PODCAST · society
Closing the Gap
by Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub created ”Closing the Gap” to highlight professional women from our region who are working in STEM & Trades fields. This way, girls can see local women who are working in these careers and can consider these careers for themselves.Learn more at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap.
Episodes
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Understanding Transgender Youth and Mental Health: A Conversation with Charlotte Rosario
"Science isn’t just a career path—it’s a way to build a better world together." - Charlotte Rosario Charlotte Rosario, a high school student and researcher from San Mateo, California, joins us on Closing the Gap to discuss her groundbreaking study on the intersection of gender identity, brain...
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Bridging Technology and Food Security: A Conversation with Laasya Acharya
In 2025, Laasya found herself a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, a STEM competition for high school seniors in the United States. After being inspired to help people affected by the devastation caused by food insecurity while on family trips to India, Laasya developed…
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Physics, Passion, and Identity: Calcifer Phillips on Blazing New Trails in Science
Calcifer Phillips (they/them), a student and research assistant at Northern Illinois University in Chicago, joins us on Closing the Gap to discuss their experience as a nonbinary individual pursuing a Ph.D. in physics. Resources for Women and Gender Minorities in Physics: CU*IP (formally CUWIP):...
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Engineering is Not for the Faint of Heart with Dr. Dominga Sanchez
Dr. Dominga Sanchez’s journey into structural engineering wasn’t a traditional one. As a first-generation college student, proudly from Zapotec roots, mother of two, she balanced family life with the intense demands of an undergraduate engineering program at UC San Diego. From early on, she...
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Financial Confidence, Math Confidence: A Winning Combo with Jamila Souffrant
Math confidence is a critical issue in education, especially for female and gender minority students, who are more likely to opt out of advanced math courses—and, by extension, STEM career paths—due to self-doubt in their abilities. How can we help kids feel more confident tackling numbers and...
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Applying Internal Family Systems to Student Growth with Dr. Robin Barre
Internal Family Systems expert (IFS), Dr. Robin Barre, is back for a follow-up episode. In this episode, we will apply what we learned in part 1, "Unlocking Potential: Validation and Self-Energy for Student Success," and talk about how to develop self-energy, demonstrate good emotional regulation...
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Tides of Representation with Nova West
Nova West (They/Them) is a pioneer and up-and-coming filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist. Nova's career has been working in the oceanography/marine sciences industry as an expedition documentarian and an independent filmmaker focusing on LGBTQIA representation in science and marine science...
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Unlocking Potential: Validation and Self-Energy for Student Success
Dr. Robin Barre is a psychotherapist and depth psychologist specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Robin has built a career working with adolescents, young people ages 11-20 starting her journey as a high school educator. In her prolific blog, The Shiftless Wanderer, Robin covers topics…
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Understanding the Need for Feminism in 2024
Welcome new and returning listeners to the season 5 premiere of the women and gender minorities in STEM podcast, Closing the Gap! Take a moment. Do you know what feminism is? If so, what does feminism mean to you? From your point of view, what is the Feminist movement about? What role does…
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In the Pursuit of Welding with Charity Bowers
Charity Bowers (she/her) is a second-year welding student at Linn-Benton Community College. Charity started the program directly out of high school, a proud Harrisburg High School alumni. In this episode, Charity talks about how the skilled trades industry and culture are evolving as well as her...
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Agriculture: Careers and Community with Gabrielle McNally of American Farmland Trust
Happy Earth Day Closing the Gap listeners! Joining us in the studio today is Gabrielle McNally, Director of Women for the Land, a sector of American Farmland Trust. Gabrielle will be discussing the resources that American Farmland Trust has to offer, as well as why you should support your local...
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Perseverance Over Perfection with Kristi Lebkowsky
"It's not about perfection, it's about perseverance," says Kristi Lebkowsky, STEM educator at Henley High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Henley High School provides a career technical education experience for their students that is producing high rates of students entering college and…
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Trinia of Hinterland Empire on Being a Professional Creative and Small Business Owner
In this episode, we talk about creating community, collaborating for diversity, and growing where you are planted. Sprinkled throughout listeners can hear insights as to what it is like to own a small business, both the positives and negatives. Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org. Music by Bosnow.
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Sarala Paliwal - Let's Talk Semiconductors
Professional in the field of semiconductors, Sarala Paliwal, joins us today on Closing the Gap. Listen along as we define what a semiconductor is, discuss the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry, and how taking a holistic approach to your education will set you up for success. To learn…
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W.I.S.terhood - Women in Science PDX
Hey listeners, welcome back to Closing the Gap. This episode is special because it is Closing the Gap's first collaboration episode! Kacey sits down with hosts, Natalie Wang and Rachael Cleveland, of Women in Science PDX's podcast, W.I.S.terhood, to talk about their experience working in STEM...
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Alice Welch - Integrative Biologist
Alice Welch (she/they) is a graduate student in biology instructor at Oregon State University. Currently, Alice is doing some exciting work with a recently opened research lab observing the predator response in certain species of birds. Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap Music by...
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Melissa Koke - CEO of QSL Print Communications
Melissa Koke is the fourth-generation business leader at Koke New Century Companies (QSL Print Communications, Instaprint & TechnaPrint). In this episode, Kacey and Melissa talk about what it takes to grow into a leadership position in a manufacturing company and how to respectfully, but firmly...
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Sara Lipow - Tree Geneticist
Tree breeding specialist, Sara Lipow, is a scientist working for Roseburg Forest Products in Oregon. Her main duties include tasks that help the next generation of douglas fir trees planted in western Oregon better withstand the effects of climate change. Visit us at...
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Katherine Edmonds - Woodworking
Woodworker, educator, and Co-Owner of Highland Woodshop in Corvallis, Katherine Edmonds is a person who has worn many hats in her winding and eclectic career. Join us in listening to this episode of Closing the Gap. Learn more at www.midvalleystem.org Music by: Bosnow
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Dani Raiche - Head Brewer at Calapooia Brewing
Did you know there are over 280 craft breweries in Oregon? That's a lot of beer! Craft brewing is a booming industry in the Pacific Northwest with a job market that is looking for workers. If your students are interested in hands-on, physical careers but also what a position where they can be...
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Margaret Landis - Research Scientist
Welcome back listeners, STEMinists, and friends to the Season 4 premiere of Closing the Gap. This first episode has us back on Zoom as we are talking with a Research Scientist from UC Boulder and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Margaret Landis (she/her). Join us as we…
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Francis Tice - Closing the Gap
“School gives you a complete understanding and encourages you to build the mechanical skills needed to be successful,” said Francis Tice, instructional assistant with LBCC’s Heavy Equipment Diesel program. Join us for our latest installment (and last episode of season 3) of our Women in STEAM...
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Girls’ Empowerment, Engineering, and Outreach - Closing the Gap
On this episode of Closing the Gap we have Claire Coxen and Kate Williams from the OSU student organization GEEO. GEEO or Girls' Empowerment, Engineering, and Outreach works with students and classrooms in the Benton County area to help demystify and empower students to pursue a STEM-rich...
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Bilingual Translator, Patricia Martinez - Closing the Gap
Welcome back to Closing the Gap! Tune in today; we are talking to a bilingual translator, Patricia Martinez. Patricia was an architect and designer in her birth country, Peru. She switched careers after moving to the United States, becoming a Spanish translator. Patricia has been a huge help to…
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Director of Oregon STEM, Deb Mumm-Hill - Closing the Gap
Is a STEAM-rich education relevant to you in your career path? Listen to this episode with Deb Mumm-Hill, Director of Oregon STEM, and consider putting more focus on STEM topics in your education and professional development. Deb explains what the STEM Hub network in Oregon addresses and...
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Closing the Gap - Demetriah Webster
What standards of social responsibility are corporations held to? On our latest episode of our Women in STEM podcast, Closing the Gap, Demetriah Webster joins us to talk about corporate social responsibility standards. That’s not all though, Demetriah is a trained engineer who had a career in...
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Closing the Gap - Yuliya Dennis
Have you ever wondered why the experience of an internship is so important to career development? If you have, listen to this episode. Yuliya Dennis, the Executive Director of MECOP, joins us on the show to talk about exactly why people should participate in internships. There are many benefits…
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Closing the Gap - Eden Olsen
The Willamette Valley is home to dozens of small organic farms. These farms feed the local communities by selling the beautiful fruits and vegetables they grow at the beloved farmer's markets, co-ops, and restaurants in the area. Tune in as we chat with Eden Olsen, farmer and owner of Lucky Crow...
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Closing the Gap - Carolina Guillen
Are you ready for a fresh episode of Closing the Gap? Today we have OSU graduate Carolina Guillen, on the podcast. Carolina immigrated with her family to the United States from Mexico as a teen. We will talk about her experience growing up in Albany, Oregon, and receiving her bioengineering…
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Closing the Gap - Dr. Ramycia McGhee
What is the importance of a good education? Join us as we talk to Dr. Ramycia McGhee, a literature professor at LBCC and an educator with Oak Creek Correctional Facility, as we find out how education and continued learning can make a difference in a young person’s life. You can find the entire...
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Closing the Gap - Breanna Allen
Are you curious about how automation robots work? Join us as we talk to Breanna Allen, an automation engineer, whose job it is to maintain automation robots and systems. As an automation engineer at Precision Castparts Corporation, Breanna keeps automation systems operating with maximum…
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Closing the Gap - Amber Barber
Thanks for tuning in for this episode of Closing the Gap. Today on the show we are talking to, physicist, Amber Barber. Visit us at: www.midvalleystem.org Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/street-knowledge
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Closing the Gap - Missy Smith
We are kicking off our third season of the show with, Missy Smith, Associate Athletic Director at Oregon Episcopal School, and the organizer of the Oregon Girls Sports Leadership Summit. Join us as we talk about bringing the spirit of leadership onto the court and into the classroom! Visit us at:...
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Closing the Gap - Audrey Anderson
This month on Closing the Gap, we have Audrey Anderson. Audrey is a culinary arts instructor at LBCC, a business owner, as well as a firefighter trainee. Join us as we discuss Audrey’s expertise in time management and pursuing multiple careers! Audrey’s episode will be the last episode of the...
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Closing the Gap - Marley Parker
June brings a new episode of Closing the Gap. This month, we have West Albany High School’s Tori Thorp, Oregon’s 2022 Student Journalist of the Year, with us one last time before she heads off to college! Tori interviews Marley Parker, a science communicator who does photojournalism on science...
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Closing the Gap - Alaina Percival
Join us for this special episode of Closing the Gap. This month on the show, we are speaking with Alaina Percival, co-founder, and CEO of Women Who Code. Alaina discusses the importance of diversifying in the tech industry, why women should pursue careers in tech, and what types of resources…
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Closing the Gap - Mindy Crandall
Professor of Forest Management and Policy, Mindy Crandall, joins us on Closing the Gap today. Join us as we talk about her experience in school, where her career had led her to this point, and gain some insight into some of the challenges she has faced when it comes to pursuing education and...
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Closing the Gap - Jennifer Wong-Ala
In this episode of Closing the Gap, we talk to Oceanography Ph.D. student, Jennifer Wong-Ala. Jennifer was born and raised in Hawai'i and moved to Oregon to pursue her master's degree and Ph.D., join us as we discuss what that cultural transition was like, and her experience pursuing an education...
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Closing the Gap - Robin Maxkii
Advocate for access, education, representation of Indigenous Americans in tech, Robin Maxkii, joins us on Closing the Gap today. Join us as we talk about her experience in school, where her career had led her to this point, and gain some insight into some of the challenges Indigenous Americans…
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Closing the Gap - Dr. Lisa Avery
On this episode of Closing the Gap, we are joined by Dr. Lisa Avery the President of Linn-Benton Community College. Join us as we discuss why pursuing post-secondary education is important and the role community colleges play in the areas they serve. Visit us at midvalleystem.org Music by Blood…
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Closing the Gap - Ashley Merback
In this episode we learn whats it's like to run a makerspace. Join us as we speak with Ashley Merback, Co-Owner of Highland Woodshop in Corvallis, Oregon. Along the way, we find a connection between learning self-sufficiency skills and the benefits it has on one's mental health. Find us at...
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Closing the Gap - Ommidala Pattawong
On this episode of Closing the Gap, we speak with Ommidala Pattawong, a chemistry instructor at Linn-Benton Community College. Join us as we talk about following your dreams and Ommidala's experience growing up in Thailand to pursuing and Ph.D. and career in the United States. To learn more about...
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Closing the Gap - Devon Chase
On this episode of Closing the Gap, we talk to Devon Chase. Devon is Chef and Co-owner of Saint Perpetua Patio in Yachats, Oregon. We discuss their career and opting for on-the-job training over culinary school and much more. Join us for this fun episode about one person's experience in the...
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Closing the Gap -Veronika Kivenson
On this episode of Closing the Gap we talk to a postdoctoral fellow in the microbiology department at Oregon State University, Veronika Kivenson. West Albany High school journalism student, Tori Thorp is back and asks Veronika about her educational path to earning her degree. Music by: Blood Red Sun
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Closing the Gap - Courtney Conklin
In this episode, we talk to construction worker Courtney Conklin. Courtney is an Equipment Operator at Knife River. We will discuss her experience in the industry and her educational path to becoming a certified Equipment Operator. To learn more about women working in STEM and skilled trades…
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Closing the Gap - Cassie Hidalgo
Bicycle mechanic and owner of Gladys Bikes in Portland, Oregon, Cassie Hidalgo shares with us her journey down the mechanic and business owner career path. We touch on the joys and hardships of participating in this industry and how she got to where she is now.
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Closing the Gap - Savannah Herrell
This is the June edition of Closing the Gap with special guest Savannah Herrell. Savannah is an electrician here in our community and she is here to talk about her personal experience as a woman in the trades. To learn more about us and to download the poster for this episode visit our website,...
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Closing the Gap Podcast: Interview with Sisi Virasak
Join us for our 2nd live show! We will be chatting with Sisi Virasak, our Closing the Gap featured role model for May. Sisi is a member of the Computer Science faculty at Linn-Benton Community College. Learn more at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap.
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Closing the Gap Podcast: Interview with Ashley D'Antonio
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub created "Closing the Gap" to highlight professional women from our region who are working in STEM & Trades fields. This way, girls can see local women who are working in these careers and can consider these careers for themselves. This podcast features an interview…
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Closing the Gap Podcast: Interview with Barbara Hanley
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub created "Closing the Gap" to highlight professional women from our region who are working in STEM & Trades fields. This way, girls can see local women who are working in these careers and can consider these careers for themselves. This podcast features an interview…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub created ”Closing the Gap” to highlight professional women from our region who are working in STEM & Trades fields. This way, girls can see local women who are working in these careers and can consider these careers for themselves.Learn more at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap.
HOSTED BY
Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Closing the Gap have?
Closing the Gap currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Closing the Gap about?
The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub created ”Closing the Gap” to highlight professional women from our region who are working in STEM & Trades fields. This way, girls can see local women who are working in these careers and can consider these careers for themselves.Learn more at...
How often does Closing the Gap release new episodes?
Closing the Gap has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Closing the Gap?
You can listen to Closing the Gap on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Closing the Gap?
Closing the Gap is created and hosted by Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub.
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