Science Wise
Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs are two renowned scientists on a mission to make the world of science more welcoming by learning from the experiences of scientists who came before us. Get ready to be inspired as they delve into the personal journeys of scientists who share with them the highs and lows that helped shape their careers. Enjoy motivating discussions filled with invaluable takeaways to guide you on your personal journey. Listening will feel like confiding in your wisest auntie, who just happens to be a badass scientist. ABOUT THE HOSTS: Emilia Huerta-Sanchez is an Associate Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Brown University. Rori Rohlfs is an Associate Professor of Data Science at the University of Oregon.
Episodes
DESCRIPTION:
Wrapping up Season 2, Drs. Rori Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez return with a special twist: this episode is driven by your questions—and answered by the inspiring scientists we’ve featured all season.
This finale isn’t just a look back—it’s a conversation shaped by curiosity. With insights from guests like Dr. Joann Trejo, Dr. Lisa White, Dr. Maria Orive, and more, Rori and Emilia dive into what it takes to thriv...
Emilia and Rori sit in-studio with Dr. Anne Stone to discuss how scientists can succeed without having all the answers. They share three big takeaways—from handling disagreements in research, to choosing the right path for your work, and why coding skills still matter. It’s helpful advice for scientists at any stage of their career.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:39 – Lesson 1: Resolving disagreement by citing authoritative sources
02:21 – Le...
DESCRIPTION:
Dr. Anne Stone joins Emilia and Rori for an in-person conversation, sharing her journey into the world of ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Anne, a Regents Professor at Arizona State University, shares how her childhood curiosity led to a career studying ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Stone reflects on her early life, time studying in Germany, and education at Penn State. She tal...
Rori and Emilia discuss key lessons from their conversation with Dr. Dawn Wright, an accomplished oceanographer known for her remarkable achievements and approachable demeanor. They delve into the importance of being open to new experiences, seeking regular feedback from advisors, and staying flexible with one's career path. They also reflect on Dr. Wright's bold decisions, such as leaving tenure, and her enthusiasm for sharing sci...
Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist of Esri and former faculty at Oregon State University, about her incredible journey in marine geology. Dr. Wright shares her experiences growing up under the influence of an ambitious mother, her challenges and milestones in academia, and her groundbreaking research adventures. Her stories encapsulate her dive into the Challenger Deep, overcoming academic obstacles, and exe...
Note: This episode includes discussions on sexual harassment.
Join Rori and Emilia as they discuss key insights from their interview with Dr. Pilar Ossorio. They focus on her strategies for dealing with harassment and her bold career change from molecular biology to bioethics. Pilar's proactive approach to harassment and her career shift offer key lessons. They also discuss her important work on race and ethnicity in scientific rese...
Note: This episode includes discussions on sexual harassment.
Hosts Rori and Emilia talk with Dr. Pilar Ossorio, a University of Wisconsin Madison law professor, to dive into her unique journey through human genetics, law, and bioethics. Dr. Ossorio, also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, opens up about growing up in an academic and diverse family, overcoming misogyny and prejudice, and her shift f...
Emilia & Rori reflect on Dr. Wakimoto’s journey—from science fairs to academic service—discussing the impact of first authorship, challenges for first-gen students, and the importance of protecting students' time.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:38 Lessons on protecting the environment
01:35 The importance of first authorship
05:49 Reflecting on academic service
09:21 Discussing Dr. Wakimoto’s thoughts on retirement
CREDITS: This episode is pro...
Rori and Emilia chat with Dr. Barbara Wakimoto, geneticist, and Professor Emerita at the University of Washington. Dr. Wakimoto shares her journey from growing up on an Arizona farm to becoming a leader in genetics, her family’s World War II internment experience, and her pioneering work on heterochromatin.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
02:03 Dr. Wakimoto's Early Life and Family Background
22:17 Diving into the Science
24:58 Building a Supportive ...
Listen in as the hosts explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a trailblazing gay two-spirit computational chemist, whose career spans from the post-Stonewall era of the 1970s to today. The hosts delve into Dr. Ondrechen’s innovative approaches to building connections in a challenging and often hostile environment. They also discuss the detrimental effects of poor leadership on both morale and progress, and the crit...
Hosts Rory Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez chat with Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a leading computational chemist known for her work on predicting protein functions and designing machine learning software. They talk about her contributions to helping Indigenous scientists, her love for science from an early age, and the mentors who made a difference in her career. Dr. Ondrechen also shares what it’s like being an openly gay, two-spirit ...
Emilia and Rory discuss Dr. Joann Trejo's inspiring journey from fixing bikes in Stockton to becoming a UC Berkeley professor. They explore the pivotal role of mentorship in her life, from a vice principal to academic mentors, and share key insights on starting small, building infrastructure and balancing service with research.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
02:36 Building Mentorships: Reaching Out and Making Connections
05:11 Personal Mentorship...
Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Joann Trejo, a daughter of Mexican migrant farm workers who blossomed into a respected pharmacology professor at UC San Diego. Dr. Trejo shares how thinking beyond the lab helped her reach her goals and grow in biomedical research.
EPISODE CHAPERS:
02:52 Dr. Trejo's Early Life and Family Background
06:34 Educational Journey and Early Influences
10:26 College and Early Research Experiences
19:43 ...
Emilia and Rori share the biggest lessons gained from their conversation with Dr. Lisa White, such as learning to filter advice and prioritizing student well-being and safety during fieldwork.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:57 Lessons from Dr. Lisa White: New Eyes in Science
02:31 Mentorship and Belonging in Geology
04:10 Navigating Advice and Personal Filters
06:09 Field Work Challenges and Emotional Safety
CREDITS: This episode is produced...
Rori and Emilia speak with Dr. Lisa White, a multidisciplinary scientist in paleontology, oceanography, and geology about her inspiring journey from growing up in diverse San Francisco to shifting her focus from art and photography to geoscience.
She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced in a predominantly homogeneous field, her extensive research, and her role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Desp...
Rori and Emilia hash out their interview with Dr. Maria Orive, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from her experiences. Like the struggle for work/life balance, the critical role of supportive peers, and the undeniable importance of hard work over natural talent.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:44 Lesson 1: Basic Needs
03:04 Lesson 2: Peer Inspiration
05:26 Lesson 3: Hard Work Over Natural Talent
CREDITS: This episode is produced and edit...
Emilia and Rori speak with Dr. Maria Orive from the University of Kansas, who shares her journey as a Cuban American who became a renowned population geneticist. She discusses growing up in a Cuban American community in Olympia, Washington, and her academic journey through Stanford and UC Berkeley, including the challenges she faced. As an associate dean and fellow at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Ori...
In this special live recording of Science Wise, hosts Rori and Emilia sit-down in Juriquilla, Mexico with the founding faculty of LIIGH (Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano), to discuss the lab's groundbreaking origins, remarkable achievements, and impressive collaborations among its founding faculty (all women), which have helped propel the lab to international recognition and growth. Special thanks t...
Rori and Emilia reflect on conversations they had with their brilliant guests this season, such as the invaluable lessons learned from their experiences, and the personal impact these stories have had on their own lives.
The episode also answers listener questions and touches on the universal challenges faced by women in science and the strategies that their guests used to overcome them.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:20 Diverse Paths to ...
Emilia and Rori reflect on their insightful conversation with Dr. Fatimah Jackson, her admirable balance of family and career, her resilience in facing challenges, and her boldness in making life-changing decisions.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:47 Lessons from Dr. Fatimah Jackson
01:02 Lesson One: The Power of a Grounded Scientific Mission
03:11 Lesson Two: Balancing Sacrifice and Ease in a Scientific Career
06:14 Lesson Three: Bold...
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