Episodes: science

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 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..

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.