The Equation Unsolved

Emily Rhine speaks with Dr. Stephanie Wong-Noonan, a professor of biological sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, about how failure, grading culture, motherhood, and the lack of visible role models shape women’s confidence in STEM. The episode moves from personal setbacks to institutional change, asking what it would take to make belonging sustainable.

Emily Rhine speaks with Dr. Adriana Wilde, a university lecturer and computer scientist, about her path into STEM and the structural barriers women face in technical fields. Together they unpack how mentorship, inclusive spaces, and persistence transform uncertainty into long-term success.

Emily Rhine speaks with Brittany Ryan, a STEM professional, about what it means to persist beyond the classroom and build a meaningful long-term path in technical spaces. The conversation focuses on resilience, adaptability, and redefining success beyond grades alone. 

Emily Rhine speaks with Dr. Winnie Ye, a professor and silicon photonics researcher as well as the global leader of IEEE Women in Engineering, about her path through engineering, the biases women still face in research spaces, and the resilience required to lead in STEM. From mentorship initiatives to hands-on learning, the conversation highlights how support systems help women stay and thrive.

Emily Rhine speaks with Dr. Edwina Kitchington, the leader of Young Women in Bio in Pittsburgh, about the communities that help women stay in technical spaces. The conversation explores how mentorship programs, peer networks, and structured support systems create belonging, strengthen confidence, and help students persist through doubt.

Emily Rhine speaks with Jackie Thacker, an educator, about what teachers can do to normalize struggle, reduce fear around mistakes, and help students grow through discomfort. The episode challenges the idea that failure signals inability and instead reframes it as one of the most important tools for learning.

Emily Rhine speaks with Angella Chen, a Carnegie Mellon student, about what it feels like to enter demanding STEM spaces while questioning whether you truly belong. Through honest reflections on difficult classes, comparison, and rebuilding confidence after setbacks, the episode explores how self-perception can shape persistence just as much as raw ability.

Emily Rhine speaks with Heer, a high school student, about the moment when confidence and identity in STEM are still taking shape. Their conversation explores how early classrooms, teacher support, school resources, and access to opportunity influence whether young women begin to see STEM as a space where they belong.

All episodes out April 10th