STEM Heroines: Empowering the Next Gen of Female STEMMERS

In this episode of The STEM Heroines Podcast, co-hosts Santoshi and Sandhya explore the extraordinary life and groundbreaking work of Inge Lehmann, the geophysicist who discovered the Earth's solid inner core. From her progressive childhood education in Denmark to her meticulous analysis of seismic waves, Lehmann’s journey is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and precision. Despite facing gend...

In this inspiring episode of The STEM Heroines Podcast, co-hosts Santoshi and Ayesha explore the dynamic intersection of STEM and entrepreneurship. Discover how science, technology, engineering, and math can combine with creativity and business savvy to drive innovation and solve real-world problems. Hear the incredible stories of trailblazers like Dr. Roshini Nadar Malhotra and Sara Blakely, and...

This episode highlights the remarkable life of Alice Ball, a pioneering chemist who revolutionized the treatment of leprosy with her innovative "Ball Method." As the first woman and African American to earn a master’s degree from the University of Hawaii, Alice Ball broke barriers and made an enduring impact in the field of medical science. Discover her journey, her groundbreaking achievements, an...

In this episode of The STEM Heroines Podcast, we journey into the fascinating world of quantum physics, exploring concepts like wave-particle duality, Schrödinger's cat, and quantum tunneling—ideas that challenge our everyday understanding of reality. Discover what makes quantum mechanics so captivating, along with practical advice on where to start learning, foundational topics to study, and ways...

In this episode of the STEM Heroines Podcast, we’re thrilled to sit down with Dr. Mariana Wolfner, Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University. Dr. Wolfner shares insights from her pioneering research on reproductive biology and gene regulation, discussing the intricacies of molecular mechanisms that influence fertility and development. She also reflects on her...

In this episode of the STEM Heroines Podcast, we delve into the exciting field of bioinformatics and how high school students can begin their research journey in computational biology. We’ll break down the basics of bioinformatics, discuss how to find research opportunities, and share tips on building the right skills—from coding to understanding biological data. Whether you’re interested in genet...

In this episode of the STEM Heroines Podcast, we dive into the art of creating a standout resume and LinkedIn profile that will make you shine in today’s competitive college application process and job market. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or early-career professional, we’ll share actionable tips on how to highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that resonates...

In this episode of The STEM Heroines Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Natasha O’Brown, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Rutgers University. Dr. O’Brown shares her groundbreaking research on the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a critical structure that protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. Tune in as s...

In this episode of The STEM Heroines Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Suma Bhat, an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Bhat shares her inspiring journey from her early studies to becoming a leading researcher in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and medical language processing. She discusses...

In this episode of The STEM Heroines Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Judith Resnik, a trailblazing astronaut and engineer whose contributions to space exploration often go overlooked. From being the second American woman in space to her pivotal work on the Space Shuttle program, Judith’s journey is one of perseverance, brilliance, and breaking barriers. Tune in as we explore her legacy, the chall...

In this exciting episode, we have Dr. Perry with us! Dr. Perry is actually an Assistant Professor of Medicine and of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Yale University! She will be sharing her journey as a professor and mentor, her exciting research, and her invaluable advice for young girls who are interested in her field! Make sure to listen!

In this episode of the STEM Heroines Podcast, we delve into "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in STEM." Join us as we explore how AI is revolutionizing the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From accelerating research and innovation to transforming industries, AI is at the forefront of modern STEM advancements. We’ll discuss cutting-edge applications, ethical considera...

In this episode of the STEM Heroines Podcast, we explore "How to Ace a STEM Internship." Whether you're stepping into your first internship or looking to enhance your experience, this episode is filled with actionable tips and strategies.

In this special bonus episode, we honor the legacy of Dr. Patricia Bath, a trailblazing ophthalmologist and inventor whose work revolutionized eye care. From her groundbreaking invention of the Laserphaco Probe to her relentless advocacy for combating preventable blindness, Dr. Bath's contributions have left an indelible mark on the world. Join us as we explore her extraordinary life, achievements...

In this episode, Santoshi chats with Stephanie Salvador, a dedicated microbiologist at a medical device company, about her inspiring journey from undergraduate studies to her current role in the field. Stephanie shares the challenges she faced, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the passion that drives her work. Join us as we delve into the experiences that led Stephanie to become a m...

In this bonus episode, co-hosts, Santoshi and Sandhya delve deep into the ins and outs of starting a non-profit in high school. They even give a practical example as inspiration! Get ready to make a difference in your community!

In this episode, we delve deep into the story of Maryam Mirzakhani, one of the many women who made a difference in the world of mathematics! Listen until the end to hear useful tips about how to get involved in the field of math as a high schooler!

In this exciting and short bonus episode, co-hosts Santoshi and Ayesha dive into the thrilling world of starting your own club in high school. From overcoming initial hurdles to building a passionate team, they share invaluable tips on creating a vibrant community around your interests. Learn how Santoshi and her friends turned their vision for the World Culture Fair into a reality with persistenc...

In this episode, we have a candid conversation with Dr. Dunworth who went to Duke University and Stanford University and is now an Anesthesiologist! She talks about her experiences as a student-athlete throughout high school and college. She also opens up about the lessons she's learned throughout medical school. residency, fellowship, and her career. The episode is filled with invaluable advice,...

In this episode, we delve deep into Fran Pearlmutter, who is one of the many women who have made a difference in the world of code breaking!

Welcome to the trailer of the Stem Heroines podcast, hosted by Santoshi Yadagiri from Illinois, Ayesha Nazeerkhan from India, and Sandhya Vijay from North Carolina. Stay tuned for new episodes each week!