SHE LEADS SCIENCE

In this episode of She Leads Science, host Dr. Liz Joy sits down with Kathryn (Katie) Porter Starr, PhD, RD—Associate Professor at Duke University, Research Health Scientist at the Durham VA, and Chief Science Officer at Vivo. Katie’s research focuses on how nutrition and strength training can preserve muscle, function, and independence in older adults, particularly those facing obesity, frailty, or surgery. In this conversation, Katie explains the science behind protein, resistance training, and “nutritional vulnerability,” and why protecting muscle is central to healthy aging. She also shares what it’s like to lead research and innovation across academic medicine, the VA, and the private sector while raising three young daughters, including twins. The discussion explores leadership, mentorship, and the realities of balancing multiple professional roles with family life, while providing insights into building a meaningful scientific career and managing the many demands of life beyond the lab.

In this episode of She Leads Science, Liz Joy sits down with Janet E. Fulton, PhD, an epidemiologist and former Chief of the Physical Activity and Health Branch at CDC, whose work has quietly shaped how the U.S. measures, understands, and promotes physical activity. Together they unpack Janet’s path and leadership in federal public health, what “surveillance” really means (and why it isn’t as scary as it sounds), and how data on steps, sedentary time, and walkable communities can actually move mayors, health systems, and school boards to act. They also talk candidly about disruption at CDC, the future public health workforce, and what it really takes to lead science with integrity in a time of mistrust.

Kim Brunisholz, PhD, MST, is an implementation scientist at Johnson & Johnson, where she serves as the Director of Scientific Affairs, Population Health Research. When she's not working, you can find her on a bike or a pair of skis, or cheering on the University of Utah gymnastics team. Kim knows what it takes to translate science into practice to improve people's lives. She is an inspirational leader and wise beyond her years! Hope you enjoy our conversation!

She Leads Science is a conversation-driven podcast hosted by Dr. Liz Joy, spotlighting women leading breakthroughs in medicine, public health, and scientific discovery. Each episode explores their work, real-life career paths, leadership lessons, and how science moves from lab to clinic to community—warm, honest, and occasionally funny.