Science Wise

Emilia and Rori, host Dr. Fatimah Jackson, covering her groundbreaking journey as an African American woman in science, her significant contributions to understanding genetic variation in Black populations, and her challenges and triumphs in academia. Jackson shares insights from her early life, her exploration of human biology stirred by personal experience and cultural heritage, and her academic career path that led her from Cornell University to Howard University. 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

01:56 Dr. Jackson's Early Life and Influences

03:59 From Tight Jeans to Biological Anthropology

06:06 The Journey to Cornell and Beyond

09:32 Adventures and Learnings in Tanzania

13:23 Returning to Academia with a Mission

21:08 Faith and Science: Dr. Jackson's Perspective

24:28 Navigating Academia: A Personal Journey

25:46 Challenges and Triumphs at UC Berkeley

37:39 Embracing Opportunities at Howard University

40:08 Reflecting on a Journey of Learning and Growth

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Rori and Emilia discuss their takeaways from their conversation with Dr. Maria Elena

Zavala. They highlight the importance of drawing lessons and inspiration from one's family, the

value of mentors beyond shared identities, and the necessity of diverse mentorship types. The

conversation also covers personal growth through mentorship, both as mentors and mentees,

and the impact of community and support networks in academic and scientific careers.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

01:21 Lesson One: Drawing Inspiration from Family

03:15 Lesson Two: The Importance of Trust and Rapport in Mentorship

08:18 Lesson Three: The Value of Diverse Mentorship

11:35 Leveraging Networks and Building Relationships

13:27 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound

Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente

Creative Production.

Rori and Emilia engage in an enlightening conversation with the remarkable Dr. Maria

Elena Zavala, a pioneering plant developmental biologist, and the first Latina to receive

a PhD from UC Berkeley's botany department. Dr. Zavala shares insights into her early

fascination with plants, and navigates through her educational and professional path,

revealing the challenges and triumphs of being a woman of color in science. Dr. Zavala

also delves into her impactful work in mentoring and amplifying the participation of

underrepresented groups in STEM fields, which has earned her prestigious awards and

recognition. Her story highlights the crucial role of mentorship and representation in

fostering diversity within the scientific community.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:37 Celebrating Dr. Maria Elena Zavala's Trailblazing Journey in Science

06:07 The Power of Curiosity: Choosing Science Over Tradition

13:38 Mentoring and Making a Difference: Learning from Life and Academia

16:11 Navigating Academic Challenges: From UC Berkeley to Indiana

16:51 Transition to Yale: Pursuing Pollen Longevity and Roots

18:19 Choosing CSUN: A Decision Driven by Student Potential

26:50 The Power of Mentoring: Shaping Futures Beyond the Lab

29:09 Revise and Resubmit: Reflecting on a Career Without Regrets

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound

Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A

Diferente Creative Production.

Emilia and Rori highlight their main takeaways from their conversation with Dr. Sue Rosser. Such as the importance of building relationships with those who share your identity, setting ambitious goals, and seeking mentorship during career transitions. Dr. Rosser's story is a powerful example of overcoming adversity and making significant contributions to feminism and academia.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:43 Life of Dr. Sue Rosser

00:58 Lesson One: The Power of Shared Experiences

02:04 Lesson Two: The Courage to Demand Recognition

05:29 Lesson Three: Embracing Big Ambitions and Necessity

07:27 Lesson Four: The Importance of Mentorship in Career Transitions

11:37 Signing Off: The Value of Mentorship and Community

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Rori and Emilia engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Sue Rosser, a pioneering figure for women in STEM. Having started her career in the 1960s, Dr. Rosser has made significant contributions through her research in zoology, studies on the experiences of women in STEM, and her advocacy for feminist principles within these fields. Dr. Rosser discusses the challenges she faced, including sexual harassment and the struggle for recognition in academic publishing. The discussion also touches on her experiences as a lesbian in academia, and her thoughts on the current state and future of women in STEM.

TIME CODE OF MAIN EVENTS:

02:49 From French Major to Science Trailblazer: Dr. Rosser's Academic Path

05:46 Discovering Feminism and Fighting Sexual Harassment

12:12 Embarking on a Career in Women's Studies and Biology

16:39 Confronting Gender Bias in Academic Publishing

20:21 A Personal Journey: Coming Out and Navigating Academia

25:00 Transitioning Careers: From Mary Baldwin to a Broader Impact

33:11 Leveraging Leadership Positions for Change

35:57 Revise and Resubmit: Reflecting on Career Choices

37:55 Closing Thoughts

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Rori and Emilia discuss their take-home lessons from Dr. Ivelisse Rubio such as the importance of focus and dedication in research, the value of critical thinking and mathematical logic in navigating life, and the necessity of sustainability in academic and scientific efforts.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

04:45 The Power of Mathematical Thinking in Life

06:11 Learning to Avoid Burnout: Ive’s Organizational Challenges

07:50 Sustainable Models for Academic Programs

09:07 Reflections and Gratitude: Wrapping Up the Episode

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound

Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente

Creative Production.

Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Ivelisse Rubio, a professor of mathematics and computer science at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, about her impactful educational initiatives, and her significant contributions to promoting diversity in the mathematical sciences. Highlighting Dr. Rubio's academic journey, from her undergraduate studies in Puerto Rico to her Ph.D. at Cornell University, and her passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in mathematics. The episode also touches on the importance of mathematical thinking in everyday life.

02:08 From Puerto Rico to Cornell: Dr. Rubio's Academic Journey

10:27 Creating CIMU: Fostering Diversity in Mathematics

13:41 The Impact of CIMU and Transition to New Projects

19:08 Navigating Academia and Advice for the Future

21:29 Promoting Mathematical Thinking and Diversity

26:20 Finding Balance: Life Beyond Mathematics

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

BONUS: Emilia and Rori summarize their engaging conversation with Dr. Leticia Marquez Magaña, inspired by her experiences with adversity and lack of mentorship. They reflect on her strategies for navigating and enacting change within academic systems and building resistance capital, drawing from Dr. Marquez Magaña's realizations and changes she'd make in hindsight.

EDPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:10 Reflecting on Dr. Leticia Marquez Magaña's Inspirational Journey

00:43 Navigating Challenges and Learning from Adversity

00:57 The Power of Mentorship and Advocacy

02:47 Understanding Institutional Dynamics and Advocating for Change

06:59 The Importance of Self-Care and Prioritizing Well-being

08:47 Gratitude and Acknowledgment of Pioneering Women

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

Dr. Leticia Marquez-Magaña, a trailblazer in the science community shares her inspiring journey from being the first in her family to attend college to becoming the first Latina faculty member in the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University. Dr. Marquez-Magaña discusses her transition from microbiology to research on health equities, her efforts to make biomedical research more inclusive, and the challenges and strategies she's encountered in advocating for diversity in science. We delve into her upbringing, family life, and the motivations behind her career shift. It highlights the importance of representation, mentorship, and resilience in facing systemic barriers within academia and beyond.

TIME CODE OF MAIN EVENTS:

02:00 Leti's Childhood: Navigating Challenges and Discovering Science

04:47 Overcoming Adversity: Leti's Journey Through Academia

06:41 The Power of Data and Resilience Against Bias

07:35 Navigating the Academic World: Strategies and Insights

18:57 The Impact of Family and Cultural Identity on Leti's Career

20:21 The Importance of Diversity in Science and Leti's Legacy

22:37 Leti's Personal Strategies for Relaxation and Well-being

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.

BONUS EPISODE. Rori and Emilia summarize the inspiring journey of Dr. Francine Gachupin and explore key takeaways from her career, such as the importance of understanding one's goals and leveraging opportunities.

00:00 Introduction and Admiration for Francine

00:05 Francine's Patience and Dedication to Tribal Communities

00:44 Reflections and Lessons from Francine's Journey

02:10 Francine's Approach to Opportunities and Challenges

03:24 Francine's Resilience and Adaptability in Academia

05:37 The Impact of Francine's Upbringing on Her Career

07:10 Personal Reflections: Emilia's Experience as an Immigrant

09:08 Personal Reflections: Rori's Experience as a Military Brat

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.