Her Path to Success

In this episode of Her Path to Success, host Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Sydney Aten, a researcher whose work uncovers how circadian rhythms shape reproductive health and overall well-being. Beyond the lab, Sydney has achieved the incredible feat of running a marathon in all 50 states. She shares how science and running intersect in her life, what she’s learned about perseverance and balance, and the advice she has for young women pursuing careers in research.

In this episode, Dr. Farrell Ewing joins us to explore the powerful intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and advocacy. As the Executive Director Women in Neuroscience (WIN), founded by Judi Nudelman, Dr. Ewing shares how her personal journey led to creating a space for women to lead, support one another, and challenge barriers in STEM. We discuss the importance of intersectional mental health, the evolution of WIN’s mission, and the long-term impact of mentorship, community, and systemic change in science.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about equity in STEM and the future of women in neuroscience

In this conversation, I sit down with Ms. Andress from the NC Department of Health and Human Services to explore her journey into public health and the impactful work she leads at the Division of Public Health. We discuss how she addresses health disparities across communities, the importance of education and outreach, and the innovative programs shaping healthier futures for families and children in North Carolina.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Paul, a trailblazing scientist and professor at Clemson University whose work in genetics and biochemistry is as impactful as her dedication to mentorship. We explore her journey through STEM, how she’s supporting the next generation of changemakers, and what it means to lead with both purpose and passion. Whether you're a future scientist or simply curious about the power of mentorship, this episode is full of inspiration and insight.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Dr. Shaniece Criss — a public health leader, professor at Furman University, elected official, and passionate advocate for health equity. Dr. Criss wears many hats, but what ties all her work together is a deep commitment to creating healthier and more empowered communities.

We talked about her journey into public health, what inspired her to run for office, and how she balances academic research with real-world policy and advocacy. Dr. Criss also shared powerful advice on leading with purpose, the importance of listening to the needs of underserved communities, and how young people can get involved in public service early.

Her story is a reminder that real change happens when we combine expertise with heart — and that leadership can take many different forms. I walked away from this conversation feeling incredibly inspired, and I hope you do too.

Welcome back to Her Path to Success, where we celebrate the journeys of inspiring women making waves in their fields.

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Dr. Glangetas in person at the University of Bordeaux. She’s a leading neuroscientist whose work explores stress, motivation, and neurodegenerative diseases through advanced techniques like electrophysiology and behavioral testing.

We talked about what sparked her interest in neuroscience, the challenges she’s faced in research, and her advice for young women entering the field. Dr. Glangetas also shared what excites her most about the future of brain science—and how mentorship has shaped her path.

Let’s get into it.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, we’re joined by Ms. Bartel, a neuroscientist at the Cleveland Clinic whose work bridges scientific discovery and clinical impact. She walks us through her journey into neuroscience, from the early experiences that sparked her interest to the challenges she faced along the way.

Ms. Bartel shares what keeps her motivated in a demanding field, the moments she’s most proud of, and how her research is helping improve our understanding of neurological conditions. We also dive into the evolving intersection between research and patient care, and what the future might hold for neuroscience.

Throughout the episode, she offers honest, thoughtful advice to young women pursuing STEM and highlights the importance of mentorship in building a meaningful career. Whether you're curious about neuroscience or looking for inspiration in your own path, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Yanes Cardozo, Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, whose research is transforming the way we understand the intersection of hormones, cardiovascular health, and metabolic disease in women. Dr. Cardozo shares her journey from medical training to becoming a physician-scientist, the challenges she’s navigated as a woman in academia and research, and why advocating for women’s health in medicine is more important than ever.

We also discuss the role of mentorship, her insights on resilience in the face of setbacks, and her advice for young women pursuing careers in science and medicine. This episode is an inspiring look into the power of curiosity, dedication, and the impact one woman can have in advancing health equity and scientific discovery.

In this episode, we sit down with writer and advocate Fairley Lloyd to explore her journey into content creation and her impactful role at Women AdvaNCe. From discovering her passion for storytelling to navigating the differences between freelance writing and mission-driven journalism, Fairely shares how she uses words to drive change and uplift marginalized voices. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on purpose-driven media, community impact, and the power of using your voice to make a difference.

In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Kristen Funk, a neuroscientist and immunologist whose research explores the powerful connection between infections, inflammation, and brain health. From unraveling the mysteries of Alzheimer’s to launching the Youth Neuroscience of Charlotte program, Dr. Funk shares her journey, biggest lessons in research, and advice for the next generation of scientists.