While STEM fields have come a long way in terms of increasing diversity over the past few decades, there is still much to be achieved in terms of equity. Joining us today is Dr. Melissa Bauman, a neuroscientist at the UC Davis MIND Institute, professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis, and director of Women in Medicine and Health Sciences (WIMHS) at the same institution. Dr. Bauman is a passionate advocate for advancing women’s careers in science and medicine, and in today’s conversation, we learn how she is helping introduce more girls and young women to STEM fields. Tuning in you’ll learn about her own journey into neuroscience, the unique challenges that women in STEM face, and why she would never have gotten where she is today without the encouragement of key mentors and teachers throughout her schooling. Dr. Bauman shares what it’s like balancing her roles as a professor, scientist, and researcher, what a typical workday looks like for her, and the things she enjoys most about her work. She also shares her advice to young people interested in pursuing a similar career path and why she is deeply committed to giving back and helping others discover the joys of pursuing a career in STEM. To learn more about Dr. Bauman’s fascinating career, and her advice to aspiring scientists, be sure to tune in!
Key Points From This Episode:
- A warm welcome to today's guest, Dr. Melissa Bauman!
- How Dr. Bauman balances her roles as professor, scientist, and researcher.
- Insight into her passion for promoting diversity in STEM fields.
- Details about her role as director of Women in Medicine and Health Sciences (WIMHS).
- Why she is so appreciative that her parents and teachers encouraged her interest in science.
- The event that sparked her fascination with neuroscience during her college years.
- What she focused on for her Ph.D. program and how she transitioned into her current role.
- A breakdown of the grant application and funding process.
- Why being a good writer is a key part of her work.
- How she manages the budget for her projects.
- The similarities between running a research lab and managing a small business.
- An overview of her research focus and how she delegates tasks to her team.
- What a typical day in Dr. Bauman’s work life looks like.
- The topics she teaches in her WIMHS class and how her course has evolved.
- A rundown of the challenges faced by women in STEM.
- Helping female students find a way forward that is a little bit easier.
- Insight into her study initiatives; selecting them, the amount of time they typically take to complete, and how they build on one another.
- Dr. Bauman’s advice to anyone interested in pursuing a similar career path.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
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