Black Women in Science Podcast

The Black Women in Science Network

We just want to talk about things that matter to Black women, professionally and personally. And so, we will and we did.

  1. Sep 7

    54. Marine Ecology in The Gambia West Africa with Mrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy

    Mrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy is a qualified marine ecologist and a National Geographic Explorer based in The Gambia West Africa. She is the founder of the GREAT institute which is the first aquatic and coastal science research institute in The Gambia. On this episode, we discuss her love for the ocean and journey into studying marine science and understanding marine ecosystems. Critically, Maiyai shares with us the pressing marine issues in The Gambia - namely, within 25 years, Banjo, the capital, is at risk of going underwater. We discuss the varying reasons for this and ongoing work and conservation projects that Maiyai has recently led to address this. This includes a project with a multidisciplinary team to map The Gambia River’s mangroves which is the nation’s primary defense against the encroaching Atlantic and a vital source of food security. Her work is part of the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, a multi-year series of expeditions exploring all five ocean basins. We highlight the impact of representation and diversity within marine science and some of the cultural and academic challenges Maiyai has faced in working in this field. We conclude with Maiyai’s personal mission and focus through the GREAT institute as she hopes to prepare and support the next generation of Gambian marine scientists who will define the future of their country’s coastline. Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Mrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy, on LinkedIn www.greatinstitute.org, Follow also on Facebook and Instagram @greatinstitutegambia More information:     Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

  2. Jun 1

    53. Hydrogeochemistry in the Okavango Delta with Dr Goabaone Ramatlapeng

    Dr Goabaone Ramatlapeng who is a hydrogeochemist joins us on this episode. She is a National Geographic Wayfinder and Explorer and Research fellow at the University of Botswana, Okavango Research Institute. On this episode, we reflect on her journey into water chemistry which is rooted in her lived experience of water scarcity growing up in a village in Southern Botswana. As a Hydrogeochemist at NGOWP she is leading own initiative investigating how water quality changes across seasons and landscapes throughout the Okavango river basin which covers Angola, Namibia and Botswana. Goabaone shares with us how science can meaningfully integrate and recognise local indigenous knowledge to foster collaboration, demystify science and enable community empowerment in developing sustainable livelihoods. We discuss the importance of conservation and river protection in arid environments and its unique characteristics compared to coastal environments. Goabaone is also a receipient of various awards globally including the annual NG way finder award and 2026 Ramsar Convention Woman Changemaker in Wetland Protection. We discuss the value of recognition for Black female scientists and the pressing issue and impact of underrepresentation. Goabaone has great passion for advocacy and mentorship, and hopes to empower the next generation of african scientists to claim their seat at the table. Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Dr Goabaone J Ramatlapeng LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-goabaone-jaqueline-ramatlapeng-09730810a/  More information:     Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

  3. May 18

    52. Hearing Loss Research with Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams

    Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams is a neuroscientist, currently doing her postdoctoral fellowship at the UCL Ear Institute. She shares her academic journey, including the navigating burnout and overwhelm, as well as the implications of an ADHD diagnosis and transitioning into a postdoc role. We discuss her research looking at the genetics of hearing and balance, where she seeks to understand why we as mammals lose our hearing and balance as we age but birds (like chickens) don’t. Rachel is exploring hearing mechanisms in birds to understand how mammals might be able to regain their hearing ability. We discuss the prevalence of hearing loss and impairment, the importance of representation and raising awareness around hearing difficulties and the inclusion of the deaf community in research. Rachel is also a renowned science communicator, having won awards for Neuroscience communicator of 2025 and spoken at various settings, including science festivals, the BBC and more. We discuss the significance of making science communication engaging and fun. Rachel gives advice on where to look for science communication opportunities. Rachel’s journey inspires us to be willing to try and fail with hope that everything does indeed work out in the end.  Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-honeyghan-williams-88517190/ YouTube channel - Science and Sorcery (https://www.youtube.com/@scienceandsorcery)  RNID - https://rnid.org.uk/  Crest Kits for Young People - https://www.crestawards.org/engage/kit-box/   More information:     Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

  4. Mar 30

    51. Astrophysics with Dr Larissa Palethorpe

    Dr Larissa Palethorpe joins us as an astrophysicist. She recently completed her PhD at the university of Edinburgh where she was characterising small exoplanets. On this episode, Larissa introduces us to exoplanets; what they are, how they are discovered, the implications of this research and even the consideration of aliens and technology on other planets. Larissa co-led the discovery of the exoplanet - Gliese 12b - which is the nearest Earth-sized, temperate, transiting planet found to date! It’s been a buzzing discovery but Larissa explains the factors of habitability that still need to be understood. We also discuss her academic journey and the increasing schemes available to support people from underrepresented backgrounds to access research. She will be completing postdoctoral program in Bristol where she hopes to continue her research and grow in her passion for astronomy.  Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Dr Larissa Palethorpe LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissapalethorpe/  More information:    Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

  5. Mar 16

    50. Being a Data Scientist with Mary Amanuel (Co-Founder of NHS Python Community)

    Miss Mary Amanuel joins us as a Data scientist working at the NHS. On this episode, we discuss her journey into science where she accessed a degree apprenticeship as a data analyst and subsequently qualified as a data scientist. Mary explains the core differences between an apprenticeship and university education and emphasises the importance of providing equal opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. We discuss the barriers to accessing data science and the importance of representation. Mary describes data science as a field that drives impact and solves real-world problems. We talk through some projects Mary has been apart of including cancer risk prediction and supporting survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM). As one who values transparency and accessibility, Mary has co-founded the NHS Python community where she advocates for open-source programming. Mary shares advice on her to keep up with this fast-paced field and emphasises the importance of networking and mentoring.  ***Please note: Mary is speaking in a personal capacity. All views expressed are her own and do not represent the organisations she works for or is affiliated with. Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Mary Amanuel LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-amanuel-b9b4621b4/  More information:     Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

  6. Mar 2

    49. Physics and Law? Patent Litigation with Kathryn Plummer

    Miss Kathryn Plummer is patent litigator, but previously worked as a patent attorney. She has completed an MSc Physics and then completed a qualification in intellectual property law. On this episode, Kathryn introduces us to the little known field of patent litigation and how science is vital to this role. We discuss the intersection of physics and law, and her experience of working in corporate settings. She tells us what the differences are between being a patent attorney and patent litigator and what her day to day involves. Kathryn shares the importance of pursuing her aspirations within work while remaining grounded amidst such a fast-paced environment. Kathryn highlights the lack of racial representation in her field and her involvement in outreach projects to improve access.  Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Kathryn Plummer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-plummer-83411517a/  More information:     Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

  7. Feb 16

    48. Teaching Physics with Afiya Romain-Bains

    Miss Afiya Romain-Bains is a physics teacher and physics education consultant. Afiya takes us through her journey of working in schools in London and teaching through COVID, to then moving and pursuing business in Kenya and living abroad in Brazil. She ultimately discovered her love for online teaching where she then started her own business of online tutoring A-level, GCSE and IGSCE physics. We discuss physics’ traditional reputation as being a majority White field and the importance racial representation in improving access to physics. Afiya tells us about challenges she faces as a teacher and solo entrepreneur whilst trying to foster resilience within young people and make physics accessible and engaging. Afiya’s story is one of innovation, adaptability and creativity where she is willing to try and fail, and hopes the listeners would be encouraged to do the same.  Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Afiya Romain-Bains LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/afiyaromain-bains/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@learnphysicswithafiya Instagram & TikTok - @learnphysicswithafiya  More information:     Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

  8. Feb 2

    47. Neuroimaging Research and Inclusion with Dr Yolanda Ohene

    Dr Yolanda Ohene is a neuroimaging scientist, STEM communicator and director of The Blackett Lab Family, UK collective of Black physicists. She is a physicist by training, and holds a PhD in Medical Imaging from University College London. We discuss her experiences studying abroad in Paris and completing a fellowship in Berlin and how beneficial these opportunities have been in doing science elsewhere. Yolanda has spoken at various events, including science festivals and the BBC. She gives useful advice on developing public speaking skills and the importance of effective science communication. Yolanda shares her journey into neuroimaging and her specific interest in MRI techniques within dementia research. We explore the new developments in the neuroimaging field, the move towards precision medicine and her own work looking at the blood brain barrier and its role in early onset of cognitive decline. We finish with her work within the Blackett lab Family and provisions they’ve made to support students interested in or doing physics.  Host: Tulela Pea, from ⁠⁠⁠Black Women Science Network⁠⁠⁠  Guest: Dr Yolanda Ohene LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-ohene-05b199a0/  More information:     Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.    Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork    We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this ⁠⁠⁠form⁠⁠⁠.

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3 Ratings

About

We just want to talk about things that matter to Black women, professionally and personally. And so, we will and we did.

Information

  • Creator
    The Black Women in Science Network
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Black Women in Science Network
  • Show Website
    Black Women in Science Podcast