Science Wise

DESCRIPTION: Wrapping up Season 2, Drs. Rori Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez return with a special twist: this episode is driven by your questions—and answered by the inspiring scientists we’ve featured all season.This finale isn’t just a look back—it’s a conversation shaped by curiosity. With insights from guests like Dr. Joann Trejo, Dr. Lisa White, Dr. Maria Orive, and more, Rori and Emilia dive into what it takes to thrive in science. They go beyond the lab, from missed opportunities and navigating stereotypes to building resilience and finding unexpected breakthroughs.A big thank-you to the Science-Wise community for listening, questioning, and growing with us this season! Please let us know what you thought of seasons one and two in the reviews, we’d love to know. EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:31 Highlighting Our Esteemed Guest02:35 Listener Questions: Biggest Failures05:59 Facing Stereotypes in Science14:49 Support from Science Mentors17:20 Dealing with Toxic Work Environments24:00 Unexpected Career Flukes27:56 Wrapping Up Season TwoCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

DESCRIPTION:Dr. Anne Stone joins Emilia and Rori for an in-person conversation, sharing her journey into the world of ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Anne, a Regents Professor at Arizona State University, shares how her childhood curiosity led to a career studying ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Stone reflects on her early life, time studying in Germany, and education at Penn State. She talks about her research on ancient diseases like tuberculosis, her work in forensic genetics, and the challenges she faced along the way.EPISODE CHAPTERS:02:10 – Early life and family05:57 – Academic path and early interests09:40 – Grad school and first research projects17:05 – Starting her career18:18 – Research ideas and teamwork19:40 – Challenges with ancient DNA20:21 – Becoming a professor23:08 – Studying tuberculosis29:14 – Forensic genetics work33:20 – Final thoughts and future plansCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist of Esri and former faculty at Oregon State University, about her incredible journey in marine geology. Dr. Wright shares her experiences growing up under the influence of an ambitious mother, her challenges and milestones in academia, and her groundbreaking research adventures. Her stories encapsulate her dive into the Challenger Deep, overcoming academic obstacles, and exemplary mentorship. Dr. Wright also discusses self-care and balancing personal and professional ambitions.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:26 Meet Dr. Dawn Wright: Marine Geologist Extraordinaire01:52 Dr. Wright’s Early Life and Influences05:19 Adventures in Hawai’i and Early Ocean Fascination09:47 Transition to Maryland and Academic Pursuits12:33 College Choices and Mentorship14:29 Graduate Studies and Challenges17:26 Entering the Field of Oceanography18:42 Switching Advisors and Finding Mentors21:50 Completing the Thesis Against the Odds24:38 Becoming a Marine Technician28:18 Exploring the Deep Sea32:38 Reflections and Career AdviceCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

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 from microbiology to law. She shares her work on major genetic projects like the 1000 Genomes Project, her advocacy against sexual harassment, and her contributions to bioethics. EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:35 Introducing Dr. Pilar Ossorio02:02 Pilar's Upbringing and Family Background07:35 Academic Journey: From Rural Colorado to Stanford11:59 Graduate School Challenges and Activism24:59 Transition to Bioethics and Law38:17 Current Projects and Future FocusCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Pilar Ossorio

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 Background22:17 Diving into the Science24:58 Building a Supportive Lab Environment25:27 The Journey to Tenure29:17 Balancing Service and Research39:03 Reflections on Retirement40:31 Revise and Resubmit: Career ReflectionsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

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 scientist and reflects on her career journey, the importance of mentorship, and her work to make science more inclusive for future generations.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:29 Meet Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen03:26 High School Chemistry Adventures05:33 College and Career Beginnings07:55 Graduate School and Beyond15:50 Faculty Life and Sabbaticals20:13 Transition to Biological Research22:58 COVID-19 Research Efforts26:28 Gender and Sexuality in Science32:37 Revise and Resubmit: Career ReflectionsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen. 

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 Background06:34 Educational Journey and Early Influences10:26 College and Early Research Experiences19:43 Pursuing a Faculty Position23:07 Balancing Academia and Mentorship24:41 Facing Bias and Discrimination25:43 Why some scientists should get an MBA35:15 Reflections and AdviceCREDITS:  This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. Special thanks to Dr. Joann Trejo. This is a Diferente Creative production.

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. Despite facing racism and misogyny, Dr. White remains committed to her passion for geology and advocates for environmental justice while inspiring the next generation of diverse scientists.EPISODE CHAPTERS:02:35 Early Life and Inspirations03:14 Discovering a Passion for Science10:30 Challenges and Mentorship in Geoscience19:10 Family Legacy and SF State Connections21:21 Returning as Faculty: Challenges and Reflections24:41 Leadership Roles and NSF Grants25:09 Transition to a New Role at Berkeley31:33 Mentorship and Field Trips: Inspiring Future Scientists35:57 Overcoming Professional Challenges and ConflictsCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. Special thanks to Dr. Lisa White. This is a Diferente Creative production.

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. Orive highlights the significance of mentorship, the importance of resilience, and the balance between work and personal life in academia.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Science Wise Season 201:36 Growing Up Cuban American in Olympia03:46 Early Interests and Challenges07:19 Academic Journey and Influences13:10 Undergraduate Research Experience18:09 Graduate School and Mentorship20:18 Challenging Postdoc Experience22:33 Struggles with Dissertation Completion28:33 Transition to Faculty and Career Growth37:21 Revise and Resubmit: Overcoming RejectionCREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. The hosts are Dr. Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Dr. Rori Rohlfs. Special thanks to Dr. Maria Orive. 

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 Science: Personal Stories and Inspirations 02:34 Life Lessons from Science: Integrating Family, Managing Stress, and Embracing Change 08:24 Listener Questions: Earning Extra and Summing Up Lessons 17:19 Reflecting on the Journey: The Power of Podcasting and Community CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

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 Cornell University to Howard University. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:56 Dr. Jackson's Early Life and Influences 03:59 From Tight Jeans to Biological Anthropology 06:06 The Journey to Cornell and Beyond 09:32 Adventures and Learnings in Tanzania 13:23 Returning to Academia with a Mission 21:08 Faith and Science: Dr. Jackson's Perspective 24:28 Navigating Academia: A Personal Journey 25:46 Challenges and Triumphs at UC Berkeley 37:39 Embracing Opportunities at Howard University 40:08 Reflecting on a Journey of Learning and Growth CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

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 delves into her impactful work in mentoring and amplifying the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields, which has earned her prestigious awards and recognition. Her story highlights the crucial role of mentorship and representation in fostering diversity within the scientific community. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:37 Celebrating Dr. Maria Elena Zavala's Trailblazing Journey in Science 06:07 The Power of Curiosity: Choosing Science Over Tradition 13:38 Mentoring and Making a Difference: Learning from Life and Academia 16:11 Navigating Academic Challenges: From UC Berkeley to Indiana 16:51 Transition to Yale: Pursuing Pollen Longevity and Roots 18:19 Choosing CSUN: A Decision Driven by Student Potential 26:50 The Power of Mentoring: Shaping Futures Beyond the Lab 29:09 Revise and Resubmit: Reflecting on a Career Without Regrets CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

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 for recognition in academic publishing. The discussion also touches on her experiences as a lesbian in academia, and her thoughts on the current state and future of women in STEM. TIME CODE OF MAIN EVENTS: 02:49 From French Major to Science Trailblazer: Dr. Rosser's Academic Path 05:46 Discovering Feminism and Fighting Sexual Harassment 12:12 Embarking on a Career in Women's Studies and Biology 16:39 Confronting Gender Bias in Academic Publishing 20:21 A Personal Journey: Coming Out and Navigating Academia 25:00 Transitioning Careers: From Mary Baldwin to a Broader Impact 33:11 Leveraging Leadership Positions for Change 35:57 Revise and Resubmit: Reflecting on Career Choices 37:55 Closing Thoughts CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.