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Diverse Routes: Career Journeys in Science & Medicine episodes
- Physical Therapist (PT) - Alison Vannoy
Alison Vannoy, PT, DPT, and COMT is Physical Therapist at Results Physiotherapy, an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Alison got her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Auburn University and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She immediately landed her current position and has been treating orthopedic cases in people of all ages and vestibular and torticollis in infants for the past 4 years.
Episode Highlights:
- When to start shadowing
- What job experiences to put on your resume
- Specializations in physical therapy
You will definitely want to listen to this episode from start to finish. At the beginning you will get some insight into our upbringing (we’re cousins) and at the end Alison shares an experience she had during her interview that all of us could benefit from hearing.
See successinscienceCC.com/podcast for more details.
Become a patron and gain access to the extended interview @ patreon.com/diverseroutes.
32 min - NASA Scientist & Physics Professor - Dr. Nicolle Zellner
Dr. Nicolle Zellner is a professor of physics at Albion College in Albion, MI, where she teaches introductory and advanced astronomy and physics courses. She is currently working as a NASA Program Scientist in NASAs Planetary Science Division.
This episode is packed full of useful insight for those in high school exploring their career options to established scientists seeking grant funding for their research.
Episode Highlights:
- how to pick a major in college
- what you should consider when applying to grad school
- how you can influence the direction of science in your career
You can’t help but be inspired by Nicolle’s story and words of wisdom; in a field still dominated by men she persisted.
45 min - Physician Assistant (PA) - Anna Buck
Anna Buck is a Physician Assistant at West Coast Sports Institute, the doctors for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
Anna provides a fresh and authentic perspective as she recently landed her first position after moving across the country from Knoxville Tennessee to Santa Clara California, and passing her Boards and obtaining licensing just weeks after graduating from Lipscomb University and getting married.
As a former collegiate athlete at Lee University, Anna talks about how her basketball career provided her with valuable skills she uses in day-to-day life as PA and it likely helped her land her current position with a sports medicine and primary care medical practice.
This episode is a must listen. Anna shares incredible detail about her journey and provides practical advice for how to succeed in this competitive field.
Episode Highlights:
- How collegiate sports could help you land your first job
- Navigating the job market when moving across the country
- What you need to know about passing your Boards
Resources Provided by Guest:
- https://www.aapa.org/what-is-a-pa/
34 min - Environmental Conservation (Nonprofit) - Melissa Kivel & Lydia Nicholas
Melissa Kivel is an Education Manager and Lydia Nicholas is a Environmental Field Technician for Friends of the St. Clair River, a non-profit environmental conservation organization.
Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. She had her first experience with Friends in 2010 as a volunteer for the stream leaders water quality monitoring program. Then after meeting the organizations president while working for the St. Clair County Health Department she pursed an a job opening with Friends and is now the Education Manager.
Lydia Nicholas's lifelong interest in Great Lakes ecosystems, Evolutionary Biology degree from Michigan Technological University, participation in climate change research, and attendance at Sturgeon Fest (an event organized by Friends) eventually led them to their current position as the an Environmental Field Technician with Friends.
Episode Highlights:
- Gap semesters and gap years don’t hinder your future success
- Volunteering and getting involved in community events could lead to a fulfilling, paid position
- Benefits of working for a non-profit
- What does a non-profit look for in a quality application?
Resources Provided by Guests:
- https://www.facebook.com/stclairriver/
- 500queerscientists.com
50 min - Surveyor - Jacqueline Dresser
Jacqueline (Jackie) Dresser is a land surveyor at T.G. Miller, P.C. Jackie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Land Surveying from Alfred State College. Following graduation and a brief stint in NYC, she transitioned to research in a precision viticulture program, Efficient Vineyard with Cornell University helping wineries collect, analyze, and apply spatial data to their agricultural practices.
Episode Highlights:
- Why career exploration is essential even if you end up back where you started
- How relationships can save you from ever having to formally submit a job application
- Why a lengthy on-the-job experience requirement is actually for your own good in the field of surveying
Resources:
nysapls.org
nsps.us.comhttps://mentoringmondays.xyz/https://amerisurv.com/https://www.efficientvineyard.com/52 min - Nurse - John Diller
John Diller, RN is a Charge Nurse with Beacon Health System. His previous experience includes work as a CNA and telemetry technician and his previous educational experience includes a nursing degree (ASN), BS in Entomology from Purdue University, and a Master's in Biology from Central Michigan University.
Episode Highlights:
- Excellent overview of the various types of nursing;
- A reason to make a career shift that few consider;
- Incorporating your interests in your career;
Resources:
- https://nurse.org/resources/how-to-become-a-nurse/
48 min - Hydrogeologist - Erin Lynch
Erin Lynch is lead hydrogeologist at WSP USA, working with federal clients to manage abandoned mine land cleanups. Erin completed her Bachelors and Masters at Michigan State University. Previously Erin worked for Lansing Community College, US Geological Survey, and Ecology and Environment Inc.;
Episode Highlights:
- Failure might just be redirection;
- Employers expect to train entry-level applicants;
- Highlight your school projects on your resume;
Resources:
- USGS Water Resources: https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science;
- Inclusive Culture/Meetings: https://hbr.org/2019/09/to-build-an-inclusive-culture-start-with-inclusive-meetings
43 min - Veterinary Technician (Zoo) - Erica Campbell
Erica Campbell is a licensed veterinary technician at the Detroit Zoo. She began her career in veterinary medicine over 20 years ago as a receptionist at an exotics practice, moving on to a small animal clinic after her previous practice closed, and landing her current position 14 years ago.
Episode Highlights:
- Resilience in the face of an unexpected job loss
- How entertaining alternative career options may lead you right back to where you started
- The importance of preparation for job interviews
- The ways in which working at a small animal clinic can and cannot help you prepare for work at a zoo
- The importance of clinical experience - can you handle the cute and cuddly and the blood and gore?
Resources:
- https://www.navta.net/
- https://azvt.org/
- https://azvt.org/AVZMT
- https://veterinarybusinessadvisors.com/veterinary-nurse-versus-technician-the-pros-and-the-cons/
Become a patron @ patreon.com/diverseroutes for access to:
- Extended video interview
- Guest contact information
32 min - Higher Ed Administrator (Information Technology) - Dr. Melissa Woo
Dr. Melissa Woo, formerly a radiation safety expert who transitioned into IT, is currently the CIO and Executive Vice President for Administration at Michigan State University providing enterprise-wide administrative services such as infrastructure planning and facilities, human resources, procurement and logistics, and sustainability.
Episode Highlights:
- An excellent example of why your college major does not define your career path
- The impact of [Chinese] cultural norms and expectations on a woman's career ambitions
- The importance of mentors and seeking advice from the right people
- How your network can lead you to the next career opportunity (no application necessary!)
Links:
Become a patron @ patreon.com/diverseroutes for access to:
- Extended video interview Guest contact information
40 min - Speech-Language Pathologist - Jennifer Hamm
Jennifer Hamm is a Speech-Language Pathologist for the West Shore Educational Service District in Michigan servicing children ages 3-10 that have articulation impairments, expressive and receptive language disorders, stuttering, and autism spectrum disorder.
Episode Highlights:
- Details about the credentialing process
- How an internship can lead to a permanent job opportunity
- Resources to look for in a graduate program
Resources:
- https://www.asha.org/
- https://www.michiganspeechhearing.org/,
- https://www.cmich.edu/program/speech-language-pathology
Become a patron @ patreon.com/diverseroutes for access to:
- Extended video interview
- Guest contact information
51 min
About Diverse Routes: Career Journeys in Science & Medicine
From the publisher's feed
With so many career options in science and medicine it can be hard to know which path to take. Join the founder of Success in Science Career Coaching and published scientist Dr. Cassie Briggs as she…
interviews a diverse range of inspiring professionals - from physician assistants to hydrogeologists - who share their unique career journeys. If you are a student or early career professional exploring career options, navigating opportunities and obstacles along your career journey, or looking for advice on how to land your dream job in science or medicine, this is the podcast for you!