Episodes: science
The epidemiology of space with Sabine Bellstedt
A lot about what it is to be human is understanding who we are and where we came from, whether that's genetically, geographically, or otherwise. But what if we zoomed out and approached it at a galaxy level? What _could_ we learn about who we are, what we understand about the universe, and what humans are capable of achieving? Sabine Bellstedt is an astronomer working on the epidemiology of space and on large scale projects with international teams not only to understand the universe, but _how_ we understand the universe. Join us as we speak with Sabine about her journey to astrophysics, space epidemiology, and the impact of astronomical innovation.
Cultures, culture, and identity with Jayashree Srinivasan
Cultures have an incredible impact on our society, and not just anthropologically. Cultures in a microbial context have an equally significant impact on the industries that allow us to live the lives that we want. Jayashree Srinivasan is a microbiologist specialising in biotechnology and microbial research. Join us as we speak about Jaya's journey to cultivating cultures, the intersectionality of culture and identity, and the complementary nature of being both scientist and pastry chef..
Engineering, climate action, and politics with Zaneta Mascarenhas MP
Changes in career aren't a divergence from a path. The common thread is you, your experience, and how you can apply what you know in a difference space. Zaneta Mascarenhas is Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Swan. Join us as we speak about Zaneta's journey through engineering and resources, climate action, and politics -- and hear about how community and impact ties all of that together..
Superbugs and penpals with Dr Jennifer Payne
Having a penpal can be a life-changing experience. You can connect with someone over shared and unique experiences, and learn about a life or environment different from your own. It can even give you the opportunity to broaden your perspective about the world and your place in it. Jennifer Payne is a research scientist in the area of antimicrobial resistance and founder of STEMPals, an initiative that connects kids with STEM professionals. Join us as we chat about Jen's journey to microbiology, superbugs, and how having a penpal can create connection and change lives through a mutual love of Pokémon, being a Swifty, and STEM.
Chasing fireballs and the evolution of our solar system with Professor Gretchen Benedix
We've spoken about indirect career paths, but Professor Gretchen Benedix calls hers the pinball method, starting on a course that could change direction when she strikes something that she'd like to delve more into. This method has served Gretchen well and has given her opportunities to work with Dr Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, chase fireballs over the desert, hunt meteorites in Antarctica, and even get an asteroid named after her. Join us as we speak with Gretchen about her journey to astrogeology, discovering how the solar system evolved, and the Desert Fireball Network.
Veterinary policy and mental health with Dr Lydia Pethick
A common misconception about veterinary sciences is that it’s all about puppies and kittens, but that’s not always the case. Like other care providers, vets can have it tough in the service of the community and there is a lot of active work being done to ensure the vet industry, its people, the community, and not just the animals, can thrive. Join us as we speak with Dr Lydia Pethick, veterinarian, motivational speaker, and television presenter about working in policy and biosecurity as a vet, the state of mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary industry, and the actionable things we can do to positively impact our mindset and prevent burnout.
Plant immune systems and SciArt with Eleonora Moratto
A common thread between the arts and the sciences is storytelling. In both scenarios you’re building worlds, and creating an understanding of the mechanisms that make the system work (or not work), and the relationships within that bubble. Eleonora Moratto is the Biology Ballerina. She is a freelance professional ballet dancer, and is currently completing her PhD in plant pathogen interactions. Join us as we speak about Eleonora’s work exploring electrical fields and plant immune systems, and her journey as a SciArtist.
Creating opportunities for work life choices with Sirisha Kuchimanchi
What is your personal worth? From an internal perspective, it's about having confidence in your sense of self and your values. But let's expand on that. Your worth can also be viewed in the connections you have made in your personal or professional communities, be it the kids' soccer parent who knows a job you'd be great for, or the ex-coworker whose passion project is your passion, too. It's also of course your financial position and what you can do to change it. Because growth in all these areas gives you more space to grow as well. Join us as we speak with Sirisha Kuchimanchi, entrepreneur, speaker, and former engineering and manufacturing executive, about navigating her career through economic downturns, and how the different aspects of your personal worth give you more options.
Geospatial analysis and making information beautiful with Helen McKenzie
Geographic Information Systems. There, I've lost some of you already. But you're missing out, because GIS is more than about where things are, it's about why they're there, and quite a few of those reasons will be because of how people do people things. Helen McKenzie is a cartographer, data visualiser, and geospatial advocate, who is passionate about finding meaning in complex data and making information beautiful. We speak about her love of maps, and how we can use geospatial analysis to elegantly give more meaning to the way we live in the world around us, and keep our societies ticking away.
Health and medical research strategy with Professor Moira Clay
Ever thought about asking a member of parliament about how to become prime minister? Moira Clay, a leading research strategist, asked that very question, and she has now cultivated a career helping leaders in health and medical research make an impact both in research and the community. Join us as we speak about Moira's journey in medical research, and developing a holistic and comprehensive approach to cancer treatment.
Science film-making and D&D with Shamini Bundell
Science communication comes in all mediums, from film-making to journalism, even Dungeons and Dragons, and Shamini Bundell does it all. Shamini is an award-winning filmmaker, a writer, and a journalist, working on the Nature YouTube channel, podcast, and magazine online. She is also one of the members of RPGeeks, combining Dungeons and Dragons with science. Join us as we speak about Shamini's journey through science and science media production, her introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, and applying her broad skillset to both science communication and creative arts.
Biomedical to software engineering and paying our experiences forward through mentoring with Krithika Chandramouli
Krithika Chandramouli is a software engineer at Meta who is full bottle on full stack, and passionate about mentoring. Join us as we talk about Krithika's journey from biomedical to software engineering, paying her experiences forward through mentorship, and going from having a love-hate relationship with running, to completing a half-marathon.
The human side of clinical development and re-inspiring curiosity in science with Leah Elson
Leah Elson is a clinical development scientist, author, and science communicator whose research interests cover a wide range of medical fields. Join us as we speak about how Leah is here to help people through clinical development and research, her web series “60 Seconds of Science" where she dispenses accessible answers to scientific questions, and her new book "There Are (No) Stupid Questions… In Science".
Science Entrepreneurship and Turning Waste into Resources with Dr Kandis Leslie Gilliard-AbdulAziz
There's a lot of waste that comes out of industries that keep the cogs turning in our society, but waste not want not. There're a lot of people working on closing the loop by finding ways to turn that waste into new resources. Professor Kandis Leslie GillardAbdul-Aziz leads The Sustainable Lab. Join us as we speak about science entrepreneurship, and how we can engineer sustainable solutions out of waste in industry.
DNA - The Code of Life and Diversity for Innovation with Dr Parwinder Kaur
DNA is cool. It's the code of life and who we are at a biological level. Know what else is cool? Open-source DNA, for animal conservation. Dr Parwinder Kaur, an award-winning scientist, and entrepreneur. Join us as we speak about how Parwinder uses her talents in biotechnology and genetics for conservation, and creating sustainable solutions through interdisciplinary innovation.
Satellites, Wildfires, and Geography as Home Economics on a Global Scale with Dr Jessica McCarty
Dr Jessica McCarty specialises in all things satellites, wildfires, and agriculture and works with organisations like NASA and the Arctic Council on a range of fascinating problems around the relationship between humans and the world around us. Join us as we talk about fire, people, climate, and what Jessica describes as home economics on a global scale.
Inquiry-based Learning and the Impact of Educators with Anna Ritzema
Anna Ritzema is a STEM educator, and a primary programs and STEM innovations manager in rural and regional Western Australia. Join us as we talk about inquiry based learning, and how we can guide students through their curiosity, and help them to succeed.
Journeying through academia, industry, and entertainment with Dr Erin Macdonald
Dr Erin Macdonald is an astrophysicist, writer, producer, and science advisor. She is a one-woman STEM career panel and currently the science advisor for the Star Trek franchise. Join us as we talk about Erin's journey through academia, industry, and entertainment, learning to celebrate little wins, and Erin's love of teaching and sharing science to inspire the next generation.
Genetic Counselling & DNA with Kira Dineen
Kira Dineen is a genetic counsellor and podcaster who is passionate about science communication. Through Kira's main show DNA Today, she makes information about genetic technology, disorders, and news accessible to the world. Join us as we talk about Kira's journey to genetics, genetic counselling, and what we can and can't learn from DNA testing kits.
Forensic Chemistry and Physical Evidence with Dr Kari Pitts
Dr Kari Pitts works with physical evidence, analysing the remnants of everyday life left behind at crime scenes. Join us as we talk about Kari's journey to forensic science, working with physical evidence, and how it's not quite like CSI.