sh(e)=mc2

In this episode we meet my dear friend, Dr. Deborah A. Kashy, Ph. D., Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University (MSU).  Season 2 is dedicated to her memory honoring her lifetime commitment to inspiring young students to pursue their academic and career goals. Most recently, Deborah was awarded the College of Social Science’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Teaching, Research, and Service...

In this episode, we meet Giulia Lanza who earned her Ph. D. from the University of Padova, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious schools in Italy . Giulia is a vacuum technology engineer at SLAC - The National Accelerator Laboratory in the Department of Energy run by Stanford University. SLAC is a federally-funded research and development center in Menlo Park, California. Giulia shares her p...

In this episode we meet Mary Ensch, a Senior Staff Professional at Geosyntec Consultants. Mary received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.  Mary is now using her passion for sustainability and the environment to jump start a career focused on environmental remediation and litigation for emerging contaminants...

In this episode we meet Mellisa Powers-Taylor, a science leader that wears many hats, including AIPG Michigan Section Past President, US EPA On-Scene Coordinator, and STEM Advocate and Geology Enthusiast. Mellisa shares her path in science and how she has become accomplished in her career. Including: How she discovered a surprising interest in geology during college. The importance of professional...

In this episode we meet Sarah Meyer, the Chief Operating Officer of Enspired Solutions , a women-owned, women-led remediation company focusing on eliminating forever chemicals.  Sarah shares highlights about how she landed her dream job, including: Her pursuit of finding the right fit in the science field while attending college. How she knew it was time to move on in her career, and how it is so...

In the early 1980s, 11-year old Maya Murshak and her family emigrate from their home in Estonia. After several stops in Europe, Maya and her family eventually make their way to the United States. In this episode we turn the microphones around and meet Maya, the host of sh(e)=mc2 and CEO of Merit Laboratories .  Maya is interviewed by Heidi Komar, the podcast’s producer.  Maya shares her story, the...

Jill Tietjen, PE: "You have to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way…" In this episode we meet Jill Tietjen. Jill shares her insight and experience with overcoming obstacles. “What do you do when there’s an obstacle in your way?”  Author, international speaker, and electrical engineer, Jill Tietjen has spent more than 45 years in the electric utility business as a consul...

In this episode we meet Kim Tucker-Billingslea, Senior Environmental Project Engineer for General Motors. Kim has over 35 years of experience directing site remediation strategies for large complex sites. A Detroiter with a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Kim discusses the importance of having grit, being flexible, and the power of opening yourself up to new experiences. As...

Abigail Hendershott: "It's a Great Time to be in Science!" In this episode of sh(e)=mc2 we meet Abigail Hendershott of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Abigail leads the team tasked with cleaning-up Michigan’s largest PFAS site as Executive Director of MPART.  MPART is a multi-agency task force charged with investigating PFAS contamination, over...

Cheryl Murphy: Her passion for science has taken her around the world as an ecotoxicologist. In this episode of sh(e)=mc2 we meet Dr. Cheryl Murphy, an ecotoxicologist who has traveled the world studying the effects of chemicals on wildlife. Cheryl’s career journey has opened many new doors as she pursues her passion for science. She shares the interesting path of her scientific career and offers...