Diverse Routes: Career Journeys in Science & Medicine

Cassie Briggs
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With so many career options in science and medicine it can be hard to know which path to take. Join the founder of Success in Science Career Coaching and published scientist Dr. Cassie Briggs as she interviews a diverse range of inspiring professionals - from physician assistants to hydrogeologists - who share their unique career journeys. If you are a student or early career professional exploring career options, navigating opportunities and obstacles along your career journey, or looking for advice on how to land your dream job in science or medicine, this is the podcast for you!

  1. Ecological & Sustainability Consultant | Dr. Aaron Stoler

    JAN 27

    Ecological & Sustainability Consultant | Dr. Aaron Stoler

    Episode Highlights: Learn how to think like a consultant starting with the lingo (proactive vs. reactive) How changing your major six times can lead to career clarity, not chaos What really happens after academic burnout — and how to rebuild a fulfilling career Timestamps: 0:28 - What is an Ecological & Sustainability Consultant? 1:36 - What does a typical day look like? 16:33 - What do you enjoy? 20:29 - What do you dislike? 23:29 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations? 35:29 - What were your career milestones? 48:24 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional? About Our Guest: Aaron Stoler, Ph.D. is a Managing Scientist in the Ecological and Biological Sciences practice at Exponent, and is based in Philadelphia. With over 20 years of research experience, Dr. Stoler is an applied ecologist who integrates foundational ecological theory, traditional knowledge, and innovative technologies to deliver sustainable solutions across industry, government, and academia. His expertise spans biodiversity monitoring, restoration ecology, life cycle analysis, wetland and forest ecology, and multivariate analysis of complex experimental designs. Dr. Stoler holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Certified Senior Ecologist. He has previously worked as an associate professor at Stockton University (NJ), as a research scientist for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and as applied ecologist with ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc.  Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠ Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

    54 min

  2. 12/30/2025 · BONUS

    Where Are They Now? 3 Career Updates

    Episode Highlights: What it really takes to build a biotech startup from scratch Why your medical speciality isn’t as fixed as you think How to navigate your job search while employed  Timestamps: Dr. Darrell Marshall Original episode aired 2/8/2023 (Episode 16) 0:33 - What are you up to now since we last spoke? 6:01 - What drew you to this new opportunity? 9:41 - What does a typical day look like, and how does it compare to your previous role? 19:30 - What’s one lesson from this transition that could help others? Dr. Anna Buck Original episode aired 8/9/2022 (Episode 11) 23:44 - What are you up to now since we last spoke? 24:14 - What drew you to this new opportunity? 26:18 - What does a typical day look like, and how does it compare to your previous role? 30:11 - What’s one lesson from this transition that could help others? Lauren Bretz Original episode aired 5/10/2023 (Episode 18) 34:40 - What are you up to now since we last spoke? 35:34 - What drew you to this new opportunity? 40:34 - What does a typical day look like, and how does it compare to your previous role? 44:29 - What’s one lesson from this transition that could help others? About Our Guests: Dr. Darrell Marshall is CEO and founder of Total Analysis. He holds a PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry, specializing in infectious diseases, ionization product development, and machine learning. Dr. Anna Buck is a board-certified physician assistant, who has recently transitioned from primary care and orthopedic specialities to dermatology. Lauren Bretz is a Data Scientist with 9+ years of industry experience and now leads her own team building client-facing algorithms and data-driven optimizations at Stitch Fix.  Prefer to watch your podcasts? Watch this episode on patreon.com/diverseroutes  Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

    53 min

  3. 11/25/2025 · BONUS

    Career Coach Series | Cancer Research Scientist | Dr. Reginald Hill

    [SPECIAL SERIES] This episode is part of a special 3-part Career Coaching Series, where each coach at Success in Science shares their unique career journey in STEM. Guided by a set of thoughtful questions, the series explores pivotal moments like choosing a major, navigating graduate school, landing that first science job, and making bold career pivots. Along the way, you’ll hear candid reflections on identity, work-life balance, and the role coaching can play in opening new doors. If you connect with their story, they just might be the right career coach for you—scroll down for a link to our website where you can schedule a free 30-minute chat with them. About Our Guest/Coach: Dr. Reginald Hill is a cancer biologist, educator, and science communicator with more than two decades of experience advancing translational research and mentoring the next generation of scientists. He earned his Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his B.S. in Biology from Florida A&M University. Reggie’s research has centered on how the tumor microenvironment and biophysical stresses drive cancer progression and treatment resistance, particularly in pancreatic cancer. He previously served as Director of Tumor Biology and Microenvironment at the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine and as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Video Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠ Episode Highlights: How to negotiate multiple job offers and choose wisely Why you might be sabotaging your career decisions based on common misconceptions about working in industry Why networking matters long after you’ve landed your job Timestamps: Overview 0:24 Who are you professionally and personally? 1:43 What are the major milestones in your career journey? Undergraduate 17:39 Why did you choose your major? 18:21 Most valuable course? 19:33 What did you do outside of classes? Graduate School 22:14 Why grad school? 28:49 What was your biggest takeaway? Career Journey 30:22 What was your first real science job? 37:33 What was the day-to-day like? 40:57 Why did you leave that job? Coaching 49:39 What brought you to coaching? 52:37 What challenges do you most enjoy helping with? 56:00 Who do you most enjoy working with? 57:28 How would you describe your coaching style? 58:46 What difference has coaching made in your life? Closing 1:01:33 If you could change one thing in your career, what would it be? 1:02:29 What do you wish you’d known sooner? 1:03:09 Most important piece of advice for listeners? Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

    1h 7m
  4. Career Coach Series | Climate Ecologist & Policy Specialist | Dr. Aaron Grade

    10/28/2025 · BONUS

    Career Coach Series | Climate Ecologist & Policy Specialist | Dr. Aaron Grade

    [SPECIAL SERIES] This episode is part of a special 3-part Career Coaching Series, where each coach at Success in Science shares their unique career journey in STEM. Guided by a set of thoughtful questions, the series explores pivotal moments like choosing a major, navigating graduate school, landing that first science job, and making bold career pivots. Along the way, you’ll hear candid reflections on identity, work-life balance, and the role coaching can play in opening new doors. If you connect with their story, they just might be the right career coach for you—scroll down for a link to our website where you can schedule a free 30-minute chat with them. About Our Guest/Coach: Dr. Aaron Grade is a Senior Project Analyst at an environmental consulting firm and one of our career coaches here at Success in Science. With a passion for conservation and climate policy, Aaron's career has spanned academia, government, and industry and taken him from Connecticut to Montana to Florida and back to the Northeast. His journey has led him to a remote field camp in the hills of Arizona, staring face-to-face with a barracuda in the Caribbean, and even in the White House Navy Mess for lunch with the President’s Science Advisor! Video Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠ Episode Highlights: When it makes sense to generalize instead of specialize How to choose a major and build the most valuable technical skills for environmental policy The edge working with a career coach can give you on the job market Timestamps: Overview 0:37 Who are you professionally and personally? 3:53 What are the major milestones in your career journey? Undergraduate 14:33 Why did you choose your major? 17:42 Most valuable course? 19:49 What did you do outside of classes? Graduate School 23:30 Why grad school? 27:53 What was your application strategy? Career Journey 32:52 What was your first real science job? 39:39 What was the day-to-day like? 42:54 Why did you leave that job? 47:14 Which skills have been most valuable? Coaching 52:16 What brought you to coaching? 56:43 What challenges do you most enjoy helping with? 59:06 Who do you most enjoy working with? 1:03:26 How would you describe your coaching style? 1:07:35 What difference has coaching made in your life? Closing 1:10:49 If you could change one thing in your career, what would it be? 1:12:41 What do you wish you’d known sooner? 1:14:46 Most important piece of advice for listeners? Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

    1h 18m
  5. Career Coach Series | Biology Professor | Dr. Cassie Briggs

    09/30/2025 · BONUS

    Career Coach Series | Biology Professor | Dr. Cassie Briggs

    [SPECIAL SERIES] This episode is Part I of a special 3-part Career Coaching Series, where each coach at Success in Science shares their unique career journey in STEM. Guided by a set of thoughtful questions, the series explores pivotal moments like choosing a major, navigating graduate school, landing that first science job, and making bold career pivots. Along the way, you’ll hear candid reflections on identity, work-life balance, and the role coaching can play in opening new doors. If you connect with their story, they just might be the right career coach for you—scroll down for a link to our website where you can schedule a free 30-minute chat with them. About Our Guest/Coach: Dr. Cassie Briggs is a certified professional career coach, founder of Success in Science, and former biology professor and conservation geneticist. With experience spanning academia, government, industry, and nonprofits, she has guided thousands of students and early-career professionals across fields from medicine to astrophysics. Cassie has coached over 100 clients 1:1 on career exploration, graduate and medical school applications, resumes, interviews, and work-life balance, and has presented her scientific research and coaching frameworks internationally to organizations of all sizes. She is passionate about helping scientists and professionals build fulfilling, values-aligned careers and find joy in the journey. Video Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠ Episode Highlights: When to pursue a Master’s before or instead of a PhD How to navigate career uncertainty Behind the scenes of a cold application that worked Timestamps: Overview 0:27 Who are you professionally and personally? 1:14 What are the major milestones in your career journey? Undergraduate 3:20 Why did you choose your major? 4:29 Most valuable course? 6:52 What did you do outside of classes? Graduate School 11:19 Why grad school? 21:07 Biggest takeaway from grad school? Career Journey 23:03 What was your first real science job? 26:50 What was the day-to-day like? 29:20 Most appealing aspect? 31:37 Least appealing aspect? 33:37 Why did you leave that job? Coaching 38:21 What difference has coaching made in your life? 42:46 Who do you most enjoy working with? 49:26 How would you describe your coaching style? 53:03 What client success story inspires you? Closing 57:39 If you could change one thing in your career, what would it be? 59:10 What do you wish you’d known sooner? 1:02:14 Most important piece of advice for listeners? Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

    1h 7m
  6. Software Engineer | David Wu

    08/26/2025

    Software Engineer | David Wu

    Episode Highlights: Core responsibilities of a software engineer vs. a manager When to prioritize in-person roles vs. remote roles How to build a fulfilling career without having it all figured out at the start Timestamps: 0:27 - What is a Software Engineer? 1:47 - What does a typical day look like? 6:40 - What do you enjoy? 14:53 - What do you dislike? 19:48 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations? 24:16 - What were your career milestones? 27:01 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional? About Our Guest: David Wu (he/him) is a Senior Software Engineering Manager at a mid-sized U.S.-based cloud storage and backup company serving over half a million users worldwide. Widely regarded as one of the best managers his colleagues have worked with, David is known for cultivating highly collaborative teams through a culture of trust, transparency, and honest communication. His leadership style is deeply informed by his work as a career and creativity coach—a role he shares with his wife at the company they co-founded. David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, has completed graduate coursework in AI, and brings over 15 years of experience in software engineering, including more than a decade in management.   Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠ Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

    30 min
  7. Clinical Research Director | Stephanie Monza

    07/29/2025

    Clinical Research Director | Stephanie Monza

    Episode Highlights: Innovative devices that reduced the need for lifelong medication Working with and managing stakeholder expectations Why saying “yes” early in your career can accelerate career clarity Timestamps: 0:36 - What is a Clinical Research Director? 5:39 - What does a typical day look like? 15:35 - What do you enjoy? 27:52 - What do you dislike? 42:06 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations? 45:02 - What were your career milestones? 50:06 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional? About Our Guest: Stephanie Monza (she/her) is a Clinical Research Director with over 15 years of experience leading global clinical trials from early feasibility through pivotal and post-market phases. With a background in sleep diagnostics and pediatric respiratory care, she began her career at the intersection of clinical need and research innovation. Her career has included a decade in industry and key milestones such as presenting pediatric-focused IDE protocols to the FDA. Stephanie is known for her collaborative leadership style, cross-functional team development, and commitment to designing trials that advance medical science and improve patient outcomes. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemonza/  Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠ Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching

    55 min
  8. Medical Laboratory Scientist | Haley Gooch

    06/24/2025

    Medical Laboratory Scientist | Haley Gooch

    Episode Highlights: Navigating school as a non-traditional student The best and worst parts of working the night shift The critical role MLS professionals play in a hospital ER Timestamps: 0:19 - What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist? 5:26 - What does a typical day look like? 9:42 - What do you enjoy? 12:42 - What do you dislike? 15:05 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations? 23:04 - What were your career milestones? 27:39 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional? About Our Guest: Haley Gooch is a board-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist working night shifts in blood banking at a level one trauma center in Kansas City. After earning a degree in criminal justice, she returned to school as a non-traditional student and discovered her passion for clinical lab work through microbiology. Haley now advocates for greater public awareness of the vital, behind-the-scenes role of MLS professionals and is committed to bridging communication gaps within hospital systems.  Connect with Haley on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/goochhb Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠ Looking for career support? Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

    30 min
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With so many career options in science and medicine it can be hard to know which path to take. Join the founder of Success in Science Career Coaching and published scientist Dr. Cassie Briggs as she interviews a diverse range of inspiring professionals - from physician assistants to hydrogeologists - who share their unique career journeys. If you are a student or early career professional exploring career options, navigating opportunities and obstacles along your career journey, or looking for advice on how to land your dream job in science or medicine, this is the podcast for you!

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