Ever wondered what biophysics actually is—or how undergrads find their place in cutting-edge research?

In this insightful episode of StemCast, we sit down with David Cooper, a biophysics and chemistry student at the University of Michigan, who shares his candid journey of choosing (and re-choosing) the right path.

David explains what biophysics really involves—from studying protein crystal structures to applying physical techniques to solve biological problems. He also talks about what it's like doing research at a major university as an undergrad, the reality of massive lecture classes versus intimate lab work, and why he's now planning to shift from academia to toxicology and public health.

We also dive into David's college application experience, his honest reflections on expectations versus reality at Michigan, and his best advice for anyone trying to balance ambition with happiness.

If you're curious about finding your fit in STEM, understanding what research looks like at a top school, or figuring out how to design your own path—this episode is for you.

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College isn't just about lectures—it's about impact.

To kick off our mini series, College, Unfiltered, we sit down with Grace, a recent University of Michigan graduate in biomedical engineering, who turned her degree into a platform for innovation, leadership, and global health design. From building low-cost medical devices for underserved communities to leading a 200-member global health organization, Grace shows us what it means to design with empathy.

She also shares how a hands-on internship sparked her passion for quality engineering, what it's really like studying at a top STEM school, and why she's shifting fields for her master's degree.

If you're curious about engineering with impact, leadership in college, and crafting a mission-driven career, this one's for you.

Can you go from strumming guitar chords to writing production-ready code at Big Tech? Matthew Martinez did just that—and more. In this inspiring episode of StemCast, we sit down with Matthew, a former elementary school teacher and music major who pivoted into software engineering through a 12-week coding boot camp.

He opens up about the challenges of breaking into tech without a traditional CS degree, landing roles at Meta and Amazon, navigating imposter syndrome, and balancing career growth with parenthood. Matthew also shares how ADHD shaped his productivity systems, why he pursued an MBA, and what keeps him passionate about problem-solving through code.

Whether you're considering a career change or curious about what it's really like working in Big Tech, this episode is packed with honesty, insight, and the message that it's never too late to rewrite your story.

Wonder what it takes to get into Cornell and which path it will lead you down?

In this episode of StemCast, we sit down with Emily Vick, a Cornell electrical and computer engineering grad who now works as a software engineer at YouTube. Emily shares how her high school love for STEM led her to Cornell, how she navigated Google internships, and why trying different classes and experiences helped shape her career path.

She also opens up about building confidence in Cornell's competitive environment, the importance of soft skills, and why your first career choice doesn't have to be your last.

If you're exploring careers in tech or curious about what it's really like to study at Cornell, this episode is full of insight and inspiration!

Have you ever wondered how scientists bring damaged ecosystems back to life?

In this episode, we dive into the world of ecological restoration with Claire Wilhelm Safian, a restoration ecologist at UC Santa Barbara. Claire takes us behind the scenes of North Campus Open Space, a once-degraded wetland that has been transformed into a thriving habitat. From reviving endangered plant species to monitoring biodiversity, Claire shares the science, challenges, and rewards of restoring nature. Plus, they reveal how you can get involved in conservation—no matter your background. Don't miss this fascinating look at rebuilding ecosystems from the ground up!

Ever wondered if starting at a community college could lead to a dream career?

In this episode of StemCast, we chat with Claire, a restoration ecologist at the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration at UC Santa Barbara. Despite initially heading for an English major, Claire's passion for the environment led them to a thriving career managing the 130-acre North Campus Open Space, filled with wetlands, grasslands, and salt marshes.

Tune in to hear how Claire turned their early challenges into success, the science behind ecological restoration, and the hands-on work that's shaping our planet's future. If you're passionate about the environment or curious about finding your own unique path in STEM, this episode is a must-listen!

How do you stay ahead in a world where tech never stops evolving?

In this episode, we talk with Marilene Roder about her inspiring career in STEM. From earning her master's in Brazil to 21 years at IBM and now driving innovation at Nvidia, Marilene shares how persistence and curiosity have shaped her path.

Tune in to hear her insights on navigating change, embracing new challenges, and balancing work with family. If you're curious about tech careers and the power of lifelong learning, this episode is a must-listen!

Loved Part 1 with Noelle? Get ready–this conversation is about to get even better.

In this follow-up episode of StemCast, Noelle Tongvillanueva shares even more insights into her unique career journey. Starting with her father's influence and her strong SAT scores that steered her toward engineering, Noelle opens up about her path from sales engineering to her current role as a business development manager specializing in industrial automation products. She discusses the highs and lows of her career, including the challenges of cold calling and meeting ambitious sales goals, as well as the joy of connecting with people and learning about innovative manufacturing processes. Her story is a testament to the importance of exploring various career paths to find what truly resonates.

Tune in to hear Noelle's advice on navigating career changes, staying resilient, and uncovering your passions. If you're curious about the intersection of engineering, business, and personal growth, this episode is a must-listen!

Ever felt outnumbered but determined to succeed?

In this empowering episode of StemCast, we talk with Noelle Tongvillanueva, a regional sales business development manager who started her career in industrial and systems engineering. Noelle shares how she pivoted from designing systems to mastering the art of sales engineering, combining technical expertise with strategic customer engagement. Along the way, she faced challenges in a male-dominated field, from isolation to gender bias, but found strength through mentorship and her own resilience.

Tune in as Noelle reveals how she carved her niche, the lessons she's learned, and her advice for young women pursuing STEM careers. If you're curious about blending technical know-how with people-focused problem-solving or navigating tough career transitions, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights!

Are you worried about changing careers?

In this fascinating episode of StemCast, we chat with Jessica Horvath, a former neuroscientist turned data scientist who currently works at IBM as a Watson X subject matter expert. Jessica takes us through her early days researching at Albert Einstein College and Rockefeller University, where she conducted brain surgery on mice and analyzed complex data. She shares why her passion for data analysis and coding led her to pivot from solitary lab research to a dynamic role in AI. Now, Jessica specializes in IBM's generative AI studio, exploring new applications for large language models and their potential impact on fields like biotech.

Tune in to hear Jessica's advice on career flexibility and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. If you're interested in the intersection of neuroscience, data science, and AI, this episode is a must-listen!