Science Wise

Rori and Emilia reflect on conversations they had with their brilliant guests this season, such as the invaluable lessons learned from their experiences, and the personal impact these stories have had on their own lives. The episode also answers listener questions and touches on the universal challenges faced by women in science and the strategies that their guests used to overcome them. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:20 Diverse Paths to Science: Personal Stories and Inspirations 02:34 Life Lessons from Science: Integrating Family, Managing Stress, and Embracing Change 08:24 Listener Questions: Earning Extra and Summing Up Lessons 17:19 Reflecting on the Journey: The Power of Podcasting and Community CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Emilia and Rori reflect on their insightful conversation with Dr. Fatimah Jackson, her admirable balance of family and career, her resilience in facing challenges, and her boldness in making life-changing decisions.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:47 Lessons from Dr. Fatimah Jackson 01:02 Lesson One: The Power of a Grounded Scientific Mission 03:11 Lesson Two: Balancing Sacrifice and Ease in a Scientific Career 06:14 Lesson Three: Bold Moves and Graceful Assertions 09:51 Reflecting on Dr. Fatimah Jackson's Impact and Closing Thoughts CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Emilia and Rori, host Dr. Fatimah Jackson, covering her groundbreaking journey as an African American woman in science, her significant contributions to understanding genetic variation in Black populations, and her challenges and triumphs in academia. Jackson shares insights from her early life, her exploration of human biology stirred by personal experience and cultural heritage, and her academic career path that led her from Cornell University to Howard University.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:56 Dr. Jackson's Early Life and Influences 03:59 From Tight Jeans to Biological Anthropology 06:06 The Journey to Cornell and Beyond 09:32 Adventures and Learnings in Tanzania 13:23 Returning to Academia with a Mission 21:08 Faith and Science: Dr. Jackson's Perspective 24:28 Navigating Academia: A Personal Journey 25:46 Challenges and Triumphs at UC Berkeley 37:39 Embracing Opportunities at Howard University 40:08 Reflecting on a Journey of Learning and Growth CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Rori and Emilia discuss their takeaways from their conversation with Dr. Maria Elena Zavala. They highlight the importance of drawing lessons and inspiration from one's family, the value of mentors beyond shared identities, and the necessity of diverse mentorship types. The conversation also covers personal growth through mentorship, both as mentors and mentees, and the impact of community and support networks in academic and scientific careers. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:21 Lesson One: Drawing Inspiration from Family 03:15 Lesson Two: The Importance of Trust and Rapport in Mentorship 08:18 Lesson Three: The Value of Diverse Mentorship 11:35 Leveraging Networks and Building Relationships 13:27 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Rori and Emilia engage in an enlightening conversation with the remarkable Dr. Maria Elena Zavala, a pioneering plant developmental biologist, and the first Latina to receive a PhD from UC Berkeley's botany department. Dr. Zavala shares insights into her early fascination with plants, and navigates through her educational and professional path, revealing the challenges and triumphs of being a woman of color in science. Dr. Zavala also delves into her impactful work in mentoring and amplifying the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields, which has earned her prestigious awards and recognition. Her story highlights the crucial role of mentorship and representation in fostering diversity within the scientific community. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:37 Celebrating Dr. Maria Elena Zavala's Trailblazing Journey in Science 06:07 The Power of Curiosity: Choosing Science Over Tradition 13:38 Mentoring and Making a Difference: Learning from Life and Academia 16:11 Navigating Academic Challenges: From UC Berkeley to Indiana 16:51 Transition to Yale: Pursuing Pollen Longevity and Roots 18:19 Choosing CSUN: A Decision Driven by Student Potential 26:50 The Power of Mentoring: Shaping Futures Beyond the Lab 29:09 Revise and Resubmit: Reflecting on a Career Without Regrets CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.