Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM Kathy Nelson

This episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary Conversations with Women in STEM' features Charli Matthews, a champion for empowering women in STEM fields and trades. 


Charli Matthews is a visionary leader with a mission to Connect, Inform, and Educate the Global Pump Industry. Charli's groundbreaking online information and connection hub has reshaped industry communication. As a well-recognized and respected figure in key industry events, Charli bridges the gap between traditional practices and cutting-edge digital strategies. Her passion for #EmpoweringConnections is driving change for the process industries equipment manufacturers, engineers, and safety/reliability experts.


Charli's leadership extends beyond business; she's a fierce advocate for diversity and empowerment. As the Marketing Chair for the Fluid Sealing Association, she earned the prestigious Award of Merit for her dedication to industry growth. Additionally, Charli is deeply committed to empowering women in industry across the globe, championing their advancement and representation in traditionally male-dominated fields.


What do we talk about in this episode?
Charli's Journey from Marketing to Empowering the Pump IndustryThe Challenges and Triumphs of Starting Your Own BusinessNavigating the Complexities of Gender Perception in the WorkplaceThe Power of Being Yourself in Professional SpacesGlobal Outreach: Making a Difference in Uganda

Dr. Chanfeng Zhao is the VP of R&D Chemistry at TriLink BioTechnologies. She has over 25 years of experience in nucleotide and modified nucleotide chemistry for sequencing and genomics applications. She co-founded MyChem LLC, a company later acquired by TriLink, specializing in ultra-pure synthetic nucleotides. Chanfeng was the CSO and Co-founder of Sequlite Genomic (acquired by Fapon International), a company that was developing NGS instruments and reagents. Previously, Dr. Zhao was one of the first employees at Illumina, where she developed oligonucleotide attachment chemistry for BeadChip products. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from SUNY Buffalo and a B.Sc. in Petroleum Chemical Engineering. Dr. Zhao is an inventor on over 20 issued patents.


What do we talk about in this episode?


What are nucleotides & genomes?The difference between chemistry and chemical engineering.Chanfeng’s career path from chemical engineering to chemistry. Working at startups, starting her own company, and selling that company.Her experience coming to the US and raising a son while going to grad school.How her curiosity fuels her passion for science.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

Resources


Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of biology focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes. A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes as well as its hierarchical, three-dimensional structural configuration. (Wikipedia)
Nucleotides are organic molecules composed of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar and a phosphate. They serve as monomeric units of the nucleic acid polymers – deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid, both of which are essential biomolecules within all life-forms on Earth. (Wikipedia)
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez.
AGTC is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing genetic therapies for people with rare and debilitating ophthalmic, otologic and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. (https://agtc.gcs-web.com)

Abigail Fritschel is about to graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Abby was first on the podcast as Episode 13 when she had just graduated from high school in the summer of 2020. She's back to provide an update on college life, her college experience vs. her expectations, internships, Society of Women Engineers and what she'll be doing when she graduates this spring.

What do we talk about in this episode?
College expectations vs. reality.Why Abby almost quit engineering and what made her stick with it.How Abby found and got involved with Society of Women Engineers.Abby's internship experience.What Abby will be doing after college.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887
Resources
Society of Women Engineers - For more than seven decades, SWE has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. Our organization is centered around a passion for our members’ success and continues to evolve with the challenges and opportunities reflected in today’s exciting engineering and technology specialties. (https://swe.org)

Asha Devasia is an executive with experience in strategy, products, innovation and operations in the Energy industry. She leveraged her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Business and her MBA to transition to leadership early in her career. She has an entrepreneurial spirit and empathetic leadership style.


What do we talk about in this episode?


Asha’s career journey and how she got into strategy and leadership.Deep dive into Asha’s leadership style and roles within her career.The importance of prioritization and the importance of family and friends as she began her family.We discuss motherhood and women’s decisions to continue working or stay at home. Asha’s provides her advice on making decisions.The importance of having a support system and having key people in your life that provide honest feedback.Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go through life.Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

Resources


Dallas CASA – Every year, more than 20,000 Dallas County children are reported abused or neglected. Some of them must be removed from their homes because it isn’t safe for them to remain. Many enter foster care and wait for the complex, often lengthy process in which a judge will determine where they may safely and permanently live. During this time they may move from one temporary home to another, never knowing what will happen next. This is where a CASA volunteer steps in. (https://www.dallascasa.org)

Sylleste Davis is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 100th District. She is the Chair of the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. Prior to representing the people of South Carolina, Sylleste worked at an electric company in various roles from Information Technology to Power Supply leadership positions. Sylleste has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Computer and Information Systems Management.

What do we talk about in this episode?
What does a Sylleste do as a State Representative?How did she get started in politics and why did she go into it?How does her experience in the utility industry and technology background fit into her work in politics.Why she majored in math and our joint love of mathematics (and architecture).Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887
Resources
Sylleste Davis Legislature Biography: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.php?code=0456249946

Kathy Ford is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Kura Oncology. She has over 30 years experience in biopharmaceuticals. She is equally passionate about the work she does bringing treatment to cancer patients and as a mom and grandmother. Kathy earned her R.N. from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing and her B.S.N. from Fitchburg State College.

What do we talk about in this episode?
Kathy's journey from nursing, being a stay at home mom, and back into the job market and into executive management in biopharmaceuticals.The changes she has seen for women in medicine and STEM fields over the past several decades.The importance of family in her life. Grandmotherhood is her greatest joy!Her passion for working for a company working to treat and cure cancer.The importance of women, especially in higher positions, using their voice to support other women.What does a COO do?Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887
Resources
Hematologic cancers begin in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system. Examples of hematologic cancer include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It's also referred to as blood cancer. (https://www.summitcancercenters.com/cancers-we-treat/hematologic-cancer/#:~:text=Hematologic%20cancers%20begin%20in%20blood,referred%20to%20as%20blood%20cancer.)
Some 37% of active physicians in the U.S. were women in 2021, up from about 36% in 2019, and about 47% of residents and fellows were women, according to the AAMC report.Large gender pay gaps still exist, however. A 2021 report from the Rand Corporation published in Health Affairs found female physicians earn $2 million less than men over the course of their career, with the largest gaps in male-dominated specialties. (https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/AAMC-us-physician-workforce-women-specialties/640621/#:~:text=Some%2037%25%20of%20active%20physicians,according%20to%20the%20AAMC%20report.)