💡 How can curiosity and resilience transform barriers in STEM into pathways for the next generation of scientists?
In this episode of Science with Impact, we are joined by Dr. Stephanie Pazos, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Co-Owner & Chief Scientist at Heroica Technologies.
Dr. Pazos shares how persistence, mentorship, and inclusive teaching helped shape her path. She reflects on the moment organic chemistry unlocked her identity as a scientist, the barriers students face in higher education, and why failure is one of the most powerful teachers.
🤔 Who is this for?
Undergraduate educators seeking new ways to design courses that foster independence, reflection, and real research skills.
Early-career scientists navigating impostor syndrome, career uncertainty, or the challenge of balancing teaching, research, and personal growth.
STEM leaders & mentors interested in breaking down barriers, supporting diverse pathways, and preparing students for careers inside and outside academia.
📋 What is it about?
Dr. Pazos reflects on the power of curiosity, the importance of designing inclusive teaching models, and the challenges of mentoring in a post-COVID landscape. From founding a photonics company to reshaping undergraduate labs at UCSB, she offers practical lessons for how scientists and educators can dismantle barriers, foster resilience, and build inclusive communities of learning.
🔑 Key Takeaway: Science is not a straight path—it’s built on curiosity, failures, and resilience. By embracing inclusive teaching, mentorship, and professional development, researchers can create more equitable pathways into STEM and empower the next generation to thrive.
⌚️ Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
00:54 Welcome to the Podcast
01:07 Guest Introduction: Dr. Stephanie Pazos
02:49 Discovering a Passion for Science
05:25 Challenges and Inspirations
08:55 Innovative Teaching Methods
17:19 Graduate Student Support and Development
23:15 Entrepreneurship and Career Transitions
25:16 Future Guest and Closing Remarks
📣 Guests
Stephanie Pazos, Ph.D. — Assistant Teaching Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara; Chief Scientist and Co-Owner, Heroica Technologies
Host:
Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D., is the founder of Science with Impact, where we partner with research organizations to translate STEM advancements into measurable societal benefits beyond academia.
🙌🏽 Want to collaborate?
If you know of a research organization seeking support in:
Measuring (program evaluation, statistics/data analysis, and reporting) or
Communicating (illustration/animation, data visualization, and presentations)
the impact of their STEM research, click here to connect them with Dr. Rosa.
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Sincerely,
The Team at Science with Impact