NALA(STEM) Podcast

NALA(STEM)

5.0 (3)
SCIENCE
UPDATED MONTHLY

The NALA(STEM) Podcast aims to invite listeners to go on a scientific journey that explores various experiences and STEM career paths open to early career scientists and engineers, through interviews with NALA members. Look for Monthly Episodes the 3rd Monday at 5pm ET!

FEB 16

Ep. 18: Intentional Career Shifts w/ Aravind Natarajan, Ph.D.

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Aravind Natatajan, a microbiologist and advocate for diversity in STEM. Aravind shares his various perspectives and thoughtful lessons he has learned during the course of his shifting career in academia. He also shares some of the traits he carries with him as he transitions out of the academic sphere in addressing global health issues. STAY CONNECTED Aravind Natarajan: linkedin.com/in/aravindnat aravindnat@gmail.com LSAMP article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1673464/full?utm_source=F-NTF&utm_medium=EMLX&utm_campaign=PRD_FEOPS_20170000_ARTICLE https://linktr.ee/NALASTEM MUSIC: ⁠https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

1h 11m
JAN 19

EP 17: New Year's Look-back and Look-forward

In this episode, host Imani Porter candidly reflects on the first full year of the podcast and shares what she envisions for future episodes. STAY CONNECTED https://linktr.ee/NALASTEM MUSIC⁠: https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

32 min
12/15/2025

EP. 16: Science Journalism and Communication w/Jonathan Wosen

In this episode, Imani and guest Dr. Jonathan Wosen, explore his journey from being a curious child interested in science to navigating the challenges of graduate school and ultimately transitioning into science journalism. The conversation highlights the importance of communication in science, the skills developed during graduate school, and the resilience required to succeed in both academia and journalism. Jonathan also shares insights on storytelling in science writing and offers advice for aspiring science communicators. STAY CONNECTED Jonathan Wosen Email: jonathan.wosen@statnews.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-wosen-phd-b69172147/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanwosen.bsky.socialTwitter/X: https://x.com/JonathanWosen STAT's academic discount rate >> use the code ACADEMIC75 for a 75% discountWe also have even better offers for entire universities or academic institutions. Email GROUPS@STATNEWS.COM for info. NALA(STEM) Links https://linktr.ee/NALASTEM Music by IV The Poet ⁠https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9⁠

1 hr
11/17/2025

EP 15: Considering What's Next w/ Crystal Kennedy, PhD.

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Crystal Kennedy, a first-generation scientist and recent graduate of Duke University, where she earned her PhD. In this conversation Dr. Kennedy explores how her unique experience has shaped her perspective of her journey through science and what she considers for her next steps in her career. STAY CONNECTED Crystal Kennedy ⁠linkedin.com/in/crystal-kennedy-phd-9746a5151⁠ crystal.kennedy91@gmail.com NALA(STEM) Links https://linktr.ee/NALASTEM Music by IV The Poet https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

55 min
10/20/2025

EP 14: Empowering Native Voices in STEM w/ Dr. Cara Cowan Watts

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Cara Cowan Watts, CEO of Tulsa Peer Drilling, about her journey in STEM, the importance of community, and her entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Cowan Watts shares her experiences as a Native American woman in engineering, her advocacy for education and economic development in Native communities, and her insights on navigating various career paths in STEM. The conversation emphasizes the significance of engagement, continuous learning, and the impact of outreach initiatives in shaping the future of STEM fields. STAY CONNECTED! Cara Cowan Watts-https://caracowan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/caracowanwatts/Cherokee 411-https://cherokee411.com/ NALA(STEM) https://linktr.ee/NALASTEM MUSIC https://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

51 min
09/15/2025

EP 13: Melanin Success in Science w/ Carmen Banks, Ph.D.

In this episode, host Imani Porter speaks with Dr. Carmen Banks, a scientist and educator dedicated to increasing diversity in biotech. Dr. Banks shares her unique journey through various scientific fields, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and sponsorship in navigating STEM careers. She discusses her organization, Melanin Science, which aims to bridge the gap for underrepresented students in biotech, and highlights the significance of self-care and community support in achieving success in academia and industry. STAY CONNECTED Melaninscience- www.melanin-science.com Carmen Bankshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenmbanks/ https://linktr.ee/NALASTEM MUSIChttps://on.soundcloud.com/LKwM3CBp0Z7N5PSmD9

46 min
08/18/2025

EP 12: From Aerospace to Software: A Journey of Impact w/ CJ Kemdirim

In this episode of the Nala STEM podcast, host Imani Porter speaks with CJ Kemdirim, a software engineer who transitioned from aerospace engineering to the startup world. CJ shares his journey, discussing the skills he gained from his aerospace background and how they informed his work in software engineering. He emphasizes the importance of confidence, learning from failure, and the impact of networking in career development. CJ also talks about his current project, which is a labor platform for farmers, and reflects on the significance of the gut microbiome in health. TAKEAWAYS Transitioning between engineering fields can leverage problem-solving skills. Startups offer a fast-paced environment with immediate feedback. Building products with direct impact is a key motivator. Confidence in learning is crucial for career development. Networking can open doors to new opportunities. The future of work is evolving with technology and AI. Understanding the gut microbiome can influence health outcomes. Embracing failure is part of the learning process. Nonlinear career paths are common in STEM fields. Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.

50 min
07/21/2025

EP 11: Continuing to Navigate Your Winding Road in STEM w/ Victoria Auger

Imani Porter dives deeper with commentary from her own experience from the professional development workshop led by Victoria Auger last fall. This conversation focuses on navigating STEM careers. The discussion covers key tips for early career scientists and engineers, including the importance of identity and representation, career planning aligned with personal values, and the necessity of self-care in high-pressure environments. The conversation emphasizes advocacy, mentorship, and the need for resilience as individuals navigate their unique paths in STEM. CONNECT WITH VICTORIA ON LINKEDIN Takeaways Acknowledge and address unique challenges in STEM.Advocacy is crucial for underrepresented groups.Establish a sense of community to thrive in STEM.Career fulfillment should align with personal values.Self-care is essential to avoid burnout.It's okay to pivot and change career paths.Reflect on what truly fulfills you in your career.Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and support.Career transitions require resilience and adaptability.You are not stuck; explore various opportunities.

26 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

The NALA(STEM) Podcast aims to invite listeners to go on a scientific journey that explores various experiences and STEM career paths open to early career scientists and engineers, through interviews with NALA members. Look for Monthly Episodes the 3rd Monday at 5pm ET!

Creator

NALA(STEM)
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

18
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© NALA(STEM)
Show Website

NALA(STEM) Podcast