Varied Voices in STEM

Just what it sounds like! Undergraduate co-hosts Charleese Williams, Rorah Ndungu, and Em Stacey are interviewed by Dr. Erica Tracey to learn about the amazing things they've done in undergrad and what motivated their engagement with this work.

Dr. Kaela Singleton discusses her journey from finding research as an undergraduate to becoming the Beyonce of Neuroscience and co-founder of #BlackinNeuro Kaela discusses the importance of mentorship in her journey and how learning to make use of her voice to amplify others has also allowed her to find a personal community where she can be her best "Black, Samoan, queer woman" self. At the time of recording, Kaela was a postdoctoral researcher at Emory University and adjunct professor at Agnes Scott College. At the time of this episode publishing, she has taken on a new role as Campaign Manager with the inclusive STEM consulting firm, Solving for Science: https://solvingfor.org/about-us

Chishiba Kanta and Dina Yakout (MD/PhD) discuss what it is like embarking on a new educational experience in a new-to-you country. At the time of recoding, Chishiba was studying civil engineering after completing her BS and Georgia State. Dina was a PhD candidate who moved to the US after completing her MD in Egypt. Each discuss how their cultures shaped their perspectives before moving to the US and how they have since made Atlanta into their home. They also discuss how they have managed evolving goals and learned how to keep their priorities, including those whom they cherish in the US and their homes of origin, at the forefront as their progres towards their careers of choice.

Ugo Kalu discusses what is it like transitioning from undergraduate student at GSU to Master's student in the Department of Biology and Cell Physiology and Molecular Biology. As a student with a non-traditional trajectory, she shares what she has learned from her years at Georgia state and reflects on how she has matured to understand what preparing for medical school really requires.

Dr. Joseph Normandin, Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Director in the GSU Neuroscience Institute, discusses how he turned his passion for neuroscience into an impactful career despite having a rocky start in college. In addition to discussing his battles with impostor syndrome, Joe shares about the impacts of coming of age as a gay man during the AIDS pandemic, and how his interest in human sexuality ultimately shaped his research. As an educator, Joe has focused his efforts on supporting the students who-- like him-- could easily fall through the cracks or convince themselves they aren't "cut out" for science. He talks about some of these initiatives and why he is hopeful for the future of the scientific community.

At the time of recording, Caidyn Ellis was a third year Biopsychology major at Oglethorpe University. She discusses how she learned to balance her personal focus on neuroscience with all of her other interests outside of the lab and classroom. Caidyn gives a snapshot of what it was like to try to learn to manage the Covid pandemic's consequences while also managing college. Although in the context of this unique historical time, her advice and perspective are timeless. At the time of publishing this episode, Caidyn had successfully graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in biopsychology and chemistry. She is revising the thesis she discussed for publication and studying for the MCAT while gaining experience as an EMT.

Trigger Warning: gun violence, violence against POC, violence against children, police brutality Lisa Shepard, M.Ed and Jennifer Gray, MS discuss how their respective communities have changed around them, have supported them through difficult times, and have inspired them to be a voice for people who may not otherwise be heard. At the time of recording, Lisa was an administrative specialist and pre-medical advisor in the GSU Office of Academic Assistance. Jennifer was a PhD candidate in the Neuroscience institute. Although sharing advice from very different perspectives, each give practical guidance on how to make the most out of your time in university and how to find people who help uplift you so that you can uplift others.

Dr. Michelle Ezeoke is an instructor of biology and program manager of the BioBus program at Georgia State University. She discusses how her identity as a first generation Latina student developed and now shape her work, how mentorship has been essential to her journey, and how she learned the importance of advocacy (for herself and others).