Her Path to Success

In this episode of  Her Path to Success , I’m joined by Dr. Colgin , a leading neuroscientist whose work explores how neural circuits and brain rhythms support learning and memory. We discuss her journey into neuroscience, her lab’s research on hippocampal networks and neural oscillations, and how foundational memory research connects to brain health and disease. Dr. Colgin also shares insights on...

In this episode of  Her Path to Success , I sit down with  Dr. Mesha Martinez  for a powerful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and using your voice with intention. Dr. Martinez shares her journey navigating spaces that were not always designed to include everyone, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change. We discuss the role of representation,...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , I sit down with Dr. Beekhuyzen , a technologist, entrepreneur, and global advocate for gender equity in STEM. We explore her personal journey into technology, what inspired her to found the Tech Girls Movement Foundation, and why technology is ultimately about solving human problems—not just writing code. Our conversation dives into digital literacy as a hu...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , I sit down with Dr. Thomas , an engineer, educator, and innovator whose work bridges engineering, design, and education. We explore how creativity fuels technical excellence, why playful learning belongs in serious STEM spaces, and how hands-on experiences can transform the way students see themselves as problem-solvers. From the origins of Squishy Circuits...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , I sit down with Urmi Hossain , a finance professional, author, and global advocate for women’s empowerment, to discuss navigating career growth while staying rooted in purpose. She reflects on her journey into finance, the obstacles she faced early on, and the lessons she learned about confidence, networking, and leadership in a competitive industry. We exp...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , I sit down with Tiffany Yu , a leading voice in disability visibility and the founder of Diversability , to explore how identity, resilience, and storytelling intersect with leadership and advocacy. Tiffany reflects on her personal journey, the early challenges of launching a global disability community, and how conversations around inclusion have evolved o...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , we speak with Jayashree Karnam, a technology leader in quality engineering at NCR Voyix , about building reliable systems, leading high-impact teams, and navigating a career in engineering. Jayashree shares how she first discovered her passion for technology, what drew her to quality engineering, and the pivotal experiences that shaped her professional jour...

In this powerful episode of Her Path to Success , we sit down with Dr. Monica Gandhi—infectious disease physician, public health leader, and Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research—to explore a career defined by science, advocacy, and impact. Dr. Gandhi shares pivotal moments from her medical training, what led her to focus on HIV prevention for women, and how her mission has evolved to cent...

In this inspiring episode of Her Path to Success , Sia sits down with Ishitha Arekapudi—young pilot, aviation advocate, author, and founder of the IHS Sky Riders program—to explore what it means to chase bold dreams at a young age. Ishitha shares how she discovered aviation early on, the challenges of becoming a pilot in a traditionally male-dominated field, and the unforgettable moment of her fir...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , we sit down with Dr. Baki , a leader in cosmetic science and academic leadership, to explore how science, consumer health, and innovation intersect. Dr. Baki shares her journey into cosmetic science, the mentors and pivotal moments that shaped her path, and how she has balanced research, teaching, and leadership throughout her career. She also discusses the...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , we sit down with Tara Nagle , a Senior Research Engineer at Cleveland Clinic , to explore how engineering and medicine intersect to drive meaningful innovation. Ms. Nagle shares her journey into biomedical research, the challenges she navigated as a woman in a highly technical field, and the role collaboration plays in advancing patient care. From mentorshi...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , Sia sits down with Dr. Ximena Bernal , a leading behavioral ecologist whose groundbreaking work uncovers the complex communication, survival strategies, and ecological interactions of animals in their natural environments. Known internationally for her research on predator–prey dynamics and acoustic communication, Dr. Bernal’s work bridges biology, evolutio...

Today, I’m joined by someone whose journey proves that resilience can take many forms. Jayden Ogbodo is a former Marine, researcher, emergency department technician, and now a student anesthesiologist assistant — a path defined by service, discipline, and heart. In this conversation, we dive into how the Marine Corps shaped her mindset, how her diverse healthcare roles sharpened her purpose, and h...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , Sia sits down with Katherine Vasquez , a first-generation Latina scientist whose journey from Lone Star College to a Bioengineering PhD at Rice University challenges every stereotype about who belongs in STEM. Katherine shares how the Women in Neuroscience (WiN) Internship reshaped her future, how mentors like Dr. Nico Osier helped her see her own potential...

Dr. Nancy Hopkins, renowned molecular biologist and gender equity advocate, joins Her Path to Success to share her inspiring journey — from groundbreaking discoveries in zebrafish genetics to leading transformative change for women in science. In this episode, she reflects on her research, resilience through setbacks, and the power of mentorship and advocacy in shaping a more inclusive future for...

In this episode of  Her Path to Success , Sia sits down with Dr. Erika Hamden, an astrophysicist and NASA mission leader whose work is expanding our view of the universe. From growing up curious about the night sky to building cutting-edge balloon and space telescopes like FIREBall-2 and Eos, Dr. Hamden shares how she’s turned imagination into discovery. They talk about the challenges of leading l...

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with  Dr. Muireann Irish from the University of Sydney, a cognitive neuroscientist whose research explores how memory, imagination, and empathy shape who we are. We talked about what happens in the brain during Alzheimer’s and dementia, how imagination helps us understand ourselves, and why empathy matters in science. I loved hearing about...

In this episode, I speak with Emmanuella Bassey , a neuroscientist and proud alum of Women in Neuroscience (WiN) , whose journey from early academic challenges to completing her master’s degree at Université de Toulouse II I reflects resilience, curiosity, and passion. We explore how WiN helped her find confidence in research, the mentors who shaped her path, and how she hopes to empower the next...

In this episode, I sit down with  Ms. Nudelman , founder of  Women in Neuroscience (WiN) , whose story spans over seven decades of courage, innovation, and advocacy. From being one of the top math students in her high school during the 1950s, to navigating discrimination in the workplace, to pioneering technical roles for women at IBM, Judi’s journey is both inspiring and deeply human. We talk abo...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , I sit down with Dr. Raven the Science Maven—an internationally recognized molecular biologist, educator, and creator who’s making science accessible and inspiring for all. Known for her engaging science raps and her work in equity and inclusion in STEM, Dr. Raven shares her story of embracing authenticity, building community, and using creativity to transfo...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , I sit down with Asheley Van Ness, a leader in criminal justice reform who has worked across philanthropy, government, and the nonprofit world. Together, we explore what real systemic change looks like—beyond symbolic gestures—and the role communities play in shaping the policies that affect them most. Asheley shares her perspective on addressing the root ca...

In this episode of  Her Path to Success , host Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Sydney Aten, a researcher whose work uncovers how circadian rhythms shape reproductive health and overall well-being. Beyond the lab, Sydney has achieved the incredible feat of running a marathon in all 50 states. She shares how science and running intersect in her life, what she’s learned about perseverance and balan...

In this episode, Dr. Farrell Ewing joins us to explore the powerful intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and advocacy. As the Executive Director Women in Neuroscience (WIN), founded by Judi Nudelman, Dr. Ewing shares how her personal journey led to creating a space for women to lead, support one another, and challenge barriers in STEM. We discuss the importance of intersectional mental hea...

In this conversation, I sit down with Ms. Andress from the NC Department of Health and Human Services to explore her journey into public health and the impactful work she leads at the Division of Public Health. We discuss how she addresses health disparities across communities, the importance of education and outreach, and the innovative programs shaping healthier futures for families and children...

In this episode of Her Path to Success , I sit down with Dr. Paul, a trailblazing scientist and professor at Clemson University whose work in genetics and biochemistry is as impactful as her dedication to mentorship. We explore her journey through STEM, how she’s supporting the next generation of changemakers, and what it means to lead with both purpose and passion. Whether you're a future sci...