WHEN IN STEM

In this episode, I’m sharing 12 things you need before starting your PhD . From choosing the right supervisor and setting goals, to networking, managing imposter syndrome, and saying yes to every opportunity. These practical tips will help you start your PhD with confidence and clarity. ᵔᴗᵔ Hello ᵔᴗᵔ I’m Marie, a scientist, content creator, and podcast host passionate about helping students and ea...

Starting a PhD can feel overwhelming but knowing what to expect can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Ben Rein, a biopsychologist and entrepreneur with a passion for translating neuroscience into real-world impact, shares 15 honest lessons he wishes he knew before starting his PhD journey. Ben studied biopsychology at West Virginia University and earned his PhD from the University at B...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Habibi, scientist, entrepreneur, mom, and passionate science communicator. After earning her PhD, Sarah made a courageous decision to step away from the traditional academic path and create a career that fits her life and values. We dive deep into her journey of reinvention, from the pressures of academia to building her business Mito & Co, which crea...

In this episode of When in STEM , I sit down with Kathy, a PhD student in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering at Harvard who is redefining how we think about science. From her beginnings at Stanford researching skin‑inspired electronic materials, to a Fulbright year in the Netherlands working with Nobel laureate Ben Feringa, Kathy’s journey shows just how many paths STEM can open. Now at...

Feeling unsure about whether to pursue a PhD? This episode is for anyone in STEM, science, or biotech who’s wondering what’s next but isn’t sure if graduate school is the right move. I talk about the pressure to keep collecting degrees and why that might not actually solve the uncertainty you’re feeling. Sometimes the answer isn’t another program. It’s reflection. In this episode, I share honest t...

Ever sat in a meeting thinking “I don’t belong here”? You’re not the only one and you’re definitely not the first. In this episode, we’re breaking down the mental side of building a career in STEM: imposter syndrome, self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to constantly prove yourself. Joining me is Odeal Jacob , Director of Strategy and Operations at Moderna, who brings over a decade of experience...

In this episode, we talk with Kristian DiMatteo, a STEM professional who built a successful career in industry without ever getting a PhD. Kristian shares how he used certifications, hands-on lab experience, and strategic skill building to grow in the field and earn respect in an industry where PhDs often dominate. Whether you're in school, in the lab, or considering your next move, this conve...

What does it really take to pursue a doctorate, and how does it shape who you become? In this episode of When in STEM, Dr. Lauren D’Innocenzo joins us to reflect on the PhD and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) journey and what pushed her to pursue a doctorate, how she balanced life alongside academic demands, and the long-term growth that came from it all. We explore the real PhD experience...

This solo episode wraps up the recruiter series, and I'm getting personal. I’m recapping everything we’ve covered in Episodes 1–3 of When in STEM, from what recruiters actually do, to how LinkedIn plays a role, to what biotech companies are really looking for. But I’m also sharing the behind-the-scenes of how a recruiter helped me land my job, how they helped a friend of mine find her role, and al...

Let’s be honest, LinkedIn can feel like a black hole. You're posting, editing, applying... but is anyone even seeing it? In this final episode of the recruiter series on When in STEM, I sit down with biotech recruiter Joan Francesc García Borràs to break down how recruiters actually use LinkedIn and how you can make your profile work for you. We get into: ✅ The green flags that make recruiters st...

In this episode, we’re continuing our recruiter series—but zooming out. Because before you can land a job in biotech, you need to understand how these companies are actually built. What teams exist beyond the bench? What roles should you be looking for besides “scientist”? Whether you're trying to break in or pivot within the biotech industry, this episode is your roadmap. I’m breaking down the ty...

Job searching in biotech can feel like a full-time job with no feedback loop. You’re applying, refreshing, waiting—and still hearing nothing. So what actually works? In this episode of When in STEM, we’re pulling back the curtain on biotech recruiting with Joan Francesc Garcia Borràs, a life sciences recruiter at Hays. Joan shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of hiring: - What recruiter...

Are you navigating a STEM career filled with uncertainty, job search stress, and the pressure to “have it all figured out”? In this solo episode, I share how I’m applying mindset strategies I’ve learned from this month’s guests — so you can build confidence, resilience, and professional momentum in your own STEM journey. This episode is packed with actionable tips for early-career scientists, inte...

In the high-stakes world of STEM—where pressure is constant and rejection is often personal—resilience isn’t just a skill. It’s survival. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jo Viney, career coach, biotech leader, and co-founder of Seismic Therapeutics. From co-leading the $1.85B acquisition of Pandion by Merck to navigating the invisible weight of leadership, Jo’s story is anything but linear. B...

What do you do when you’ve done everything right — and it still falls apart? Asmi is an international student with only a bachelor’s degree trying to survive in one of the most competitive industries: biotech. No advanced degree. No safety net. Just pure determination. First, she got laid off from a startup. Then, 23 weeks into a new role— laid off again. Next? She landed another job… only to have...

What if the biggest opportunities in your STEM career were just one conversation away? In this episode, I sit down with Jessi Rennekamp—a powerhouse in the STEM world whose journey is living proof that networking isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a career strategy. We talk about the often-overlooked truth: talent alone doesn’t always open doors, but relationships do. We dive into the moments that shaped...

When I graduated with my STEM degree, I thought there were only two options: get a PhD or spend the next 40 years working in a lab. But what if that’s not true? What if there’s a whole worldof creative, impactful STEM careers no one ever told us about? In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing my own journey — howfollowing the “traditional” path in STEM led me to start questioning everything. You’ll he...

You’re not stuck — you’re just playing by someone else’srules.  In this episode, I’m talking to a pharmacist who walkedaway from the traditional path and said NO to the hospital grind, NO toretail, and YES to a role that actually lights her up: Medical Communications at L’Oréal.   Yes, that L’Oréal.   She took everything she learned in pharmacy school andflipped the script. Now she’s working at th...

After a decade in academia — from a master’s in nutrition to a PhD and postdoc — Stephanie Hershman found herself burned out, disillusioned, and facing a question so many researchers silently ask: Was it all worth it? In this episode, Stephanie opens up about her journey from the academic grind to leading projects in biotech. She shares the emotional toll of chasing publications, the identity cris...

In this episode of WHEN IN STEM, we dive deep into the unconventional STEM career pivot with Chloe Kirk, also known as @chloethescientist on Instagram. Chloe shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from the lab to the world of patent law, proving that you don’t have to stay in the lab to be a successful STEM professional. We also talk about the struggle many STEM professionals face when leav...

🎙 STEM Resources You NEED to Know! | Scholarships, Mentorships & Biotech Career Tips STEM careers can feel overwhelming—no one tells us where to start, and so many people miss out on opportunities just because they don’t know they exist! But today, we’re breaking down game-changing resources to help you find mentorship, secure scholarships, and land jobs in STEM—whether you’re a student, caree...

In this episode of Aerospace Careers 101 , we dive into the real-world challenges of breaking into the aerospace industry with aerospace expert Jill Meyers . With over 30 years of experience in aerospace engineering , aviation careers , and military aviation , Jill shares invaluable insights on how to navigate this high-flying field. From tips on landing aerospace jobs to strategies for standing o...

Think you need a four-year degree to break into biotech? Think again. Today, we’re joined by Laura and John from  Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) , a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to biotech careers. Through  Gloucester Biotechnology Academy , GMGI offers an alternative path into the industry—providing hands-on lab training for students without requiring a bachel...

🎙 Breaking Into Biotech: From Engineering to Research & Working in the USEver wondered how to transition into biotech from a different field? Or how international professionals land jobs in STEM? In this episode, my guest Vimal Choudary shares his journey from mechanical engineering to biotech R&D, making the leap from manufacturing to research—all the way from India to the US.We cover:✅...

If You Feel Lost in STEM, This Is for You 🎙️ Why I Started Social Media & the Truth About STEM STEM can be overwhelming, confusing, and isolating—I knowbecause I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered story of why I started my social media, the struggles I faced, and the moments that almost made me quit. From feeling lost in my career to realizing how little guidance e...