We Love Science – Details, episodes & analysis

Today we are joined by Beth Amato, a public health research communicator and writer at the University of Witwatersrand and Wits Health consortium in South Africa. Beth’s work centers on science communication and engagement specifically focused on public health issues in South Africa and across the continent. Her day-to-day work involves translating research discoveries from the 5 research units of the health consortium into a palatable format that is relatable and accessible to audiences outside of academia. She describes her creative process as an intersection between communication, art, health, and science. For example, Beth recently reported on a discovery from the Anti-Viral Gene Therapy Research Unit which adapted cashew shell nut oil as a lipid transporter for mRNA vaccines. “Cashew nut shell oil is actually a waste product, and it is abundant across the continent; and is basically a biodegradable material that is very unique, and something that is African led and African made,” she explains. This discovery was key following the limitations in access experienced across Africa during the development of the COVID vaccine. In addition to writing articles, Beth and her team also used art to describe the process of developing the oil for use in vaccines. Her work even ended up in articles available in airport lounges for business travelers, catching the attention and interest of the business community in further expanding vaccine development in the global South. Throughout her work, Beth is motivated to decode data that initially seems incomprehensible to highlight its broader impact on humanity. The biggest challenge she comes across as a public research communicator is the reluctance of scientists to tell the story of their discoveries for broader audiences. But, Beth is patient and with a little bit of coaxing, she is able to get many brilliant yet shy minds to break out of their shell. One piece of advice she would give to someone starting in science communication is to be brave. 

Check out more about Beth’s work in the latest episode.

Tune into this episode to learn more about Beth’s work and:

• Discover examples of the research areas represented by the Wits Health consortium—from rural health to genomics
• How she communicated on a recent discovery about the gut micro biome 
• Why she is motivated to tell the story of science from the African perspective, as part of a global viewpoint  

Reach out to Beth: 

• Email: Beth.amato3@wits.ac.za
• IG: @sweetlittlefrida 

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

• Ep 20: Who Should Art Represent? - The Work 
• Ep 44: The Colorful Life of Bird Eggs 

Support the show

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
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Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

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We continue our discussion with Janet Price, Chief Science Officer (CSO) at Visium (formerly Lit Thinking), a company dedicated to promoting public health through air quality. As a child, Janet had an obsession with asking way too many questions and she found many of the answers at her local library. Originally she wanted to be a writer, specifically for the synopses found on the inside of a book cover —without spoilers of course. Once she joined Central Michigan University as an undergrad, Janet realized her love of microbiology and passion for exploring an “unseen” world; and this began her journey into research. Even though she isn’t in the lab anymore, there is still a deep connection to her current role as a CSO and her experience studying microbes. “The things we learn from these model systems, be they bacterial or small organisms, can really be applied, translationally, for human health and new technologies . . . I wanted to be a person that could take that new technology and bring it to the real world,” she explains. And this is now her primarily responsibility as a CSO combining her expertise and science communications to translate discoveries for the real world. Janet has had many memorable mentors along her journey and she specifically reflects on two during her time as a young researcher in graduate school at Central Michigan University and University of Michigan-Rockham Graduate School. Her mentors instilled in her the value of science for everyone and the importance of free thinking to drive good ideas. One piece of advice she would give to her younger self is to start in research early, as she looks back on her journey. In her spare time, Janet enjoys a good cup of tea (specifically Victorian Earl Grey), spending time with her family and dog, and getting lost in a good story—in a book, movie, or video game. Hear more about Janet’s journey in the latest episode—https://welovesciencepodcast.com. 

Check out the previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/episodes/18244541

Tune into this episode to hear Janet share:

• How her interests evolved from searching for answers in local libraries to designing her own microbiology experiments
• How her graduate school mentors influenced her views of science 
• What’s next for Visium and promoting air quality for public health 

Reach out to Janet:

• LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molecularjanet/ 
• And check out Visium: https://visium.one/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

• Ep 49: Advocating for Science and Research - The Journey 
• Ep 61: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The Journey 

Support the show

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

In this bonus episode, we’re back with another round of Hidden Genius! Shekerah puts Fatu in the hot seat with a mystery scientist. The clues start flowing and she has 5 chances to get it right. Can you guess this hidden genius before she does? 

If you enjoyed this episode you'll also enjoy:

• Ep 24: From Dyslexia to Nobel Prize Winner! - Hidden Genius Challenge #1
• Ep 28: Yogurt-Making DIY Style - A Food Science Short
• Ep 23: The Accidental Discovery of Penicillin

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We are joined again by Christine Vazquez, a viral immunologist and Principal Scientist at GSK, to hear about her journey into science. The earliest memories from her childhood picture Christine sitting with her dad watching educational shows like Stories from the ER and dreaming of growing up to become a medical doctor. Her dad, especially, nurtured her interest in science and reading through books. As an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University, she was introduced to laboratory research as part of the curriculum and immediately felt a spark. “I think for me, what I became more interested in after exposure to research, was …  I don’t necessarily want to treat patients. I want to figure out why they’re getting sick and how to help them get better. The broad interest still was the same; the research question changed,” explains Christine. This change in her perspective, and a strong aversion to taking the MCAT, encouraged her to look beyond medical school as the next stage of her journey unfolded. But, Christine didn’t really know if graduate school would be the right choice for her. More importantly, the experiences Christine had gained over time also evolved her perception of who is a scientist–some work at the bench and many others apply their knowledge to different fields like science writing and communications. There were endless opportunities for her at this stage; how could she make the right decision? Looking back at her journey, Christine had several influential mentors, especially teachers and guidance counselors who saw something in her that she didn’t even see in herself. They encouraged her to participate in extra-curricular activities and opened doors to new opportunities. If she could give one piece of advice to her younger self it would be, breath, it will all work out. Outside of work, Christine enjoys reading, especially literary fiction.

Check out the previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/episodes/17378991 

Tune into this episode to learn about Christine’s journey:

• The importance of pivoting for Christine to find her way along her journey
• How her definition of “who is a scientist” evolved with different experiences
• Where Christine sees herself going next

Reach out to Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-vazquez/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

• Ep 61: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The Journey
• Ep 65: Finding Your Fit: How to Navigate the Transition from Academia to Industry – The Journey

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

In the final episode of our Academia to Industry series, we sit down with Dr. Christine Vazquez, a viral immunologist and Principal Scientist at GSK, to explore what it really means to make science work for patients. With humor, warmth, and sharp insight, Christine walks us through her deeply personal journey—from the tragic loss of her father to sepsis, to finding purpose in virology and infectious disease research. 

Christine reflects on what she’s had to unlearn to succeed in industry. She also shares how she’s come to appreciate the power of using her scientific training to pivot, adapt, and make a real difference in people's lives. 

Tune in to learn more about:

• How rotations in grad school changed her focus from bacterial to viral pathogens
•  How to recognize and transfer the skills you’ve built, even when the language around them changes 
•  The realities (and myths!) of publishing, mentorship, and impact in industry science 
•  Why your project doesn’t define your worth as a scientist 

Reach out to Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-vazquez
 

If you enjoyed this episode you'll also enjoy:

1. Ep 60: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The Work
2. Ep 64: Finding Your Fit: How to Navigate the Transition from Academia to Industry – The Work

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Dr. LaTasha Fraser, program manager for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at New York University (NYU) joins us today to discuss her journey in science, the people who inspired her, and the lessons she learned along the way. She was motivated to go into science by a very unconventional source–the Maury Show. Specifically, Tash remembers the days she spent in front of the tv, when she was home sick, and engrossed by the family drama unfolding before her eyes as Maury would reveal the results of paternity testing. From there, Tash was determined to go into forensic science. She completed summer programs and attended the University of New Haven, which has a renowned forensic science program. After completing her undergrad, Tash realized laboratory research was a better fit for her career goals than working on a real-life crime scene; and she attended the University of Connecticut for her Masters in biochemistry. With this new drive, Tash completed her doctorate in molecular genetics from Rutgers University. While at Rutgers she was also introduced to the experience of recruiting students, and this moment changed everything for Tash. She couldn’t describe or specifically see what career path this activity encompassed, but Tash knew she wanted to help students become scientists. Looking back at her journey, one piece of advice she would give her younger self is reassurance. “The beauty of things not working out the way you envisioned them, is you learn how to navigate,” she explains. In her reflections, Tash also wishes she had more confidence in her decision making, rather than waiting for the approval or support of others. Outside of work Tash enjoys spending time with her family and singing karaoke–you can find her breaking into song and dance anytime!    

If you missed the last episode listen here. 

Listen to the latest episode here.

Tune into this episode to hear LaTasha discuss: 

• How her dreams of becoming a forensic scientist were completely shattered by reality
• What she admired most about her mentors and their personalities
• How she envisions her future self

Reach out to LaTasha:

step@nyulangone.org 

To learn more about STEP:

https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html 

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

• Ep 7: STEMLand Future of Science - The Journey

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today we welcome Dr. LaTasha Fraser, program manager for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at New York University (NYU), which offers resources to middle school through graduate school students in numerous areas within STEM–engineering, math, medicine, and others.. The program works through a tiered system providing courses to strengthen introductory STEM coursework, to understand the application of STEM concepts in the real world, and an immersive introduction to medical and professional training. In her every day, Tash balances numerous responsibilities including making sure key deliverables are met for particular programs through various tasks from budgeting to achieving team goals to working directly with students. What she enjoys most is the ability to learn new things regularly and interact with students eager about STEM. “It makes me feel like I’m doing work that is truly affecting the lives of these students,” explains Tash. Apart from these highlights, there are also challenges that come with her role like being a saleswoman; she is constantly looking for new schools to partner with, realizing that every school will have different and unique needs, and advocating for support for the STEP program. The best advice Tash has for anyone who is interested in a similar career in program management is to get involved with student organizations or volunteer organizations to get a flavor of what it is like to juggle many plates and responsibilities.      

Tune into this episode to hear LaTasha discuss: 

• Why she feels like she is in the circus juggling plates like an acrobat
• What she loves about her job and working with students
• How program management compares to academic career paths

Reach out to LaTasha:

step@nyulangone.org 

To learn more about STEP:

https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html 

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

• Ep 6: STEMLand Future of Science
• Ep17 : Mentors of Incalculable Worth - Anthology

Support the show

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

We are back today with Ariel Parker, Director of Partnerships and Legacy at the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) to learn about her career journey. As a child, her science spark was ignited by a combination of playing with a toy microscope, an inspirational physics teacher, and the board game Life. In high school, Ariel was especially fortunate to attend a private school in the suburbs of Philadelphia and encountered fantastic teachers, many of whom were women with PhDs, who inspired her with stories from their time in academia and industry. Her teachers not only taught her the basics of STEM, but encouraged her to pursue opportunities outside of the classroom like summer research programs. Ariel’s journey through science in her youth was almost a fairy-tale-like experience guided by mentors, teachers, and experiences that set the foundation for her future. “I was solidifying the desire to be a scientist.  . . I was definitely being prepared for a career there by the best,” she remembers. As an undergraduate at Swarthmore College, she contemplated becoming teaching faculty, or working in science outreach before a career assessment surprised her with options like diplomat and school principal. Ariel was at a bit of crossroad--how could she keep her interest in science yet find intersections with areas such as diplomacy? While attending Johns Hopkins University for her doctorate, Ariel reflected on her cv and let it “speak to her,” leading to a position as a public school biology teacher. Her intentional decision making at this step was rooted in her own personal experiences as a high school student, having exposure and access to great teachers and mentors. Currently, Ariel keeps herself busy with many hobbies outside of work–reading, learning, eating out, and passion projects. Check out the previous episode here.

Tune into this episode to hear Ariel share:

• How a career assessment almost derailed her science career goals
• The importance of finding a group of people who will fight for you, in rooms you are not in
• The importance of exposure, equity, and access in guiding her career choice

Reach out to Ariel:

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-parker/
• Email: pariel@seas.upenn.edu

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

Ep 52: How Science and Philosophy Intertwine - The Journey

Support the show

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Today, we are joined by Ariel Parker, Director of Partnerships and Legacy at the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB)–a science and technology center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The CEMB represents faculty across various disciplines at multiple institutions within mechanobiology, an interdisciplinary field exploring how physical forces affect living things. In her role, Ariel manages the educational programs, recruits new students, provides first-hand research experiences, organizes a postdoc preview day and much, much more. While Ariel’s role doesn’t require using a pipette anymore, she has made use of translational skills, such as successful project planning and knowing what questions to ask during the planning process. “A good researcher thinks not only about today, but their Tuesday, 3 months from now,” explains Ariel. Two of the favorite things about her job are the diversity of the tasks and responsibilities, and working with her colleagues. A challenge that Ariel encounters in her role is, of course, funding and the uncertainty this can create in providing sustainability for CEMB. Looking back at some of the events Ariel has organized for K-12 outreach, she recalls an outreach day where students conducted experiments with venus flytrap plants. The event allowed the students to have memorable experiences beyond simply learning the science. “Exposure, equity and access–those three things allow us to change outcomes for people,” Ariel explains. One piece of advice from Ariel is to embrace pursuing your interests broadly to find your perfect fit.   

Tune into this episode to hear Ariel share:

• How her values drive her decisions in her career path 
• Why there is no such thing as useless knowledge 

Reach out to Ariel: 

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-parker/
• Email: pariel@seas.upenn.edu

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

• Ep 36: Sista, Sista! Graduate School Years - The Work
• Ep 12: Immunology and squid

Support the show

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

Dr. Luis Martinez is back to speak with us about his journey. As a senior venture associate at Capital Factory, a venture capital firm, his love of science began by noticing what was missing–people doing science who looked like him. Luis was raised in an incredible town on the U.S.-Mexico border–El Paso, Tx. His introduction to science came from experiences at the local library and shows like Star Trek and Cosmos. As a high schooler, he was on the science team and had the opportunity to take a state exam for chemistry. But, rather than studying, he took the exam without any preparation. And somehow he passed; ranking first in the state! This, for him, set a path to pursue science in college. He attended Trinity College as a first generation college student and had the incredible opportunity to complete research as an undergraduate. As a junior, he declared himself as a chemistry major and was introduced to graduate school by a guidance counselor. The decision for Luis was easy–graduate school was free–it was a clear yes. As a graduate student at Harvard University, he remembers his involvement in a major scientific discovery that focused on developing organic molecules using efficient and sustainable methods. From this discovery, he also learned about patenting and scaling innovations; important lessons he would need for the future. At the end of his doctorate, Luis had to decide between a postdoctoral fellowship or joining a consulting firm. He chose the latter. After a few years, however, a family emergency brought him back to El Paso to join the university as a chemistry professor. Later on, he again moved to Trinity University as a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation to lead an undergraduate entrepreneurship program. When Luis looks back at his journey so far, he recommends two pieces of advice, “Be bold; and don’t worry about it, it’ll all work out.”               

Check out the previous episode with Luis.

Tune into this episode to hear about Luis’s journey and:

• How he chose his major as a first generation college student
• How he was able to adapt his unique professional experiences to drive his career journey  

Reach out to Luis: 

• LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drluismartinez/

If you enjoyed this episode, check out one more:

• Ep 43: Science CEO Level: Unlocked - The Journey 

Support the show

Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com
Suggest a guest

Reach out to Fatu:
www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm
Instagram: @thee_fatu_b
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Reach out to Shekerah:
www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus
and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com

Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor
Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic