STEM Conversations

In Episode 19 of STEM Conversations, biomedical scientist and PhD candidate Steph Munroe joins hosts Sarah and Ash to reveal the true realities of scientific research. Discover how a decade of NHS laboratory experience led to ground breaking doctoral research on how psychological stress, elevated cortisol levels, and mental resilience directly influence the progression of women's cancers.In This Episode:

• From NHS Labs to PhD Research: Steph’s transition from hospital sample analysis to leading-edge precision cancer medicine.

• Psychological Stress & Cancer Progression: How chronic stress suppresses the immune system and why resilience techniques alter physical cancer outcomes.

• The Behind-the-Scenes of Science: Navigating piecemeal grant funding, scarcity of clinical samples, and the industry push to publish negative results.
• Women in STEM & Mentorship: The power of empathetic clinical trial design, female leadership, and inspiration from research supervisor Prof. Mel Flint.
• Sussex Cancer Research Centre: How new regional collaborations between the NHS, University of Brighton, and University of Sussex accelerate medical breakthroughs.
• Overcoming Math Anxiety in STEM: Why you do not need to be a math genius to build a successful, high-impact career in scientific research.

About the Guest

Steph Munroe is a biomedical scientist with 13 years of NHS experience. After earning her Master's in Precision Cancer Medicine with distinction, she began her PhD at the University of Brighton, where her lab focuses on how psychological stress and resilience impact women's cancers. Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to STEM Conversations on YouTube and your favourite podcast apps for essential discussions on science, technology, engineering, and maths! #CancerResearch #BiomedicalScience #WomenInSTEM #STEMConversations #OvarianCancer #StressAndCancer #PhDLife #SciencePodcast

In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Rebecca Peacock who shares her story from studying physics in a male-dominated environment to becoming a passionate advocate for equity in science education.

Rebecca reflects on being one of only a handful of women on her university physics course and the moment she realised she could help change the status quo.

Together, we discuss how gender stereotypes develop from an early age, the powerful influence of teachers, and why the language, examples and opportunities we give young people can shape their futures.

In this episode, we speak with world champion Danielle Brown MBE about her journey into, and unexpectedly out of, the Paralympics.

Danielle lives with Regional Pain Syndrome, a neurological condition that leaves her with chronic pain 24/7. She talks about living with this disability as well as the misrepresentation of the word, navigating womanhood and changing careers.

We touch on the 'disability movement' and moving away from the obsession with there always being a cure, and delve into the community of the paralympic village.

If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair 🪑In episode 14, we speak with Helen Maddison Neill, Senior Lecturer of Primary Education at Edge Hill University. Helen reminds us that it doesn't matter how many times we feel like we've 'done this before', there's huge value in reaffirming what we know, learning from lived experience, and continuing to grow with the times.Sometimes that means giving the spotlight to our student teachers as the newest perspectives can come from the newest voices.Discussing the changing landscape of classroom environments, with almost 1 in 5 pupils in England now identified as having SEND.From trying to hide her hearing impairment earlier in her career to receiving a late dyslexia diagnosis, Helen shares honest lived experiences alongside invaluable advice for both trainee and established teachers navigating inclusive classrooms today.

In this episode of STEM Conversations, we meet with Paul Tyler, whose career spans biochemist, primary teacher and now content curator at Smart Stems. We discuss the importance of being comfortable with failure in building effective problem-solving skills. We explore how embracing failure contributes to critical thinking and fosters a resilient approach to STEM education.Engineering is more than just building models; it’s a way of thinking. Joined by Paul Tyler, we look at how to move beyond "step-by-step" crafts and help students develop the Engineering Habits of Mind needed for real-world success.We cover productive failure, oracy and talk, sustainable STEM and skill acquisition. Whether you're looking to reduce classroom mess or boost student engagement, this episode provides actionable strategies to transform your STEM teaching.

In this episode of STEM Conversations, Matteo Orsini-Jones shares his unique journey from studying physics to founding his own educational publishing company, Orso. He discusses the importance of exploring alternative career paths in STEM, the challenges of traditional teaching roles, and the lessons learned from working with established publishers.

Matteo emphasizes the value of company culture, the iterative nature of science, and encourages listeners to pursue their passions without feeling boxed in by conventional expectations.

He concludes with practical advice for those considering non-traditional pathways in their careers.

In episode 11 of STEM Conversations, Sarah and Ash are joined by Sarah Mills, former Analytical Chemist at AstraZeneca, Head of Science, and now Beyond Secondary Segment Manager at Twinkl.We explore her journey into STEM, the challenges and stereotypes women face, the power of role models, and how educators can create more inclusive spaces where every student feels confident to pursue science, technology, engineering and maths.We talk about: Women in STEM careersRepresentation and role modelsOvercoming stereotypesBuilding inclusive STEM classrooms

In this episode of STEM Conversations, Sarah and Ash speak with Fair Metcalfe, who shares her unique journey from military service to education.

With over 13 years of teaching experience and a focus on learning support for dyslexic army recruits, Fair discusses the importance of challenging stereotypes in STEM, the impact of her military background on her teaching methods, and the need for inclusivity in education.

She emphasises the value of diverse perspectives in STEM fields and the necessity of early intervention for students with learning barriers. The conversation highlights the significance of representation and the role of curiosity in fostering future scientists.

What does female leadership in STEM really look like? In this episode of STEM Conversations, we’re joined by Megan and Anaïs, co-founders of Team Repair, an award-winning company teaching children how to fix electronic gadgets while building STEM skills and sustainable mindsets.Imperial College London engineering graduates, they share their journey into entrepreneurship, leading in male-dominated spaces, fundraising as young female founders, and building confidence as co-CEOs.We talk leadership, resilience, repair culture, and why sometimes you just have to give it a go.

In this special episode, we explore women in science, the gender gap, and why representation in research, AI, and education still matters.We share reflections on what it’s like to find your place in science, play a quick Higher or Lower game using real global statistics on women in science, and spotlight powerful stories including Henrietta Lacks, Eunice Newton Foote, and the Matilda Effect - showing how women’s contributions have often been overlooked throughout history.We finish with practical ways schools, educators, and families can inspire the next generation of girls in science.