ChemConvos

By Henry Powell-Davies and Medina Afandiyeva

Welcome to the ChemConvos podcast, hosted by Henry Powell-Davies and Medina Afandiyeva, where we're all about finding the story behind the scientist. Each episode we'll be interviewing different scien... more

· Science

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FAQs about ChemConvos:

How many episodes does ChemConvos have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.

ChemConvos episodes:

October 23, 2021 13. The Wikipedia Queen with Dr. Jess Wade
In this episode, we're chatting with Dr. Jess Wade (BEM, @jesswade on Twitter), an Imperial College Research Fellow at Imperial College London investigating spin selective charge transport through chiral systems in the Department of Materials.
We hear all about her journey to creating Wikipedia articles for improving visibility of women in STEM and how become increasingly interested in Raman spectroscopy as part of her research (and enjoying Ramen too!). Beyond her research, we discuss the importance of a supportive lab culture and what it takes to be a great colleague or lab-mate. We also hear about how much she enjoys art and the importance it can play in fostering critical thinking and scientific creativity from a young age.
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]
...more
48min
September 23, 2021 12. Going Chiral with ChemScrapes!
In this episode we're joined by Dr. Brendan Burkett (@ChemScrapes on Twitter) who has become synonymous with sketch chemistry, going viral with a well-known chemistry meme! We hear about his journey from Australia to Singapore and how he first became interested in art at school, taking this interest into his career in chemistry, becoming fascinated with how we can portray chemistry through his unique sketches. Besides this journey we discuss our favourite Shrek characters and whether or not there's a philosophical link between science and art.
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]

...more
44min
August 28, 2021 11. JAWSChem with Dr. Dani Arias-Rotondo
In this episode we’re joined Dr. Dani Arias-Rotondo (@Dr_Dani_AR). We hear all about her journey from her familial routes in Argentina to becoming an Assistant Professor, inspiring the next generation of young chemists! We discuss how she co-founded JAWSChem, a pioneering platform for connecting ECRs in the chemistry community and what she sees as the role of science alongside religion in the modern era.
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us! On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod Or email us: [email protected]
...more
42min
August 12, 2021 10. Asking Why with Dr. Kim Steward
In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Kimberley Steward, a 2020 EWOC committee member, recently of Corteva US & the current global chemistry ingredients leader at Cargil. We hear about her journey with introspection, how she got to where she is today as a double-minority in STEM and how she works to empower women to pursue science through her advocation for equality and diversity. If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]
...more
45min
July 14, 2021 9. Cats, Chemistry, and Code with Nessa Carson
In this episode we’re joined by Nessa Carson (@SuperScienceGrl on Twitter) and we hear all about work in robotics and high throughput chemistry, her experience of moving from academia to industry, differences in workplace culture and the academic Atlantic divide between the US and the UK.
...more
36min
June 05, 2021 8. The Art Of Not Giving A Duck (Part 2) with Chemjobber
In the second part of our candid conversation with Chemjobber (@chemjobber on Twitter), we hear all about his philosophy around choosing the right career for you, his ideas about the greatest scientific breakthroughs, and even learn the secret of his favourite chemical compound! If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]
...more
24min
May 30, 2021 7. The Art Of Not Giving A Duck (Part 1) with Chemjobber
In this episode we're joined by the infamous Chemjobber (@chemjobber on Twitter), who’s alter-ego of a rubber duck has become a core part of the #ChemTwitter community! In this first part, we hear about his career to date, how he came to be the fountain of all knowledge when it comes to careers in chemistry, and his advice to those looking for roles after graduation.
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]
...more
23min
May 13, 2021 6. Out and Loud with Dr. Nick Chiappini
In this episode we're joined by Dr. Nick Chiappini (he/him, @ndchiappini on Twitter), who's currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Knowles group at Princeton. We hear about his research interests and long-term plan to become a professor, to his enjoyment of undergraduate teaching and his personal journey being a proud member of, and advocate for, the LGBTQ+ community. We also chat about his favourite books and love of all things ABBA!
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]

...more
31min
April 28, 2021 5. A Gym for your Brain with Dr. Zoë Ayres
TW: This episode discusses sensitive topics around anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.

In this episode, we're chatting with Dr Zoë Ayres (@ZJAyres on Twitter) about her personal journey with mental health, the mental health crisis in grad school, the importance of pronouns, academia vs industry and many more!
Zoë has produced numerous resources for grad students related to mental health including award-winning posters. These and other resources can be found at her personal website: www.zjayres.com
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]

...more
36min
April 14, 2021 4. Fearless (Cesapo's Version)
In this episode, we’re chatting with Dr. César Alejandro Urbina-Blanco (@cesapo on Twitter) about everything from his work in carbon dioxide utilisation for green chemistry applications, to his love of plants and Taylor Swift! We also hear about his time as a CAS Future Leader in 2018, his research career travels around the globe, and his new found enjoyment of Belgian beer!
If you have ideas for new podcast topics or would like to be a guest on a future episode, then please reach out to us!
On Twitter: @ChemConvosPod
Or email us: [email protected]
...more
34min

FAQs about ChemConvos:

How many episodes does ChemConvos have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.