Big Sisters in STEM

“Equal opportunity, intersectionality and where DOES physics meet philosophy?" In conversation with UoM VC Prof Duncan Ivison – a bonus episode

Following a season filled with big questions, we’re BACK - and this time we’re taking them straight to the top. In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Professor Duncan Ivison (he/him), Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, to explore what equal opportunity, centering human experience, and intersectionality really mean for the future of STEM and beyond.

We are also joined by Season Two Big Sister and exceptionally gifted Physics Student, Esther Ngongala (she/her). Listen as Esther and Duncan quickly find common ground across her world of Physics and his in Philosophy, and we find ourselves asking: is identifying the right question as illuminating as finding the answer?

So, grab a coffee and settle in for an episode where STEM meets the Humanities, and where we’re reminded that together we may be stronger than ever.

About our guests

Since joining the University in August 2024, Duncan has become a beloved face on campus, and a friend to students and staff alike. Raised in Montreal, and previously serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor at The University of Sydney, Duncan’s own educational background is within political philosophy and theory. He has written extensively on postcolonialism, liberalism, and indigenous rights - and yes, we did prepare for this episode by reading his paper ‘Why Globalise the Curriculum?’

If you’re a Season Two listener, you will recognise Esther Ndongala from Episode 4, where she shared her journey into studying Physics at Manchester. From a summer spent in research labs through the Nuffield Scheme to becoming a Cowrie Scholar, Esther not only excels in understanding complex science and its impact, but she has a gift for communicating it. Now in her second year, we can’t wait to see where her path leads next.

Voted by popular demand! We're honoured to be joined by the NEW representative for the University of Manchester's Faculty of Science and Engineering... the wonderful Amrit Dhillon (she/her). Elected by her peers, she is basically an MP for her student cohort, championing their interests and getting their voices heard! 

Amrit has always been a leader. Living in close proximity to Rolls-Royce HQ, she grew up going to 'women in engineering' events with her mum, so STEM has always felt like an option. Raised with her head held high, the unequal gender split at university was shocking. It's unsurprising then, she'll soon be attending meetings with senior staff and hosting 'Faculty Forums' to hear students' POV - determined to make no-one feel left behind.

This LEAD MCR role from the Students' Union came at the right time; Amrit shares how she struggles to fit her hobbies into her busy study schedule, and there's an overwhelming number of options to consider post-graduation. With the artistic flair she brings to her engineering solutions, she's more than ready to embark on this new challenge with creative engagement initiatives.

We had such an incredible time recording this spotlight episode! You'll definitely want to hear how Amrit's full-time paid role offers a break from her Mechanical Engineering studies, an AMAZING opportunity for personal development and a chance to give others women that unshakeable self-belief.

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

If you didn't guess from this title, geology ROCKS! In this episode, both our guests were captivated by the great outdoors at a very young age, whether it was star-gazing out their bedroom windows or trawling for newts in the garden pond. These childhood dreams became Esther Ndongala's and Natalie Farrell's grown-up realities, and the invisible string which ultimately connected them years later.

Natalie is a Geologist based in the Rock Defamation Lab, which is *literally* as cool as it sounds. Her research investigates the effects of fractures on the structural properties of rocks, among other incredible things. Basically, metamorphic rocks are her jam! She became an academic after spending four years in male-dominated industry, and actually completed her PhD while having her first baby! She runs an incredible programme called The Nuffield Scheme, inviting 17-year-olds from low-income local schools into the lab.

Meanwhile, Esther has been a gifted student from childhood, and her acceptance onto the Nuffield Scheme by Natalie was foundational in her journey into research at Manchester! She now successfully holds the VERY impressive Cowrie Scholarship, and her love for physics far transcends outdated perceptions of the subject. Unfortunately, Esther feels incredibly under-represented as a black woman in her chosen field; there's less than 10 black students in her cohort of 200, where the gender split is only % women.

This episode is one of our favourites. We cover so much, from conference childcare and beautiful rock illustrations, to comparing Albert Einstein to... Troy Bolton (?!)

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

CHAPTERS

1:45 lt all started that summer (Nuffield Scheme)
2:21 The Rock Deformation Lab 
2:51 Chemistry of rocks
4:00 You're the first person to see what you're seeing
6:03 Preparing for a placement
7:58 Why I study physics...
9:18 Geoscience pathways at Manchester
11:41 Meteorites, oh my!
15:40 Practical physics
18:50 The merit in doing experiments yourself
19:34 Representation in academia
23:55 New discoveries in physics
24:27 Physics is a team sport
25:50 Troy bolton and Einstein?
27:24 Male dominated fields
30:43 The figureheads of physics
31:00 Treatment of women in labs
31:30 Finding communities in geoscience
32:30 Having children in academia
33:25 Oil and gas
35:00 Sexual harassment in the workplace
37:10 Career progression for women in STEM
39:55 Becoming a parent during your PhD
44:02 Shoutout to Wigan!
45:50 'The greatest scientists are artists'
46:14 Choosing the right A-Levels
47:35 Unconventional science 🌀

You could rightfully say these two guests are the definition of go-getters. A natural fire burns in their bellies to over-achieve, which is textbook big-sister behaviour. However, we also explore how this is driven by personal circumstance too, and how 'time-poverty' impacts working class students getting into STEM.

First off, meet Catherine Sayer. As a 'Draper's 30 Under 30' Fashion Buyer (and Manchester Alumni, ofc), she is nothing if not dedicated. Catherine read the Drapers Magazine list as a undergraduate student, vowing to one day make that roster through hard-work, knowledge of her craft and yielding a 'faking it until you make it' attitude. Now recently crowned alongside industries figureheads like Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague, Catherine is in a whole other league of climbing the career ladder.

Meanwhile, let us introduce you to second-year Chemical Engineering student, Aram Ameen, who is not going to shy away from talking about intersectionality in STEM and networks for working-class students! She's President of the 93 Degrees Club (who recently hosted TED, btw?!), which delivers opportunities, spaces and employee connections to state-school educated girls. She's an oldest child AND a big sister - you could just say she's a professional problem solver.

We chat to Aram and Catherine about everything: transitioning into Sixth Form, achieving HUGE life goals and learning to swim - not sink - when life gets overwhelming.

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

What better way to start season two than with a sprinkle of inspiration? From chasing your dreams, to recognising your strengths, we are joined by two guests who have actually already met. Jari (she/her) was plucked out of a queue at a career event by Tam (she/her) who recognised what it felt like to feel drowned out by louder voices. Tam actually has a picture of this moment on her LinkedIn profile! Today your hosts Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her) and Alice Stevens (she/her) reunite the two to talk about what it means to refuse to shrink yourself and how to amplify the things that make your skillset unique at school, university, in your careers, and at home.

It can't go without saying how delighted we are to be joined by Tammana Haque (she/her), Lead Data Scientist at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and University of Manchester (UoM) alum. You could call Tam a master of manifestation, as this is the same person who fangirled over Jaguar as a little girl online. From a young age, she has also always loved Maths (together with her twin sister!) and is passionate about the subject of Maths as one of the best pathways to data science. At JLR, Tam has also set up a 'Women in AI' network and she has recently welcomed her first child, Lana.

It is also a total joy to welcome to the show, Jari (she/her) - third year Mechatronics student, winner of UoM Hackathon 2024, and multi-passionate advocate for making de-stigmatising neurodivergence. Specifically, we explore Jari's experiences in STEM leading to, and since her, ADHD diagnosis, and both the challenges and huge strengths in that brings. From appreciation of the arts to pattern recognition - we leave no stone unturned!

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

When you hear someone say "...and then I ate my words", you know it's going to be a good episode. Joining hosts Jasmine (she/her) and Alice (she/her), Modinat (she/her) and Ashika (she/her) chat about the gift of confidence - a sprinkle of which can be the difference between a B and an A*, it turns out. There's also discourse on getting the energy right - finding that delicate balance between work/home, and who fills your cup - as well as how our guests found their path into this wacky and wonderful industry. That's the good, the bad, and the ugly.

We're joined by Modinat, a first year PhD student in Inorganic Chemistry and the baby of her research peers! She really cares about making her craft (making mirrors sounds pretty much like magic) accessible for others on a global scale with her social media, as well through conversations at the kitchen table with her family.

We're lucky enough to have not one, but two fundamental science girlies with us! Ashika (she/her) is a Physics alumni and expert STEM tutor for high-school students all around the world. Aside from getting them the best grades, she is a BIG advocate for emboldening students with critical thinking and a lasting confidence to store in their life-long 'toolkit'.

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

What if you could change things? Break barriers, earn a PhD, be more confident? The good news is, you can. Today we're joined by Researcher Claire Brown (she/her) from The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, who looks closely at social housing being built in the UK, using climate scenarios to see how our infrastructure might perform in 2050 or even 2080. Claire is also co-chair of the IEMA North West Steering Group, a mum of two, and brings her PhD to an impressive resume built on over 15 years industry experience.

Also a working on her PhD after dipping her toe into industry waters at Cambridge Business Park, we are lucky to have Elle Franks (she/her). Elle's research area is all about improving our telescopes and radio signals from space. Alongside her busy schedule studying and teaching, Elle is an advocate for authentic LGBTQI+ representation and role models, recently filming for the BBC debunking the 'dangers' of EMF blockers.

Joining our hosts Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her) and Alice Stevens (she/her), we talk about everything from 'being a little nosey' to returning to education as a mature student. Site-work, empowerment, finding the right fit on your journey... expect golden advice from the best.
So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

Big Sisters in STEM is back! Jasmine returns with new guests, a new studio, and even a new Co-Host... welcoming Season-One co-Producer Alice to the microphone 🎙️

Join us as we invite the brightest, most creative minds from the STEM stratosphere to talk everything from ADHD to winning awards! 

It’s our final episode of season one, and we’re going out with a bang! Delving into the dimension of supercars and laundry detergents designed for NASA, Jasmine (she/her) is joined by University of Manchester alumni Ella Podmore MBE (she/her) and Chemical Engineering student Shree Kumaresan (she/her).

Challenging the expectation that women in engineering must have been raised with a spanner in their hand, Ella argues that it’s actually a brave choice to remain a “girl’s girl” in a masculine space. Together, we talk about subverting expectations and how it’s okay if you haven’t got imposter syndrome all figured out yet… after all, who does?

As Shree prepares to enter her industrial placement this Summer, she opens up on how it feels to be intimidated by the idea of entering new spaces, but also excited. It’s all about embracing our evolution – in our education, career, and ourselves!

So for the final time this season, put your headphones on, get comfy, and join us as we sit down and share our stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh too. If you thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice, yes you do.

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Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cd6_IlETQ2A

· About the guests

Where do we begin when it comes to introducing Ella Podmore MBE (she/her)? Previous IET Woman Engineer of the Year, Senior Materials Engineer at McLaren, MBE holder, and of course, Manchester alum (!) – Ella is virtually famous back here on the campus she once studied at. Today we talk about the cutting-edge work Ella is working on not only as an Engineer, but also in engaging with the wider community and nurturing upcoming young voices in the field too. As we traverse imposter syndrome, being a ‘girl’s girl’ in a traditionally masculine field, and finding your voice, we come to know Ella as both an inspiration and a truly supportive voice.

Be it winning writing competitions, learning new languages, or approaching STEM a little differently, Shree Kumaresan (she/her) believes in taking a holistic approach to solving real-world problems. A Chemical Engineering student keen to get started on her fast-approaching industrial placement, it feels like we’ve caught her at an exciting turning point. Jasmine says: ‘It’s immediately clear Shree is driven by a desire to innovate and invent, and she is already doing those things - through combining the problem-solving of maths with the science of chemistry!’

Speaking out about the things that matter, matters. This week Jasmine is diving into the deep end with Professor of Climate Science and Energy, Alice Larkin (she/her), and Ishita Somwanshi (she/her) a first year Materials Science and Engineering student.

When you find yourself riding the crest of a wave, Alice argues it’s important to bring others along with you. Be it in climate science or creating equal opportunities, Alice and Ishita both agree that we can’t change the world by ourselves – it takes a village! 

From decoding gendered language to reducing shipping emissions, this episode is filled with both newsworthy topics and unexpected directions. Join us to learn why it’s so important to speak up for our peers, even when they’re not in the room, and why it’s okay if your journey into STEM hasn’t been a straight line because together, our differences make us stronger. As Alice would say, ‘It isn’t about individuals, it’s about the collective’.

So put your headphones on, get comfy, and join us as we sit down and share our stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh too. If you thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice, yes you do. 

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Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7EsaXJ4hJDw

About the guests

Where do we begin introducing Professor Alice Larkin (she/her)? Currently a Professor in Climate Science and Energy Policy at The Tyndall Centre, and previously Head of Engineering here at The University of Manchester,                  Alice has committed her career to making positive change. Be it through advocating for holistic sustainability solutions, or personally changing recruitment methods to use less gendered language, Alice goes above and beyond to create a better future for others. A true changemaker, we couldn’t be more honoured to have her join the Big Sisters community.  

As a first year Materials Science and Engineering student at The University of Manchester, Ishita Somwanshi (she/her) might be in her discovery phase, but she’s learning fast. Attracted to Materials in her pursuit to study something interdisciplinary, Ishita is keen to make a big impact and already investigating the sectors responsible for heavy fossil fuel usage, and how her skillset could help to create solutions for these. A scholarship holder with a natural ability for professional public speaking, Jasmine knew she wanted Ishita on the show as soon as they met: ‘Ishita has this ability to look at the big picture and quickly find puzzle pieces within it, which she could fill – watch this space!’.