NALA(STEM) Podcast

In this episode, host Imani Porter kicks off the the Graduate School Edition episodes with an exploration of factors to assess when considering your current trajectory and preparing for your next steps. Whether it's graduate school or going into a career after undergrad, Monique Claiborne, this episode's guest, can help any student identify the path that best fits them and their interests!STAY CONNECTEDMonique Claiborne: ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/[email protected] Nut Labslugnutlabs.co (startup advisory)Coaching:claiborneandco.com (studentadmissions/career coaching) Nitro:joinnitro.co (internshipmatching)SPLICED (Substack Post)Reach out to NALA!https://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMUSIC: ⁠⁠https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Karla Alcaraz, an environmental biologist working in consulting. Karla speaks about her experience in community engagement, staying curious, and remaining open to new experiences.STAY CONNECTEDKarla Alcaraz: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlagalcaraz/https://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMUSIC: ⁠https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Aravind Natatajan, a microbiologist and advocate for diversity in STEM. Aravind shares his various perspectives and thoughtful lessons he has learned during the course of his shifting career in academia. He also shares some of the traits he carries with him as he transitions out of the academic sphere in addressing global health issues.STAY CONNECTEDAravind Natarajan:linkedin.com/in/[email protected] article:https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1673464/full?utm_source=F-NTF&utm_medium=EMLX&utm_campaign=PRD_FEOPS_20170000_ARTICLEhttps://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMUSIC:⁠https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

In this episode, host Imani Porter candidly reflects on the first full year of the podcast and shares what she envisions for future episodes.STAY CONNECTEDhttps://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMUSIC⁠: https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

In this episode, Imani and guest Dr. Jonathan Wosen, explore his journey from being a curious child interested in science to navigating the challenges of graduate school and ultimately transitioning into science journalism. The conversation highlights the importance of communication in science, the skills developed during graduate school, and the resilience required to succeed in both academia and journalism. Jonathan also shares insights on storytelling in science writing and offers advice for aspiring science communicators.STAY CONNECTEDJonathan WosenEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-wosen-phd-b69172147/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanwosen.bsky.socialTwitter/X: https://x.com/JonathanWosenSTAT's academic discount rate >> use the code ACADEMIC75 for a 75% discountWe also have even better offers for entire universities or academic institutions. Email [email protected] for info.NALA(STEM) Linkshttps://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMusic by IV The Poet⁠https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9⁠

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Crystal Kennedy, a first-generation scientist and recent graduate of Duke University, where she earned her PhD. In this conversation Dr. Kennedy explores how her unique experience has shaped her perspective of her journey through science and what she considers for her next steps in her career. STAY CONNECTEDCrystal Kennedy⁠linkedin.com/in/crystal-kennedy-phd-9746a5151⁠[email protected](STEM) Linkshttps://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMusic by IV The Poethttps://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Cara Cowan Watts, CEO of Tulsa Peer Drilling, about her journey in STEM, the importance of community, and her entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Cowan Watts shares her experiences as a Native American woman in engineering, her advocacy for education and economic development in Native communities, and her insights on navigating various career paths in STEM. The conversation emphasizes the significance of engagement, continuous learning, and the impact of outreach initiatives in shaping the future of STEM fields.STAY CONNECTED!Cara Cowan Watts-https://caracowan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/caracowanwatts/Cherokee 411-https://cherokee411.com/NALA(STEM)https://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMUSIChttps://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Carmen Banks, a scientist and educator dedicated to increasing diversity in biotech. Dr. Banks shares her unique journey through various scientific fields, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and sponsorship in navigating STEM careers. She discusses her organization, Melanin Science, which aims to bridge the gap for underrepresented students in biotech, and highlights the significance of self-care and community support in achieving success in academia and industry.STAY CONNECTEDMelaninscience-www.melanin-science.comCarmen Bankshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenmbanks/https://linktr.ee/NALASTEMMUSIChttps://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

In this episode of the Nala STEM podcast, host Imani Porter speaks with CJ Kemdirim, a software engineer who transitioned from aerospace engineering to the startup world. CJ shares his journey, discussing the skills he gained from his aerospace background and how they informed his work in software engineering. He emphasizes the importance of confidence, learning from failure, and the impact of networking in career development. CJ also talks about his current project, which is a labor platform for farmers, and reflects on the significance of the gut microbiome in health. TAKEAWAYSTransitioning between engineering fields can leverage problem-solving skills.Startups offer a fast-paced environment with immediate feedback.Building products with direct impact is a key motivator.Confidence in learning is crucial for career development.Networking can open doors to new opportunities.The future of work is evolving with technology and AI.Understanding the gut microbiome can influence health outcomes.Embracing failure is part of the learning process.Nonlinear career paths are common in STEM fields.Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.

Imani Porter dives deeper with commentary from her own experience from the professional development workshop led by Victoria Auger last fall. This conversation focuses on navigating STEM careers. The discussion covers key tips for early career scientists and engineers, including the importance of identity and representation, career planning aligned with personal values, and the necessity of self-care in high-pressure environments. The conversation emphasizes advocacy, mentorship, and the need for resilience as individuals navigate their unique paths in STEM.CONNECT WITH VICTORIA ON LINKEDINTakeawaysAcknowledge and address unique challenges in STEM.Advocacy is crucial for underrepresented groups.Establish a sense of community to thrive in STEM.Career fulfillment should align with personal values.Self-care is essential to avoid burnout.It's okay to pivot and change career paths.Reflect on what truly fulfills you in your career.Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and support.Career transitions require resilience and adaptability.You are not stuck; explore various opportunities.

CONNECT WITH NALA(STEM)Host Imani Porter and guest Victoria Auger discuss the complexities of navigating STEM careers. They explore the non-linear nature of career paths, the importance of understanding career transitions, building transferable skills, the power of networking and mentorship, and the necessity of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. The conversation emphasizes that success is subjective and varies for each individual, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys in the STEM field.CONNECT WITH VICTORIA ON LINKEDINTakeawaysSuccess is a personal measure and varies for everyone.Career transitions are essential for growth and resilience.Building transferable skills is crucial for career flexibility.Networking and mentorship can open doors to new opportunities.Resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges.It's okay to feel stuck; seeking help is important.You don't have to have everything figured out.Engaging in diverse experiences builds valuable skills.Trusting the process is vital in career development.Success is a winding road, not a straight path.

CONNECT WITH NALA(STEM)In this episode of the NALA(STEM) podcast, host Imani Porter speaks with Steven Philpott Jr., a former US Marine and current research associate at East Carolina University. They discuss Steven's unique journey through education, the influence of his military background on his career, and his passion for research in cannabis and health. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating non-traditional academic paths, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of imposter syndrome on confidence in scientific careers. Steven shares insights on his role as a research associate and his aspirations to contribute to community health through science. CONNECT WITH STEPHEN ON LINKEDINTAKEAWAYSSteven's military experience shaped his educational journey.The importance of a supportive environment for children in education.Cannabis research is crucial for understanding health and performance.Imposter syndrome is a common challenge in academia.Mentorship plays a vital role in scientific careers.Research should tell a compelling story.Confidence can be built through knowledge and experience.Non-traditional paths can lead to unique opportunities.Community impact is a key motivation for scientific research.Understanding the science behind cannabis can change perceptions.

Graduate School Series kicks off with Imani Porter interviewing Mone't Sawyer. She's a Ph.D. Candidate at Boise State University in Biomedical Engineering. She shares her story about growing up as one of the few black people in Idaho and her experiences champion STEM despite obstacles. You don't want to miss this episode!STAY CONNECTED WITH MONE'TIGLINKEDIN STAY CONNECTED WITH NALA(STEM)IGLinkedIn

STAY CONNECTED WITH NALA(STEM)In this second part of the Professional Development Series on Leadership, Imani continues to extract knowledge from Paul Faronbi's talk last year and shares impactful stories from her own life and from what she has observed as well. Paul goes deeper into leadership and talks about the Five Levels of Leadership to close out his session.

STAY CONNECTED WITH NALA(STEM)Imani dives deep into another professional development session. This time hosted by Paul Faronbi, founder and President of NALA(STEM). He talks about Leadership and Imani shares key commentary and feedback on how she applies what he talks about and how you can do the same!

In this episode, Imani Porter interviews Keiondra Marshall. She has been a Project Coordinator at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium since 2022. Growing up she developed her love for the ocean and its organisms due to her close proximity to the east coast beaches. Keiondra is excited to work alongside the Mote team to increase the visibility and engagement of underrepresented minorities in the Marine Science field. In this episode, she discusses the value of networking and mentorship and also some insights into transferable skills you can get from unlikely places. Learn more about her organization by going to ⁠mote.org⁠See Internship Opportunities: ⁠mote.org/internships/⁠Mentorship Workshops: ⁠marscilace.org⁠Reach out Keiondra: ⁠[email protected]

STAY CONNECTED WITH NALA(STEM)⁠Continuing with the Professional Development series, Imani guides us through a discussion that Dr. Sana Nasim led on Mentorship.

STAY CONNECTED WITH NALA(STEM)⁠In this third episode and beginning of Professional Development series, Imani guides us through a discussion that Dr. Ana Chicas-Mosier led on Mental Health earlier this year.

STAY CONNECTED WITH NALA(STEM)⁠ In this episode of the NALA(STEM) Podcast, Host, Imani Porter, interviews Paul Faronbi, President of NALA(STEM), discusses his journey in creating Nala(STEM) and the IncrediPaul Leadership Podcast. He shares how his passion for uniting and supporting historically excluded peoples in STEM led to the formation of NALA(STEM) which has the mission to unite, support, and build community among all historically excluded peoples in STEM. Their current focus is on on mentorship, conferences, and workshops!

Host of NALA(STEM) podcast, Imani Porter gets interviewed by Paul Faronbi. This episode is a collaboration with the IncrediPaul Leadership Podcast. interviews. Imani is a genetics PhD student at Stanford School of Medicine. They discuss Imani's interest in podcasting and her experience in radio during her time at Hampton University. She shares her inspiration for starting the podcast, which is to learn from people who have taken non-traditional paths in science. She discusses her experiences with LSAMP and URISE, programs that provide research opportunities and scholarships for underrepresented minorities in STEM. Imani also talks about her decision to attend Stanford for graduate school and the impact of virtual research programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the significance of leadership skills in STEM and the need for more representation in the field.