRISPR component is the GPS, and which is the scissor?How the system can be used to create mutations and to fix mutationsBonus Food Science Content: Hear about the best food to eat in KenyaFor more information on this topic, visit our website: WeLoveSciencePodcast.comIf you enjoyed this episode you will also enjoy hearing about:The first CRISPR Chronicles episodeHow an accidental scientific  discovery changed the way we prepare foodA Nobel Prize winner who overcame dyslexia and discovered a key to the aging process Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

In this episode Shekerah and Fatu continue their discussion with Ijeoma Kola, a public health historian of race and medicine. When she was younger, Ijeoma didn't exactly have a science spark moment, but she was positively influenced by her mother's career as a nurse. She remembers in middle school attending a summer program, Center for Talented Youth, at Johns Hopkins University, where she was first introduced to genetics and genomics. From this experience, Ijeoma was convinced that she would continue to study science and become a doctor. Things started off as she expected during her undergrad at Harvard University; however, one late night studying organic chemistry Ijeoma suddenly realized that maybe this career path wasn't really for her. She wanted to help people, but didn't see how memorizing amino acids was the best way to reach this goal. “Do I want to make people better by prescribing medicine, or do I want to make people better by changing the environment that we live in?—So their social health is better, so their neighborhoods are better, so that their socio-economic status is better. All of those things also shape our health and health outcomes,” explains Ijeoma. It took a little bit of quick thinking, but she was able to transition from her molecular biology major to a history and science major without losing any credits. After receiving her doctorate from Columbia University in history of public health, Ijeoma took an “eat, pray, love” style gap year to reset her thoughts on what to do next. After some brainstorming and reflecting on her own graduate school journey, she founded Cohort Sistas to support black women and non-binary individuals pursuing graduate degrees. Looking back on her journey, Ijeoma wishes she had given herself more grace and forgiveness along the way, to take care of herself not only intellectually but also mentally and physically.  The journey is hard enough as it is after all, and as long as it's getting done, we are all doing a good job—it doesn't need to be perfect.Tune into this episode to hear Ijeoma discuss:Mentoring and the impacts on her career journeyHow to shift in your career journey as you find new ways to reach your goalsWhat skills and experiences inspired her to found Cohort SistasReach out to Ijeoma:info@cohortsistas.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijeomakola/ And be on the lookout for her book! More about Cohort Sistas:https://www.cohortsistas.org To join Cohort Sistas: https://community.cohortsistas.org If you enjoyed hearing about Ijeoma's journey, you might also enjoy:STEMLand Future of Science - The JourneyMentors of Incalculable Worth - Anthology Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

The good conversations just keep coming! In this episode we meet Dr. Ijeoma Kola, a historian of public health with an emphasis on race and medicine; her current research focuses on the evolution of the understanding of asthma in Black urban communities in the 20th century. In short, she is a storyteller—pulling together the full narrative, or history, of medical and health innovations and their impacts on broader communities. In addition to looking at the broad impacts of health and medicine, Ijeoma also has a specific interest in understanding how individuals and communities view their own health and their relationship within the larger medical institution. As a researcher and historian, Ijeoma has several publications and she is now in the process of writing a book on the history of the rise of asthma in the Black community. The book will cover the early perception of asthma as a predominantly White, elite illness to the present day, with asthma mostly impacting Black urban communities. When she is not writing and researching, Ijeoma is the founder and executive director of Cohort Sistas, a mentoring organization that supports black women and non-binary doctoral students through building community and providing resources to help individuals succeed and thrive through their graduate education. Her own experience as a doctoral student was isolating, stressful, and even miserable in some instances, and she wants to change this for the next generation, especially for underrepresented scholars. “The entire goal and vision is to be able to provide folks with the resources, mentorship, and community I wish I had when I was getting my Ph.D.,” she explains. Ultimately, she hopes to grow the Cohort Sistas community to 10,000 scholars to capture individuals at many stages of their training. Tune into this episode to hear Ijeoma's thoughts on: Starting your own nonprofit to support studentsFinding community during your graduate school journeyWhat it means to be a public health historian and how this research impacts our understanding of current health issuesHow to join Cohort Sistas or become involved in the growing community Reach out to Ijeoma:info@cohortsistas.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijeomakola/ And be on the lookout for her book! More about Cohort Sistas:https://www.cohortsistas.org To join Cohort Sistas: https://community.cohortsistas.org If you enjoyed hearing about Ijeoma's work, you might also enjoy:Mentors of Incalculable Worth - Anthology Estrogen Heals Both Sexes - The WorkWho Should Art Represent - The Work   Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Every year, approximately 8 million children are born with a serious genetic disorder, and 3 million of them die before the age of 5. This disease burden is about to change. In this episode, we launch the CRISPR Chronicles series that will run throughout season 3. Since the pivotal paper by Doudna and Charpentier in 2012, CRISPR has taken the world by storm. Scientists have used this genome engineering tool in the lab to quickly and easily create mutants to study gene function in laboratory animals. But more importantly, the power of CRISPR gene editing as a biomedical intervention to cure diseases has been realized. Currently, dozens of clinical trials are ongoing or on the verge of being launched to cure everything from genetic blindness and sickle cell anemia, to cancers and HIV. In fact, the Sickle Cell Disease treatment, exa-cel is poised to become the first CRISPR gene editing therapy to be approved by the FDA. Due to its far-reaching impacts, Doudna and Charpentier won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2020 for discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing; thereby, breaking the boundary as female winners of this prize. In this series we will explore:·       How CRISPR gene editing works·       The CRISPR origin story and major milestones·       The many clinical trials giving hope to the millions of people worldwide suffering from cancers, and genetic and infectious diseases·       The ethical debate of using CRISPR gene editing technologyFor more information on this topic, visit our website: welovesciencepodcast.comHear directly from Sickle Cell Disease patients who were cured during the clinical trial: Victoria Gray and Jimi OlaghereIf you enjoyed this episode, you will also enjoy:Dr Ken Shatzkes work combating the opioid crisisDr Joseph Iacona on the drug development process in pharmaHow the accidental discovery of Penicillin changed the world Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

There's more from Dr. Cari Skrdla on her journey in becoming a neuroscientist and successful business woman, as we continue season 3. In her youth, Cari was always drawn to the world around her; she constantly asked questions to better understand how and why things are the way they are. This curiosity stayed with her as she became interested in theater and acting. Cari was really inspired by how individuals could change to embody different characters as part of a story. How can a person be King Lear in a play one day and the next a character from the musical Color Purple? After high school, Cari received her bachelors in psychology from Eastern Michigan University, but she didn't want to be a therapist; rather she used her psych background as part of her first position in human relations and employee management.   As Cari continued in her journey, she attended graduate school at Boston University for a doctorate in neuroscience. As part of her graduate research she conducted an interesting study on runners to understand how their thinking, especially memories, can influence not only how quickly they start a race, but also how likely they are to win. With all of these experiences, and her innate drive for curiosity, Cari was able to develop the foundations of her current personal coaching service, LifeBack Investing Club—how are human beings manufactured and programmed, and how can you use this to your advantage? Cari's career path so far has been an amazing journey; she has had several influential mentors including her father and constantly tells herself to just keep doing what you are doing—be a disruptor! As she gets ready for the next phase in her life and journey, she looks forward to getting even more fulfillment from areas in her life other than work, like family, and building a legacy.  Tune in to the episode to hear Cari bring light to:Why do we live life with these fixed ways of being and who are we really? How are our current actions influenced by memory, or compliance with the past?Is it possible to overcome our negative habits, or create new ones?How do we handle personal relationships and other complex relationships?—let the love out, let the joy out!Her experience at Clown College (Yes, you read that right) in Orlando, Florida, class of 1999Reach out to Cari:questions@everythingandjack.comcari@lifeback.lifetake the Mindset Quotient Test: mindsetquotienttest.comIf you Enjoyed hearing about Cari's work, you will also enjoy:Dr. Kelli Duncan in Estrogen Heals Both Sexes Dr. Julia Olayanju in The Truth about FoodQuantum Biology with Dr. Clarice Aiello Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We Love Science Podcast kicks off season 3 with Dr. Cari Skrdla, a passionate neuroscientist and accomplished businesswoman. As the founder and CEO of LifeBack Consulting, Cari uses her research findings to guide employers in bringing the human experience to the forefront in the workplace.Through the evolution of the hiring process from paper applications, to background checks, to personality tests, Cari says that employers are still missing so much. Employee turnover is rampant--new hires quickly became unhappy at the workplace and leave. This highlights the importance of considering the human aspect in employee recruitment and retention, and her research gives some insight into this. Spanning generations, Cari's research explores the environmental influences, cultural shifts, and significant events that contribute to the shaping of a human being. These explain the behavioral patterns and hardwiring of a generation of individuals. As every generation is shaped specifically by the current state of the world they are born into, each is inherently different from the other generations. How then do we all relate to one another and understand each other in the workplace?Her innovative approach offers a fresh perspective on supporting employees through her one-of a-kind Mindset Quotient Test, emphasizing the significance of mental and emotional well-being. We are all trying to live a happy, fulfilling life both personally and professionally. The key, she says, is understanding oneself and one's influences. However, this research often does not reach the public in an impactful way. Tune in to the episode to hear Cari bring light to:·       How “The Silent Generation” (Gen X) was influenced differently compared to “Millennials” (Gen Y), and “The Virtual Generation” (Gen Z), and what is the current force driving human evolution·       How can we ensure that we are taking care of the humanity of an individual? ·       Do quiet rooms and mental health days really work?·       What does modern day 'fight or flight' look like?·       The systemic challenges facing the scientific community·       The effect that some self-declared gurus can have on the public·       How your unconscious biases are holding you backReach out to Cari:questions@everythingandjack.comcari@lifeback.lifetake the Mindset Quotient Test:  mindsetquotienttest.comIf you Enjoyed hearing about Cari's work, you will also enjoy:Dr. Kelli Duncan in Estrogen Heals Both Sexes Dr. Julia Olayanju in The Truth about FoodQuantum Biology with Dr. Clarice AielloReach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach o Reach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @thee_fatu_band LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We are doing some summer reading y'all! In this special book review episode, Fatu and Shekerah learn about birds, from the book Crazy for Birds by Misha Maynerick Blaise. In this book, Misha takes the reader on a whirlwind trip into all things birds–how they fly, how they communicate, how they build nests, what they eat, how birds are reflected in different cultures around the world. From sooty-capped hermits to cliff swallows to red-breasted chats and everything else in between the book is strewn with lovely illustrations and nuggets of knowledge about all things birds. Listen to the podcast to hear our review of Crazy for Birds, and If you are already a big bird fan, or just need an interesting read, pick it up at your local library or bookstore today! And catch us in about a month for Season 3!

Our conversation with Dr. Clarice Aiello continues! In the beginning, Clarice actually didn't have a passion for science; she was a big reader and had little interest in math and related subjects. She originally wanted to be a journalist and when she didn't get into a journalism program, engineering became her plan B. That is how she discovered her love of physics. As an engineering student, Clarice met an amazing mentor who took her under his wing and introduced her to quantum mechanics–a truly life changing moment. “Nothing is linear; you end up where you end up. That's very scary and that is also the beauty of it,” Clarice explains as she reflects on the many detours and turns she has had in her career journey to become a quantum biologist. One of the biggest challenges facing the field of quantum biology, however, is the lack of acceptance as a legitimate field from other researchers within the biological sciences. Clarice explains how she is working with her colleagues to build out the field from the ground up; and one day she hopes that others will also see the vision of future discoveries that can come from understanding the intersection of biology and quantum engineering. Being a pioneer can be a lonely path, but someone has to do it! Listen to the episode, to learn more about Clarice's journey and the emerging field of quantum biology.  For more information visit our website: welovesciencepodcast.comReach out to Clarice:Email - cla@g.ucla.edu And read her recent article - It's Time to Take Quantum Biology Research Seriously And if you are interested in quantum biology, check out the book Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology by Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-KhaliliReach out to Fatu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comMusic by TimMoor from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130Music by ScottHolmesMusic https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot

Meet Dr. Clarice Aiello! She is a principal investigator at the quantum biology tech lab at the University of California, Los Angeles. Clarice has a background in quantum engineering, which means she studies the teeniest, tiniest particles that behave under their own special laws–the laws of quantum mechanics. Her current work combines her expertise to understand how nature might use quantum mechanics to function and function optimally. From her work she has seen that chemical reactions are directly affected by quantum mechanics, for example electrons use tunneling to optimize their function and magnetic fields influence chemical reactions due to a property called spin. This may come across as far out complicated science, but there are direct implications to how quantum phenomena, such as magnetic fields, cause changes in our cells which can lead to disease. As a primary investigator and leader of a research team the favorite part of her job is talking with her team about science. Listen to the episode, to learn more about Clarice's work and the emerging field of quantum biology.  For more information visit our website: welovesciencepodcast.comIf you enjoyed listening to our episode with Clarice, check out an episode with one of our past guests:Dr. Caroline Bartman - From Post doc to Assistant professorDr. Erin Jimenez - Ninja Warrior ScientistDr. Kelli Duncan - Estrogen Heals Both SexesReach out to Clarice:Email - cla@ucla.edu And read her recent article - It's Time to Take Quantum Biology Research Seriously And if you are interested in quantum biology, check out the book Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology by Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-KhaliliReach out to Fatu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comMusic by TimMoor from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130Music by ScottHolmesMusic https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot

Ever wondered what your life would be like if you didn't have access to a microwave oven? And I don't mean cooking over a fire for your camping trip or your Appalachian Trail hike (Ooooo this sounds awesome!) I mean every day for the rest of your life, planning and preparing all your meals, leftovers, quick snacks, movie night popcorn...everything! Now let's be clear, there are many people in the world who live their lives this way, and it's normal for them. But can you do it? Or is just the thought of it giving you terrifying end-of-the-world-daymares. I can speak from personal experience that it's not easy. When I go visit my family, even heating up water for tea has me pacing or grinding my teeth--my sister might say, "it's just an opportunity to practice patience."  Aaaarrgghh!!!In this episode, we discuss the accidental discovery that led to people like me kissing patience goodbye...that is, of course, until it comes back to bite us in the butt. Listen now to learn how curiosity and ingenuity changed our lives around food. For more information on this topic, visit our website: welovesciencecpodcast.comCurious to find out more about the science behind this topic?Learn about all the ways that YOU use electromagnetic waves every single day of your lifeLearn why Magnetrons are magicalIf you enjoyed this accidental discovery story, you will also  enjoy:The Accidental Discovery of PenicillinThe Truth about FoodA Hidden Genius StoryReach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comMusic from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Fatu and Shekerah are back at it with more fermentation talk . . .but this time in yogurt making! The process of fermentation, as a way to preserve foods, goes back thousands of years, as we learned in our first Food Science Short (The Science behind Baking with Yeast). Unlike with baking, however, yeast are not part of the process of fermenting milk to make yogurt, rather the work is done by our other favorite microorganism—bacteria! In yogurt making, bacteria break down the sugars in milk to produce acid, which changes the consistency of the proteins in the milk leading to a tart, thick, rich, smooth custard-like product. And, under the right conditions, it is very easy to even make yogurt at home! Interestingly, yogurt has been associated with many positive attributes that are believed to contribute to overall good health, but no one has been able to prove this definitively, even with modern studies. Listen to the episode to learn more and you might even be inspired to start your own delicious experiments in the kitchen!For more information visit our website: welovesciencepodcast.com Reach out to Fatu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comMusic by TimMoor from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130Music by ScottHolmesMusic https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot

Caroline Bartman, Ph.D. didn't start her science journey in childhood; in fact, she wasn't even interested in science at all in her youth. It wasn't until Caroline got into college that she was drawn into the problem solving and experimental aspects of research. After her first summer job at the NIH studying HIV, Caroline began to envision herself as a future scientist. However, as an international studies major in college with only one semester of lab experience, she felt she was at a disadvantage to make this pivot in her journey. Fortunately, Caroline had another opportunity to join a lab at the University of Chicago and her mentor instilled in her the confidence and support to follow her dream of becoming a scientist. Looking back, one thing she would do differently is learn basic programming for data analysis; this is a skill Caroline wished she had spent time on rather than learning it on the fly with google. Now that she is getting ready to set up her own lab, her dream is to do exciting and rigorous science with colleagues and lab members who feel motivated and supported to come to the Bartman lab everyday. Click the link to hear more about Caroline's journey as a “late bloomer” in science.   If you enjoyed Caroline's story, you may also enjoy:Dr. Erin Jimenez: Ninja Warrior Scientist - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/8978865 Dr. Kelli Duncan: Estrogen Heals Both Sexes - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/11216573Reach out to Caroline:Twitter: @Caroline_BartmaLab website: https://bartmanlabpenn.squarespace.com Reach out to Fatu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comMusic by TimMoor from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130Music by ScottHolmesMusic https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot

Today we are speaking with the wonderful Caroline Bartman, Ph.D. about her transition from post doctoral fellow at Princeton University to assistant professor at UPENN. Caroline currently studies cellular metabolism as a postdoc with the goal of understanding how and why metabolism differs in cancer cells compared to healthy cells. Overall, she has enjoyed her time as a postdoc and the opportunity to conduct independent work on interesting research. While the prospect of setting up her own lab in the near future is a little bit scary, she is looking forward to building a positive, supportive community where everyone feels they belong and can contribute to great science. The research focus of the Bartman Lab will be cells with extreme metabolism such as immune cells and cancer cells—an expansion of the focus of Caroline's current research as a postdoc. As a woman in science, overall her experience has been very good, but there have been moments when Caroline has felt undervalued for what she brings to the table. As she establishes her own lab and advances in her career, Caroline wants to work towards addressing issues that negatively impact the participation women in science. Click on the link to hear more about Caroline's work and her research interests! Reach out to Caroline:Twitter: @Caroline_BartmaLab website: https://bartmanlabpenn.squarespace.com Reach out to Fatu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comMusic by TimMoor from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130Music by ScottHolmesMusic https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot

 In this special short episode Shekerah and Fatu continue their deep dive into the food science of yeast—this time exploring how our favorite little microbe is a key player in fermented beverages like wine and beer. Humans have been fermenting beverages for thousands of years, and after many many years of trial and error, the underlying chemistry of fermentation started to come together. For almost 100 years beginning in the 1780's, many scientists experimented with different conditions to understand exactly how sugars were broken down into carbon dioxide and alcohol. But, it wasn't until 1850 when Louis Pasteur discovered that yeast were responsible for driving this specific reaction. Today, beer and winemakers have honed and perfected their understanding of both natural and commercial yeast to produce the many different varieties of fermented beverages available today, each with unique characteristics and flavors. For more information, visit our website: welovesciencepodcast.comReach out to Fatu:www.linkedin.com/in/fatubmTwitter: @fatu_bm and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comReach out to Shekerah:www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.comMusic from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoorMusic from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic