The LIV Lab

Ever wondered what life is like as an undergrad at a top university?

In the season one finale of Stem Cast, we wrap up with part two of an in-depth conversation with David Cooper, a biophysics and chemistry student at the University of Michigan. David delves into the intricacies of student life at a large university and gives us a window into the highs and lows. He talks about balancing intense workloads and engaging in cutting-edge...

Season 2 is here—with a new name and an even bolder mission. What began as STEMCast is now The LIV Lab: Learn. Innovate. Venture.

This season spotlights founders, researchers, and trailblazers who aren’t just navigating careers—they’re redefining them. It’s all about innovation, purpose, and building a path that truly matters.

Tune in to hear what’s new, what’s evolving, and what it means to create work with impact. Welcome to The LI...

Ever wondered what biophysics actually is—or how undergrads find their place in cutting-edge research?

In this insightful episode of StemCast, we sit down with David Cooper, a biophysics and chemistry student at the University of Michigan, who shares his candid journey of choosing (and re-choosing) the right path.

David explains what biophysics really involves—from studying protein crystal structures to applying physical techniques t...

College isn’t just about lectures—it’s about impact.

To kick off our mini series, College, Unfiltered, we sit down with Grace, a recent University of Michigan graduate in biomedical engineering, who turned her degree into a platform for innovation, leadership, and global health design. From building low-cost medical devices for underserved communities to leading a 200-member global health organization, Grace shows us what it means ...

Can you go from strumming guitar chords to writing production-ready code at Big Tech? Matthew Martinez did just that—and more. In this inspiring episode of StemCast, we sit down with Matthew, a former elementary school teacher and music major who pivoted into software engineering through a 12-week coding boot camp.

He opens up about the challenges of breaking into tech without a traditional CS degree, landing roles at Meta and Amazo...

Wonder what it takes to get into Cornell and which path it will lead you down?

In this episode of StemCast, we sit down with Emily Vick, a Cornell electrical and computer engineering grad who now works as a software engineer at YouTube. Emily shares how her high school love for STEM led her to Cornell, how she navigated Google internships, and why trying different classes and experiences helped shape her career path.

She also opens ...

Have you ever wondered how scientists bring damaged ecosystems back to life?

In this episode, we dive into the world of ecological restoration with Claire Wilhelm Safian, a restoration ecologist at UC Santa Barbara. Claire takes us behind the scenes of North Campus Open Space, a once-degraded wetland that has been transformed into a thriving habitat. From reviving endangered plant species to monitoring biodiversity, Claire shares t...

Ever wondered if starting at a community college could lead to a dream career?

In this episode of StemCast, we chat with Claire, a restoration ecologist at the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration at UC Santa Barbara. Despite initially heading for an English major, Claire’s passion for the environment led them to a thriving career managing the 130-acre North Campus Open Space, filled with wetlands, grasslands,...

How do you stay ahead in a world where tech never stops evolving?

In this episode, we talk with Marilene Roder about her inspiring career in STEM. From earning her master’s in Brazil to 21 years at IBM and now driving innovation at Nvidia, Marilene shares how persistence and curiosity have shaped her path.

Tune in to hear her insights on navigating change, embracing new challenges, and balancing work with family. If you’re curious a...

Loved Part 1 with Noelle? Get ready–this conversation is about to get even better.

In this follow-up episode of StemCast, Noelle Tongvillanueva shares even more insights into her unique career journey. Starting with her father’s influence and her strong SAT scores that steered her toward engineering, Noelle opens up about her path from sales engineering to her current role as a business development manager specializing in industria...

Ever felt outnumbered but determined to succeed?

In this empowering episode of StemCast, we talk with Noelle Tongvillanueva, a regional sales business development manager who started her career in industrial and systems engineering. Noelle shares how she pivoted from designing systems to mastering the art of sales engineering, combining technical expertise with strategic customer engagement. Along the way, she faced challenges in a...

Are you worried about changing careers?

In this fascinating episode of StemCast, we chat with Jessica Horvath, a former neuroscientist turned data scientist who currently works at IBM as a Watson X subject matter expert. Jessica takes us through her early days researching at Albert Einstein College and Rockefeller University, where she conducted brain surgery on mice and analyzed complex data. She shares why her passion for data an...

Curious about which engineering path to dive into?

In this insightful episode of StemCast, we sit down with Gabriel, a UC Davis graduate who began his journey in Biomedical Engineering, only to find himself drawn to the medical field. Gabriel dives into what inspired his choice of major and advises which engineering major is best for specific interests. Moreover, he delves into the unique intersection of healthcare and engineering h...

Are you worried you aren't ready for what computer science has in store for you?

In this inspiring episode of StemCast, we chat with Patricia, who entered computer science with little knowledge about the field. After graduating with her master's in computer science, she began her career as a software quality assurance engineer, mastering each stage of the software development lifecycle. Now, as a customer success manager at Microso...

Ever wondered how science skills can lead to a career in tech?

In this exciting episode of StemCast, we chat with Roy, a tech innovator who began his career in chemistry before transitioning to the fast-paced world of technology. Coming from Britain, Roy’s career journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and lifelong learning.

Tune in as he shares how one course ignited his passion for tech, the challenges he faced navigat...

Ready to unlock the secrets of combining business savvy with cutting-edge tech skills?

In this must-listen episode of StemCast, we sit down with Klaus Roder, a dynamic Program Director at IBM who works with Sustainability Software, Data, and AI. Klaus started his journey majoring in business before making a bold leap into computer science. Now, he masterfully blends both fields to drive innovation at one of the world's leading tech...