Science Wise
Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs are two renowned scientists on a mission to make the world of science more welcoming by learning from the experiences of scientists who came before us. Get ready to be inspired as they delve into the personal journeys of scientists who share with them the highs and lows that helped shape their careers. Enjoy motivating discussions filled with invaluable takeaways to guide you on your personal journey. Listening will feel like confiding in your wisest auntie, who just happens to be a badass scientist. ABOUT THE HOSTS: Emilia Huerta-Sanchez is an Associate Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Brown University. Rori Rohlfs is an Associate Professor of Data Science at the University of Oregon.
Episodes
Note: This episode includes discussions on sexual harassment.
Hosts Rori and Emilia talk with Dr. Pilar Ossorio, a University of Wisconsin Madison law professor, to dive into her unique journey through human genetics, law, and bioethics. Dr. Ossorio, also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, opens up about growing up in an academic and diverse family, overcoming misogyny and prejudice, and her shift f...
Emilia & Rori reflect on Dr. Wakimoto’s journey—from science fairs to academic service—discussing the impact of first authorship, challenges for first-gen students, and the importance of protecting students' time.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:38 Lessons on protecting the environment
01:35 The importance of first authorship
05:49 Reflecting on academic service
09:21 Discussing Dr. Wakimoto’s thoughts on retirement
CREDITS: This episode is pro...
Rori and Emilia chat with Dr. Barbara Wakimoto, geneticist, and Professor Emerita at the University of Washington. Dr. Wakimoto shares her journey from growing up on an Arizona farm to becoming a leader in genetics, her family’s World War II internment experience, and her pioneering work on heterochromatin.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
02:03 Dr. Wakimoto's Early Life and Family Background
22:17 Diving into the Science
24:58 Building a Supportive ...
Listen in as the hosts explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a trailblazing gay two-spirit computational chemist, whose career spans from the post-Stonewall era of the 1970s to today. The hosts delve into Dr. Ondrechen’s innovative approaches to building connections in a challenging and often hostile environment. They also discuss the detrimental effects of poor leadership on both morale and progress, and the crit...
Hosts Rory Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez chat with Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a leading computational chemist known for her work on predicting protein functions and designing machine learning software. They talk about her contributions to helping Indigenous scientists, her love for science from an early age, and the mentors who made a difference in her career. Dr. Ondrechen also shares what it’s like being an openly gay, two-spirit ...
Emilia and Rory discuss Dr. Joann Trejo's inspiring journey from fixing bikes in Stockton to becoming a UC Berkeley professor. They explore the pivotal role of mentorship in her life, from a vice principal to academic mentors, and share key insights on starting small, building infrastructure and balancing service with research.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
02:36 Building Mentorships: Reaching Out and Making Connections
05:11 Personal Mentorship...
Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Joann Trejo, a daughter of Mexican migrant farm workers who blossomed into a respected pharmacology professor at UC San Diego. Dr. Trejo shares how thinking beyond the lab helped her reach her goals and grow in biomedical research.
EPISODE CHAPERS:
02:52 Dr. Trejo's Early Life and Family Background
06:34 Educational Journey and Early Influences
10:26 College and Early Research Experiences
19:43 ...
Emilia and Rori share the biggest lessons gained from their conversation with Dr. Lisa White, such as learning to filter advice and prioritizing student well-being and safety during fieldwork.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:57 Lessons from Dr. Lisa White: New Eyes in Science
02:31 Mentorship and Belonging in Geology
04:10 Navigating Advice and Personal Filters
06:09 Field Work Challenges and Emotional Safety
CREDITS: This episode is produced...
Rori and Emilia speak with Dr. Lisa White, a multidisciplinary scientist in paleontology, oceanography, and geology about her inspiring journey from growing up in diverse San Francisco to shifting her focus from art and photography to geoscience.
She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced in a predominantly homogeneous field, her extensive research, and her role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Desp...
Rori and Emilia hash out their interview with Dr. Maria Orive, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from her experiences. Like the struggle for work/life balance, the critical role of supportive peers, and the undeniable importance of hard work over natural talent.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:44 Lesson 1: Basic Needs
03:04 Lesson 2: Peer Inspiration
05:26 Lesson 3: Hard Work Over Natural Talent
CREDITS: This episode is produced and edit...
Emilia and Rori speak with Dr. Maria Orive from the University of Kansas, who shares her journey as a Cuban American who became a renowned population geneticist. She discusses growing up in a Cuban American community in Olympia, Washington, and her academic journey through Stanford and UC Berkeley, including the challenges she faced. As an associate dean and fellow at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Ori...
In this special live recording of Science Wise, hosts Rori and Emilia sit-down in Juriquilla, Mexico with the founding faculty of LIIGH (Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano), to discuss the lab's groundbreaking origins, remarkable achievements, and impressive collaborations among its founding faculty (all women), which have helped propel the lab to international recognition and growth. Special thanks t...
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 ...
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...
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 Corn...
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 scientifi...
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 d...
Emilia and Rori highlight their main takeaways from their conversation with Dr. Sue Rosser. Such as the importance of building relationships with those who share your identity, setting ambitious goals, and seeking mentorship during career transitions. Dr. Rosser's story is a powerful example of overcoming adversity and making significant contributions to feminism and academia.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:43 Life of Dr. Sue Rosser
00:58 L...
Rori and Emilia engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Sue Rosser, a pioneering figure for women in STEM. Having started her career in the 1960s, Dr. Rosser has made significant contributions through her research in zoology, studies on the experiences of women in STEM, and her advocacy for feminist principles within these fields. Dr. Rosser discusses the challenges she faced, including sexual harassment and the struggle fo...
Rori and Emilia discuss their take-home lessons from Dr. Ivelisse Rubio such as the importance of focus and dedication in research, the value of critical thinking and mathematical logic in navigating life, and the necessity of sustainability in academic and scientific efforts.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
04:45 The Power of Mathematical Thinking in Life
06:11 Learning to Avoid Burnout: Ive’s Organizational Challenges
07:50 Sustainable Model...
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