'How To Be WiSE' Podcast by Queen's University WiSE Chapter

In this episode of How to Be WiSE , we sit down with Danica Johnson and Diana Orsini, two researchers working at the forefront of psychedelic science and mental health. From ketamine to psilocybin, they share how these emerging therapies are reshaping our understanding of the brain and offering new hope for treating conditions like depression. We dive into their journeys into research, the realiti...

In this episode of How to Be WiSE , we sit down with Asia Fee : cosmetic chemist, science communicator, entrepreneur, and founder of Alchemist Asia . Asia shares her journey into the world of cosmetic chemistry, from experimenting with lipstick formulations in high school to building a platform that combines beauty, science, and education. We talk about what cosmetic chemists actually do, the STEM...

In this episode of How to Be WiSE , host Shubneet sits down with Angelique Matias, a first-year medical student at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Angelique shares how her early experiences in healthcare sparked her interest in medicine, how volunteering and research shaped her journey, and what ultimately confirmed that this path was right for her. Together, we discu...

In a world of curated routines, productivity culture, and highlight reels, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling to keep it all together. In this episode, host Shubneet sits down with Lilli Jankovich, a fourth-year Kinesiology student at Queen’s University, Pilates instructor, and wellness content creator, for an honest conversation about what student “balance” really looks like be...

In this special holiday episode of the WiSE Podcast, host Shubneet is joined by members of the WiSE podcast and communications team - Petra, Nicola, and Samantha - for a fun and timely conversation to close out the semester and year! We get into hot topics in STEM right now, including AI in education, burnout culture, and navigating uncertainty in academic and career paths. Then, we lighten things...

In this episode, host Shubneet is joined by Wendy Wu, Jory Hunter, and Stephanie Thompson for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to build a career in STEM, especially when your path is anything but linear. They discuss navigating uncertainty, taking risks, switching directions, and letting go of the pressure to “have it all figured out.” The episode also explores how mentorship...

In this episode of HTBW, host Shubneet sits down with Lauren Brown and Logan Germain, co-founders of the Queen’s University Biotech Innovation and Consulting group (QUBIC). They share how QUBIC is helping students bridge the gap between academic research and Canada’s biotech industry - turning ideas into impact and research into live ventures. From building entrepreneurial skills to empowering wom...

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with three graduate students from Queen’s University’s Tayade Lab to talk about their research on endometriosis and reproductive health, and what it’s really like to be women leading change in science. From unexpected lab challenges to mentorship, collaboration, and resilience, this candid conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at th...

What if the key to thriving in STEM isn’t pushing harder, but learning to pause? In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with Kim Barthel - a world-renowned occupational therapist, speaker, and author - for a powerful conversation on self-compassion, burnout, and the neuroscience of stress. With over 35 years of experience in trauma-informed care, Kim shares her insights into ho...

Welcome to Season 8 of HTBW! In our very first episode, host Shubneet sits down with the 2025/26 WiSE Presidential Team including Charlotte, Kaylee, and Lindsay. We discuss their journeys into STEM, their WiSE origin stories, and what this year’s leadership team envisions for the WiSE community. From biggest challenges to proudest STEM moments, quick-fire fun facts, and advice for aspiring women i...

As our world continues to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health and mental disorders, we must recognize the scientists that dedicate their lives to learning more about the human brain. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how Gina, a Clinical Psychology MSc student at Queen's, researches the relationship between PTSD and chronic pain in Canadian women veterans. Mikaela and Gina...

As undergrads, it can be difficult to decide what exactly you'd like to do after graduation. Some might default to saying that they will get their Master's or PhD, but what exactly do you do during grad school?! Tune in to this week's episode for advice from Angelica and Kristen as they share their stories of their academic journeys. Learn about how rewarding research can be, what chal...

Without epidemiologists, our world would be at risk for uncontrolled disease outbreaks, uninformed health policies, and ultimately lower life expectancy. So, yeah... we need them! Are you interested in health and disease, but also working with statistics? Public Health and Epidemiology might be the perfect career for you. Tune in to this week's episode to learn all about what the journey to be...

Welcome back to HTBW! As we enter 2025, join Mikaela and Kaylee as they set their intentions for the new year! During the school year, it can feel impossible to set aside time for yourself. Tune in to hear us chat about why it’s crucial to make sure you are balancing personal life with school, and how we plan to do it. Learn about amazing women-in-STEM books, podcasts, and even influencers that wi...

As we approach the end of exam season, mid-December blues are hitting hard and can be difficult to see through. Don't worry! The HTBW Holiday Special is here to brighten your day! Join Mikaela as she interviews the Podcast Team behind Season 7! The team discusses 2024's 'STEM Wrapped', including hot topics in STEM this year and advances in technology such as ChatGPT, biodegradable plastics, revers...

Have you ever wondered how the universe operates on a fundamental level? Join Mikaela as she chats with Kate and Charlotte about their respective experiences in the fields of physics and computing! Learn how the future of quantum computing may involve development of many complex tasks, such as simulating drug delivery. From the undergraduate level to the doctorate level, explore what kind of oppor...

Join Mikaela as she chats with Aranya and Rachel from FREED (Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified), a field work association focusing on providing hands-on learning opportunities for BIPOC students. Are you a nature lover? Learn about the importance of gaining experience in the field, and the scope of possibilities that are available to those interested in the conservation of our en...

Exploring the field of medicine can be daunting after learning that you might have to write a 7 hour exam... Tune in to hear how Ayesha and Claire from QUEMA, Queen's University Exploring Medicine Association, conquered the MCAT! Learn the scope of studying hacks and resources that are available, and that it's not as scary as it may seem. From reading scientific articles to help you get into the s...

Have you ever considered dentistry as a career? Join Mikaela as she chats with Anya, a third year Dental Surgery student at Queen's University Belfast! The two of them discuss what drove Anya to pursue dentistry, what was required for the application process, and the importance balancing school with personal life. Did you know you can study to become a Dentist AND travel the world? Tune in to lear...

Introducing How To Be WiSE Season 7! Please welcome our incredible new host, Mikaela, as she interviews our WiSE 2024/25 Presidential Team including Ariana, Ellie, and Kya! Tune in to hear about life at Queen's, QUIP, WiSE, and all the amazing things they have learned through those experiences. The girls play a STEM-related Jeopardy game and share lab horror stories (Mikaela started a fire?!)....

The episode you've all been waiting for!! HTBW x ThinkTwice We collaborated with Elena & Eve, two PhD neuroscientists at Queen's University from the ThinkTwice Podcast, to bring you an episode analyzing social media consumption from a neuroscience perspective. Learn about neuroscience as Fizza, Elena and Eve explore how social media impacts the brain's reward system, influences decision-making...

Sit down, grab a cup of Joe (or an 8$ latte @ Cogro!) & be a fly on the wall as Fizza and Ellie (HTBW's DoC) chat about their lives as women in STEM students at Queen's University. Listen to conversations about the important of female friendships in STEM, the struggle of getting internships, the race against our biological clock, and an extensive overview on hygiene in the STEM atmosphere. (do...

Climate change. 🔥 You've heard about it, Greta Thunberg is worried about it, Hank Green is talking about it...even your mom knows what it is! As the tides rise and the temperatures increase, it is vital more than ever that as a society, we must take an urgent call to action. Join Fizza as she interviews geological engineering students, Mackenna and Maddy (Sci'25) as they talk about geoengineering...

Have you ever wondered, what does an engineer...actually do? Find out with us and join Fizza as she interviews Kristy Tu (Sci'16, P.Eng) and Samantha Zareski (Sci'18, the OG creator of HTBW <3 & currently a junior engineer!!) as they talk about life after graduation, obtaining your P.Eng and advice about engineering jobs & internships!

Happy Holidays from the HTBW Podcast Team to YOU! Thank you for an amazing year of podcasts - from women in various STEM fields, interesting topics & tons of amazing conversations, we are able to continue providing a platform for ALL women in STEM! As a thank you, we have prepared an extra *silly* special episode for our viewers! <3 Join our S6 Podcast Team, including Fizza, Lauren, Kaylee...