In this episode Rachael L'Heureux, an outreach specialist with Arizona Project WET, shares her transition from her water-rich hometown of Seattle to the arid landscapes of Arizona. She discusses her career path intertwining science communication and water conservation. Rachel's passion for science communication was ignited by her father's involvement in policy advocacy, which instilled in her a desire to bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness. Through her undergraduate and graduate studies, Rachel realized the importance of practical experience and specialization within STEM fields, learning that employers value project work over mere academic credentials. She reflects on her time at the Arizona Department of Water Resources, where she encountered challenges within a rapidly changing team structure, prompting her to prioritize a collaborative and supportive work environment. Rachel emphasizes the significance of networking in advancing one's career, offering practical tips for effective communication, whether through cold emails or networking events. Throughout the conversation, Rachel underscores the importance of finding one's professional tribe and cultivating meaningful connections within the STEM community. Her insights serve as valuable guidance for aspiring scientists and communicators navigating the diverse landscape of STEM careers.

In this episode Dr. Paul Ryan, a physicist whose career has taken him on a fascinating journey into the realm of biophysics. Dr. Ryan shares his motivations for pursuing a career in STEM, influenced by his aptitude for math and the captivating discussions with his engineer grandfather. From his tenure at Raytheon to his decision to pursue a PhD in biophysics, Dr. Ryan reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career trajectory. Listeners gain insights into the challenges of applying an undergraduate physics degree in industry, as Dr. Ryan discusses his role in failure analysis at Raytheon and the importance of interdisciplinary skills. The conversation highlights the significance of computational methods in modern physics research and industry applications, emphasizing their role in both experimental and theoretical work. Throughout the episode, Dr. Ryan offers valuable advice for aspiring physicists, including the importance of embracing failure, negotiating one's worth, and cultivating a supportive work culture. From navigating career transitions to leveraging diverse perspectives in problem-solving, this episode provides a wealth of insights for anyone interested in the dynamic intersection of physics and biophysics.

In this episode Sara Kobilka, the founder of Renaissance Woman Consulting, discusses multifaceted careers and navigating beyond traditional STEM career pipelines. Sara shares her journey from aspirations in broadcast journalism to her current role in science communication and emphasizes the value of embracing diverse interests and interdisciplinary opportunities. Through personal anecdotes, Sara recounts pivotal moments in her career from transitioning between industries to grappling with professional challenges. She highlights the importance of resilience, mentorship, and seeking external perspectives during times of uncertainty. Moreover, Sara underscores the significance of platforms like LinkedIn in building networks and accessing industry insights.

In this episode Dr. Navin McGinnis, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in theoretical particle physics at the University of Arizona, shares his odyssey from a childhood curiosity to the forefront of theoretical physics. Through candid storytelling, Navin reveals how his insatiable curiosity and a series of serendipitous encounters ignited his passion for unraveling the mysteries of the universe. Navin's journey is one of chance, inspiration, and relentless pursuit. He discusses the pivotal role of networks in the scientific community, emphasizing the collaborative nature of modern research. Navin explains the challenges faced by early-career scientists, offering valuable insights into the realities of navigating postdoctoral contracts and the importance of resilience in the face of uncertainty.

In this podcast episode, Angelica Escorto a PhD candidate in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Arizona, talks about her journey from being an undergraduate student to pursuing advanced research of breast cancer. Angelica shares how she stumbled upon her passion for research during her junior year as an undergrad, highlighting the excitement of conducting her own projects and exploring new scientific questions. She discusses her decision to pursue a PhD and the fulfillment she finds in potentially impacting lives through her work. Throughout the conversation, Angelica reflects on challenges she faced, including speaking up in professional settings and battling imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the importance of finding support networks and mentors, especially for women and underrepresented groups in STEM. In offering advice to undergraduate students interested in STEM careers, Angelica encourages them to embrace opportunities and seek out supportive communities that can guide them through their academic journey. The episode closes with Angelica expressing her hope that her story will inspire and reassure undergraduate students, letting them know that they are not alone in their struggles and that there are resources and people willing to help them succeed in STEM.

In this episode, Erin Lansey shares her journey from studying environmental science to pursuing a career in environmental engineering. Growing up with a civil engineer father, Erin initially shied away from the field but found herself drawn to it as she discovered a passion for solving environmental challenges. Erin discusses the critical issues surrounding water management in the desert southwest and her role in ensuring clean water for the community. Reflecting on her career trajectory, Erin emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities and being open to pivoting within the field of engineering. She shares personal anecdotes of transitioning from hydrology to remediation engineering and eventually delving into data science and analytics. Through these experiences, Erin highlights the value of adaptability and continuous learning in shaping a successful engineering career. The conversation also delves into professional challenges, including learning from mistakes, the importance of networking, and relationship-building in the engineering industry. Erin offers valuable advice to those starting their careers, stressing the significance of participating in networking opportunities, and staying open to new experiences.

In this episode Lori Schultz, a seasoned expert in research intelligence, shares her unique journey over three decades in higher education into the realm of data-driven decision-making. She offers practical insights and lessons learned along the way. Lori recounts the evolution of her career from chance beginnings to leveraging data for academic research. Through candid conversations, she explores the pivotal role of data analysis in navigating challenges, the art of asking the right questions in data analysis, and the crucial role of data scientists in translating complex insights into actionable strategies. From managing stakeholder expectations to adapting to rapid technological advancements, Lori provides valuable advice for aspiring data professionals.

In this inspiring episode, Joshua John, a member of the Navajo Nation, senior systems engineer at Raytheon, and board member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, imparts his career journey from Shiprock, New Mexico to a leading aerospace engineering company. Joshua introduces himself through his four traditional clans: the Folded Arms Clan, the Apache Clan, the Mexican Clan, and the Bear Enemies Clan, setting the stage for a conversation that intertwines cultural identity with engineering aspiration. Joshua shares his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, sparked by a fascination with the stars and aerospace, nurtured under the vast skies of the Navajo reservation. He discusses the influential role of his parents, his journey through education, and the crucial decision points that shaped his career. Joshua reflects on the importance of taking chances and embracing opportunities. Joshua relates a challenging professional situation that tested his leadership skills and ethics. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, courage, and the sometimes uncomfortable obligation to lead by example and address inadequacies within a team dynamic, even when confronting superiors. Closing with advice for those just starting their careers, Joshua emphasizes the significance of being open to possibilities, the willingness to take risks, and the importance of being a good listener and a proactive team member. His journey is not just a tale of personal achievement but a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and engineers from all backgrounds.

In this episode, Brent Jesiek, a professor at Purdue University, discusses his background and career path in engineering. He notes that while he was steered towards engineering because of his strengths and interests, he wishes he had explored a wider range of internships and extracurricular experiences to better understand the range of career paths available. Brent emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse interests outside of engineering, such as extracurricular activities, elective courses, and study abroad programs. He suggests that integrating these interests into one’s career can lead to fulfilling and creative opportunities. Brent also shares two early career challenges that taught him the importance of building trust and reflecting on the ethical implications of technology. Finally, he also encourages students to explore the wide range of career paths available to them, even those that may not be immediately obvious. By doing so, he believes that students can find a career that is fulfilling and aligns with their interests and values.

In this episode of the podcast, Yoon Chung, a veteran in program management in the software engineering field, shares his journey on how he got into program management and the importance of communication in his role. He emphasizes the significance of being willing to ask questions and being vulnerable, especially at the beginning of one’s career. He shares a challenging situation he faced in his career and what he learned from it, including taking care of one’s physical and mental health and having a work-life balance. Yoon also gives advice to listeners starting their careers by encouraging them to travel the world, take care of themselves, and lead with optimism.