The Squiggly Line with Katelyn Jetelina

About this episode

Dr. Katelyn Jetelina discusses navigating nonlinear careers in science and public health with Dr. John Schwartzberg.

How do you navigate a nonlinear, “squiggly line” career in science and public health? Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and scientific communicator, explores challenges of science communication within academia—from cultural resistance to misaligned incentives—and why so much vital research never reaches the public. Joined by Dr. John Schwartzberg, Professor Emeritus, School of Public Health, they discuss the growing opportunities for scientists both within and beyond academia, and what needs to change to better support public impact across all career paths. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 41067]

People in this episode

Guest: Katelyn Jetelina

Topics covered

• nonlinear careers
• science communication
• public health
• academic challenges
• research impact

Keywords

• epidemiology
• science communication
• public impact
• academic culture
• career paths

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UC Berkeley Graduate Council, School of Public Health

More episodes of UC Berkeley Graduate Council Lectures (Audio)

• The Constitutional Right to Transition: Reconstruction and the Political History of Transphobia · May 15, 2026 · 1h 18m
• Is This Your Only Life? · April 17, 2026 · 1h 20m
• Three Ages and Three Intelligences: Exploit Explore Empower with Alison Gopnik · February 18, 2026 · 1h 17m
• Can a Liberal Polity Survive the Politics of Grievance? · February 11, 2026 · 1h 24m
• The Soul – Spirit is My Altar with Marta Moreno Vega · December 20, 2025 · 56 min
• Public Health: How to Make the Invisible Visible with Katelyn Jetelina · December 15, 2025 · 1h 13m