From Star Wars to Avatar... you can find pieces of Dr Zahra Montazeri (she/her) and her work throughout some of your favourite films. Today she explains not only how she employs science to create such magical results, but how important it is to believe in your abilities on your journey. From Iran to Turkey, and from California to the UK – Zahra knows talent, hard work, and self-belief can take you anywhere and everywhere.

No one knows this better than Cagla Velidedeoglu (she/her) – a final year Civil Engineering student whose journey has already taken her from Turkey to the UK. Driven by adapting our built environment for a changing world, she is motivated by helping socities become more resilient to climate change temperatures and conditions. Our host, Jasmine, described Cagla as ‘one of the most self-motivated, together, and inspiring students I have ever met’.

From animated films to futureproof cityscapes, we believe creativity comes in all shapes and sizes and no topic is off the table today. Role models, the feminine urge to over-burden we, nurturing curiosity, rejecting stereotypes – we can’t wait to share this one with you.

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/aTglnAVpBxY

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About the guests

Not only is Zahra Montazeri (she/her) a beloved lecturer in Computer Science here at The University of Manchester, but you can also find her name in the credits for Star Wars! A true advocate for just how creative STEM can be, Zahra’s career speaks for itself – having worked for industry leaders including Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. Now, she continues to push boundaries as she develops computer graphics from an academic perspective, recently winning the Best Paper Award for her modelling work, as used in Avatar: Way of Water. You might also recognise her voice today, from her appearance on BBC Radio on International Women’s Day!

Cagla (she/her) is a final year Civil Engineering student who will undoubtedly go on to make an impact. Whilst studying here at Manchester, Cagla has consistently sought-out ways to adapt our cities, roads, and built world for the environmental effects of climate change. Beyond this, she works outside of her subject, representing the University at events and online, to share just how important civil engineering work is going to be as we rebuild and design our planet for a changed future. One of the first students she met when joining the University, there aren’t many people our host, Jasmine, talks more highly of: ‘Cagla’s love for her subject is infectious, and important. I wish everyone could have a Cagla by their side at University.’

‘If you’re a creative person that can write well, then science is for you!’ Professor Emma Crosbie

On today’s episode, we’re talking about defying expectations and looking out for yourself while you do. From letting go of the things which no longer serve you, to refusing to let other people hinder your aspirations – in the end, to support others you must learn to support yourself first.

You may think things look and sound a little busier than normal, and that’s because they are! This week, Jasmine is joined by three guests, each at different stages of their journey in with their own valuable insight to share. Meet Professor of Gynaecological Oncology and Clinical Academic Emma (she/her), fourth year Medicine Student Humna (she/her), and final year Biotechnology Student Dorsa (she/her).

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://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpJ4ISSChse3L3q6c74USF6ecU3L79vzu

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· About the guests

Professor Emma Crosbie (she/her) is a Clinical Academic in Gynaecological Oncology at The University of Manchester – meaning she splits her time between helping patients in hospital and working on the research which could change everything. Her especial focus is the screening, prevention, and early diagnosis of gynaecological cancers, as well as developing new treatments for those with established disease. A certified master at spinning plates and breaking through new barriers, in addition to her incredible career, Emma can speak as a Mum of three children and how yes, it is very much possible to do both.

Humna Amar (she/her) is in her fourth year studying Medicine here at the University and loves her subject most when helping people on-site in hospital. Currently amid what is often called ‘the toughest year’ of her course, she chooses to look at things differently – with several extracurricular activities to make sure her weeks feel balanced and rewarding. Our host, Jasmine, says ‘Humna looks at the world with a wisdom so far beyond her years. And, sidenote, as a big sister myself, her words about her older sister had me blinking back tears.’

Dorsa Moezzi (she/her) is a final year Biotechnology student here at the University, and truly embraces the process of learning and growing. Sharing this joy with others is a passion for Dorsa, who has taken on the responsibility of a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Scheme) Coordinator – continually working to support others as they adjust to university life and study. As she approaches her final months of her undergraduate, Dorsa looks back fondly and forward with wonder and excitement – a transitional moment and rite of passage for so many of us. In her own words, ‘Life goes on and change happens organically.’

Shouldn’t we all be the main character in our own lives? This week Jasmine talks sustainability and finding support systems with two guests – Fashion Business and Technology Lecturer Charlene Gallery (she/her), and final year Computer Science Student Eman Ahsan (she/her).

From 3D modelling the shoes on your feet, to using technology to mitigate the need for waste in clothes sampling, Charlene advocates that STEM and the Arts are stronger together. 

As two worlds collide, Eman shares her own perspective on the rapidly developing tech world and looks out at the possibilities ahead. Expect serious discussions about modern world, sprinkled with belly laughs and ‘aha!’ moments!

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.

____

Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpJ4ISSChse3L3q6c74USF6ecU3L79vzu

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About the guests

Charlene Gallery (she/her) is a lecturer in Fashion Business and Technology at The University of Manchester, and one of the many responsibilities she has taken on is that of Employability Tutor to her students: ‘You know, I always advocate for students to get industry experience’. This makes perfect sense, as Charlene’s own incredible portfolio goes far beyond working in Higher Education – she has also worked in the Fashion Industry with brands including Ralph Lauren, Inditex, and more. Today, Charlene shares why it’s so important to gain our own experiences, but also the role of supportive spaces, and how STEM is actually much bigger than you might think.

Eman Ahsan (she/her) is a final year Computer Science student here at the University, with a passion for problem-solving, coding, and applying computer science in broad and exciting ways. As part of her degree, Eman has also completed a year in industry, which sparks conversation today – the tracking technology she used in a manufacturing application also cropping up in the Fashion Industry. Eman has long been an inspiration to our Host, Jasmine, as for years she has gone out of her way to talk to and support others considering Higher Education.

We begin our journey with two guests aligned in their passion of making a positive impact on our planet, Ciara (she/her) and Vanessa (they/them). Ciara bringing her experience as an Aerospace Systems Lecturer, and Vanessa theirs as an Earth and Environmental Science student. You may be surprised just how much their passions collide, but then again, isn’t bringing different perspectives together what innovating is all about?

Joining our Host, Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her), we talk about how the little things around us can make a big difference when it comes to inspiring the paths we take – be that staring up at the stars or having access to outside spaces to interact with nature. Beyond this we look at how everything is connected, and how intersectionality in both skillsets and backgrounds is vital to creative outcomes, and how there really is more than one way to be a great engineer or scientist.

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/KRGD7GBhVUM

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About the guests

Ciara McGrath (she/her) is a lecturer in Aerospace Systems here at the University and specialises in space mission design and astrodynamics – with a big focus on sustainable spacecraft designs which can provide valuable data to us here on earth. The astronomical impact and possibilities which Ciara’s work opens hasn’t gone unnoticed, and we just had to mention that among her achievements she has previously been named IET’s Woman of the Year. As she joins us, we learn that space technology might not be as distant as we think, and how it holds the power to significantly improve lives here on earth.

Vanessa Thai (they/them) is a first year Earth and Environmental student at The University of Manchester, whose passion for an innovative, more creative approach to science earned them a sought-after scholarship here at Manchester, and much admiration from their peers. Our Host, Jasmine first met Vanessa when they took to the stage to deliver a speech in Vanessa’s first semester at university. Jasmine cannot talk highly ‘I was so inspired with how they spoke about the interconnectedness of the world, I remember getting chills!’

Coming soon...