Women in Science and Medicine Podcast

Mallory continues her series of conversations with female scientists in this special episode featuring yet another WVU alumna, Dr. Rachel Hostetler. In their discussion, Rachel shares insights into her diverse academic interests, her decision to transition directly from graduate school into the private sector, and the exciting real-world applications she's involved with at the Allen Institute. Tune in to hear more about her inspiring career journey and the cutting-edge work shaping the future of science!

The WISM podcast returns with another in a series highlighting alumni of WVU! Mallory chats with Dr. Amanda Stover, now an Assistant Professor at Clemson University in their Department of Public Health Services. They discuss her Appalachia-relevant research at the intersection of mental health and suicide and substance abuse. They also talk about Dr. Stover's love of teaching, mentoring, and staying interconnected with other scientists, along with some reflection on her time at WVU as a trainee on a T32 training program. 

The WISM podcast returns with one of WVU's very own! Mallory chats with Dr. Savannah Sims, a graduate of the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program. She's a passionate advocate of STEM and directed her career towards that aim. Dr. Sims relates inspiring and practical advice around finding your passion as a scientist, pushing against your comfort barriers to leverage your professional development, and using networking as an essential strategic career tool in any profession. She also shares how every one of us can be an advocate for science!

Mallory sits down with Dr. Carrie Shaffer, Assistant Professor in the Veterinary Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics Departments at the University of Kentucky.  They discuss her passionate pursuit of science from a very early age, some of the unique characteristics and duties of land grant institutions like WVU and UK, understanding the culture of Appalachia and the power of women increasingly saying “no”.

In this episode, Mallory chats with Dr. Cynthia Chestek, Associate Chair for Research in Biomedical Engineering and Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Dr. Chestek highlights the differences of practicing science in industry vs. academia, her career journey overall and her exciting research that aims to one day allow paralyzed patients to control prosthetics limbs!

In this episode, Mallory talks to Dr. Kaela Singleton, a neuroscientist at Emory University. Dr. Singleton talks about her love of school, neuroscience, and her studies in rare neurological disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders.

In this episode, Mallory talks with Dr. Louise Risher, Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University Dr. Risher discusses her research in studying the long-term effects of binge drinking on the brains of adolescents, her love for curiosity and science, and the challenges facing young female scientists.

In this episode, Mallory talks with Dr. Nicquet Blake, Vice Provost of Student Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate Division at the University of California-San Francisco. Dr. Blake discusses her passion for diversity in education, the benefits of holistic admissions, and the potential long-term impacts the pandemic will have on our entire educational system and how to perhaps avoid them.

In this episode, Mallory chats with Dr. Karen Frank, Chief of Laboratory Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Frank shares details about her career and insights into challenges young women can face in careers like hers, as well as strategic ways to overcome them.  She also shares beneficial insights focused on networking and mentoring relationships.

In this episode, Mallory talks with Dr. Melissa Lewis, Assistant Professor in the University of Missouri's School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Lewis shares details about her fascinating work in partnering with indigenous people to enhance their healthcare and how she is also working with healthcare communities to provide better care for indigenous patients who often experience bias and disparity in our healthcare system.

In this episode, Mallory sits down with Dr. Shelley Hwang, Duke University's Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Surgery, Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Radiology, and Co-Leader of their Women's Cancer Program in the Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Hwang discusses her many valued roles at Duke, her journey there, the deeply personal and rewarding mission of treating patients, and some of the obstacles she sees women facing in the fields of science and medicine.

Find out about what The Women in Science and Medicine podcast is all about in this preview episode. Hosted by Mallory Weaver, this podcast will feature discussions with some of the country's top female scientists to understand how they came to be passionate about science and overcame any obstacles in their paths. This podcast is offered by West Virginia University's Office of Research and Graduate Education.