STEAM Powered

Michele Ong

Conversations with women in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) about their journeys, work, passions, and what they learned along the way. We’re a diverse group of people with unique personal and professional journeys, and I want you to meet some of us. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

  1. The hidden STEMM powerhouse of medical imaging with Chaundria Singleton

    JAN 24

    The hidden STEMM powerhouse of medical imaging with Chaundria Singleton

    Every person will have experiences with medical imaging at some point in their lives. For most, the first time will be with an ultrasound before you are born. But how much do we know about this field and the professionals who are a part of our extended care team in healthcare? Chaundria Singleton is a radiologic technologist, author, speaker, and host of the podcast A Couple of Rad Techs. Join us as we speak about Chaundria's journey in radiologic technology, the breadth of scope of these careers, and how medical imaging science communication empowers both practitioners and patients for better outcomes. About Chaundria Singleton Chaundria Singleton is a nationally recognised radiologic technologist, educator, and content creator with over 20 years of experience in medical imaging. A graduate of Emory University School of Medicine's Medical Imaging Program, she holds certifications from ARRT in Radiography, MRI, and CT, and completed mammography training through MTMI. Her career spans clinical care, college MRI educator, management, travel tech, and Imaging business ownership. She has trained hundreds of students and mentored aspiring technologists, while helping healthcare brands and institutions bring visibility to imaging professionals. Chaundria is the founder and host of A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast, ranked in the top 5% globally, and author of "Rachel the Radiographer"—one of the first children's books to introduce radiologic technology as a STEM career to young readers. Known for blending clinical topics with fun, educational, and relatable storytelling, she is on a mission to let everyone know that “Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy isn’t a side hustle in healthcare.” She educates, inspires, and partners with companies who want to connect meaningfully with the medical imaging community. She has been featured in The Washington Post, NBC ATL&Co, Meditech Today, and has spoken for Siemens Healthineers, imaging societies, and national education conferences. Her platform reaches over 85K individuals through social media, newsletters, and more—bridging the gap between healthcare careers and human connection. Show Notes (link) [00:01:04] The evolution of Chaundria's science communication. [00:01:47] Chaundria's journey to radiologic technology. [00:05:01] The scope of medical imaging careers. [00:12:51] Informatics and IT in healthcare. [00:16:18] Why medical imaging is a STEMM field. [00:19:27] Entrepreneurship in radiologic technology. [00:23:48] The misconceptions of radiologic technology and medical imaging as a career. [00:31:54] A Couple of Rad Techs. [00:34:49] Patient advocacy and safety. [00:40:18] Inspiring the next generation with "Rachel the Radiographer". [00:47:56] What advice would you give someone who wanted to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? [00:52:40] How to find out more. Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in...

    55 min
  2. The justice system and community health with Dr Hayley Passmore

    11/18/2025

    The justice system and community health with Dr Hayley Passmore

    The justice system is part of community health with more overlap than one might expect. So just as we've done with healthcare, how can we shift our approach in justice settings to be more preventative and proactive rather than reactive? It starts with support. Not only for the justice-involved, but for those providing support on the front-line as well. Dr Hayley Passmore is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Western Australia Law School and a justice health researcher. Join us as we speak about Hayley's journey to justice health, reframing how we support youth and neurodisability in our communities, and how these human-centred approaches create better outcomes for everyone. About Dr Hayley Passmore  Dr Hayley Passmore (she/her) is based in Boorloo (Perth) on Whadjuk Noongar land. She is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Western Australia Law School and a justice health researcher. She is also an independent panel member on the ACT Government’s Therapeutic Support Panel - an Australian-first initiative as part of ACT's move to raise the minimum age of criminology responsibility. Hayley has qualifications in child health, criminology and psychology, and over 13 years experience working in adult corrections and youth justice facilities. In 2019, she completed her PhD focusing on the workforce development component of the internationally recognised Banksia Hill Detention Centre study; the first Australian study to explore the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder among justice-involved young people. Hayley pioneered Reframe Training; an evidence-based program educating frontline staff on the management and support of young people with neurodisability which has been delivered in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Hayley has received international recognition for her research and its impact, including receiving a Churchill Fellowship completed in 2023, being named a 2021 AMP Foundation Tomorrow Maker and a 2022 WA Finalist for Young Australian of the Year. Show Notes (link) [00:00:05] Hayley's journey stemming from an interest in law enforcement. [00:02:54] An unexpected entry into the health space. [00:04:16] The broad impact of health in society. [00:05:37] The need to recognise and support neurodisability earlier in development. [00:06:52] The prevalence of neurodisability in the justice system. [00:07:24] Root causes and what early intervention through meeting needs can look like. [00:10:28] The benefits of justice reinvestment models. [00:11:12] Tailoring for communities with proactive and not punitive methods. [00:11:57] Giving people choices and alternatives but also recognising the privilege and systemic bias that can hinder them. [00:14:18] Reframe Training. [00:18:46] Filling the gaps in knowledge and training. [00:19:53] The unsupported overlap between justice and community health. [00:23:03] Making space for questions to cultivate understanding. [00:24:30] Recognising and sharing the ways supports and accommodations are being made in different spaces. [00:26:33] Ensuring people are equipped for their roles in consultation with those who will be supported. [00:28:34] Evolution of policy and practice as a result of the research. [00:31:47] Prison health is public health. [00:33:51] Economic and not just moral benefits to being proactive. [00:35:24] Stay curious and critical of political and media messaging around crime and punitive measures. [00:36:56] Ways to stay independently informed. [00:37:50] Being mindful of sensationalism and rhetoric that obscures the reality. [00:39:51] What advice would you give someone...

    46 min
  3. The astronomic potential of transferable skills and the place of space on earth with Asha Stabback

    08/17/2025

    The astronomic potential of transferable skills and the place of space on earth with Asha Stabback

    There's a place for everyone in space. It's an extension of our planetary ecosystem and just as multidisciplinary as the world around us. The key is to identify your passions and transferable skills so you can shape your work and the value you can bring to your new environment. Asha Stabback is Translation and Impact Manager at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) at the University of Western Australia in Perth. Join us as we speak about cultivating transferable skills, embracing your network, and how working with the skies above supports the land below. About Asha Stabback  Asha Stabback is the Translation and Impact Manager at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) at the University of Western Australia in Perth. This role enables the knowledge and expertise to flow between industry and academia. Before entering the university sector, Asha spent 15 years working in the mining industry leading organisational development programs and also had a stint in a start-up called Bubdesk offering a work space with a creche for working parents. Throughout her career, she came to appreciate the gender imbalance and the broader systemic barriers to enabling equity and she brings this background and personal experience to the role of Chair of the DEI Committee for the UWA node of ICRAR. Show Notes (link) [00:01:19] Cultivating a career around community and engagement. [00:03:34] The holy trinity: cultivate your interests, transferable skills, and network to shape your career [00:04:29] Recentring when life happens [00:05:09] Learning to embrace (and harness) the power of your networks [00:06:41] BubDesk and building support and community for working parents [00:07:56] Tapping into potential by knowing your skills and identifying the skills of others [00:08:55] You are more than what you do. [00:12:09] The beginnings of ICRAR and hiring with couples in mind [00:15:45] Inclusive environments support everyone and their circumstances [00:19:35] The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research [00:20:39] The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) [00:22:37] The broader economic and community impact of investment in space and astronomy [00:26:08] Translation and impact and finding happy places [00:30:56] Space Situational Awareness and looking after the skies above [00:34:14] There's a place for everyone in Space [00:35:40] Thinking about responsible deployment of technology [00:38:28] What the space sector is and finding your space in space [00:42:10] What advice would you give someone who would like to do what you do, and what should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:...

    47 min
  4. Live virtual music experiences using emerging technologies with Sally Coleman

    06/21/2025

    Live virtual music experiences using emerging technologies with Sally Coleman

    The world of musical and creative expression is continuously evolving, and there are more ways to create and engage with music, and audiences, than ever before. It all starts with an enquiring mind and a desire to explore new frontiers. Sally Coleman is a musician and creative director of the science fiction virtual band Big Sand. Join us as we speak with Sally about her journey to developing Big Sand, creating engaging virtual music experiences, and the role of emerging technologies in the creative industries. About Sally Coleman  Sally Coleman is a musician, radio personality and the creative director of a new science fiction virtual band called Big Sand.  Big Sand is an animated band that sees Sally using motion capture and Unreal Engine to bring the characters to life. Set on a beautiful but harsh desert planet, the project is a playful expedition into the world of emerging technology and different ways of envisioning the future music industry. Sally is undertaking a PhD in motion capture for live music performance at UTS, where she is continuing the research and development of Big Sand’s world-first live show. Big Sand’s live performance involves Sally appearing as an avatar in real time, to interact with an audience in a remote venue.  Big Sand's most recent show was part of SXSW Sydney. Show Notes (link) [00:00:55] Sally's beginnings with communication studies [00:02:07] Music has always been part of Sally's creative life. [00:03:02] Evolving within the music industry. [00:04:52] Competition, exploitation, and compromise when the lines are blurred between passion and occupation. [00:07:41] Remembering that you're a business as well. [00:09:23] Exploring virtualised bands and alternative methods of audience engagement. [00:11:53] Discovering that live performance might be possible in this medium. [00:14:14] Finding community with others who are also doing their form of R&D. [00:15:37] Avant Hard Drive, a community of creatives in emerging technologies. [00:17:24] Prior art in virtual concept bands like Gorillaz and Hatsune Miku. [00:20:37] The challenges of developing with emerging technologies and building cars for roads that don't exist yet [00:23:05] Feeling authentic in your own medium. [00:26:06] The changing landscape of events and recreation. [00:28:48] Unreal Engine and virtual production. [00:31:32] The technology is more than just a tool, it's now part of the creative process. [00:33:21] Technology facilitating immersive art. [00:35:23] Big Sand as a live performance with audience engagement in a virtualised environment. [00:40:30] The future for Big Sand. [00:41:51] What advice would you give someone who would like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935"...

    44 min
  5. The epidemiology of space with Sabine Bellstedt

    04/22/2025

    The epidemiology of space with Sabine Bellstedt

    A lot about what it is to be human is understanding who we are and where we came from, whether that's genetically, geographically, or otherwise. But what if we zoomed out and approached it at a galaxy level? What could we learn about who we are, what we understand about the universe, and what humans are capable of achieving? Sabine Bellstedt is an astronomer working on the epidemiology of space and on large scale projects with international teams not only to understand the universe, but how we understand the universe. Join us as we speak with Sabine about her journey to astrophysics, space epidemiology, and the impact of astronomical innovation. About Sabine Bellstedt  Sabine Bellstedt is an astronomer who works with enormous galaxy surveys. These are large international projects that collect data for millions of galaxies, with the goal of piecing together the evolution of galaxies and the Universe more broadly across almost 14 billion years of cosmic time. Sabine likes to work with intricate new software and tools to interpret and understand these data, to extract new information about galaxies and the stars within them. Show Notes (link) [00:01:06] Sabine's journey to astronomy. [00:02:41] Astronomic serendipity. [00:04:14] Where Sabine thought the future would take her. [00:05:34] The epidemiology of space. [00:08:22] The problem of determining which bits of data are important. [00:09:55] The significance and impact of large-scale infrastructure projects. [00:11:40] The societal benefit we receive from large-scale research and development. [00:15:04] Curiosity-driven development is valuable. [00:15:44] What we can learn from galactic and extra-galactic surveys. [00:18:06] Galaxies as a tracer. [00:18:39] Tracing the paths of celestial bodies. [00:20:59] Learning about how we learn about the universe. [00:24:06] The sticky problem of finding just the right amount of complexity. [00:25:47] The also sticky problem of the carbon footprint of astronomy. [00:31:49] How women and diversity contributes to the sciences. [00:35:00] The nuances of "You can't be what you can't see". [00:37:01] Balancing criteria with the intangibles that only you can bring to a role. [00:40:29] What advice would you give someone who would like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? [00:43:10] Find out more about Sabine and astronomy. Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    45 min
  6. Plumbing the depths of continence with Sheena Lagat

    03/03/2025

    Plumbing the depths of continence with Sheena Lagat

    We have to get past this stigma over talking about wee, poo, and other toileting activities. It's something that we have to do every day, and if you're not, you should really be speaking to someone about that. Because continence is something that we all should be proactive about no matter our age or gender. Sheena Lagat is a wee wee nurse. Specifically, a continence and urogynaecology clinical nurse consultant. Join us as we speak about Sheena's journey to urology and continence nursing, why we should care more about our plumbing, and the personal, economic, and environmental impact of incontinence. About Sheena Lagat  Sheena Lagat is a Continence & UroGynaecology Clinical Nurse Consultant at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, with a strong commitment to advancing clinical practice and patient-centred care. An active leader in urology and continence nursing, she holds multiple post-graduate qualifications and roles within the Australia & New Zealand Urological Nurses Society (ANZUNS) and the Special Interest Group of the European Association of Urology Nurses (EAUN), focusing on professional development, staff upskilling, and patient empowerment. Her guiding motto is, "Make every moment count by giving back and inspiring others." Show Notes (link) [00:01:13] When your family hosts an intervention about your choice of career. [00:04:10] The transition to urology nursing. [00:05:55] How experiences and perspectives support different ways to care in healthcare. [00:09:22] The need for advocacy in certain areas of healthcare. [00:11:39] The stereotypes and stigma around urology and continence care. [00:16:36] Don't limit your healthcare by thinking "I'm just getting old". [00:16:57] The state of preventative and rehabilitative treatment. [00:19:21] Personal training for your pelvic area. [00:23:28] The economic and environmental impact of continence and incontinence. [00:28:16] The psychological and social impact of continence and incontinence. [00:29:26] The social inequity and accessibility issues of continence and incontinence. [00:32:38] Redefining continence nursing. [00:38:11] Healthy habits to look after your bladder and bowel. [00:47:11] What advice would you give someone who would like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    56 min
  7. Cultures, culture, and identity with Jayashree Srinivasan

    01/18/2025

    Cultures, culture, and identity with Jayashree Srinivasan

    Cultures have an incredible impact on our society, and not just anthropologically. Cultures in a microbial context have an equally significant impact on the industries that allow us to live the lives that we want. Jayashree Srinivasan is a microbiologist specialising in biotechnology and microbial research. Join us as we speak about Jaya's journey to cultivating cultures, the intersectionality of culture and identity, and the complementary nature of being both scientist and pastry chef. About Jayashree Srinivasan  Jayashree Srinivasan is a microbiologist at CSIRO, where she applies her expertise in biotechnology and microbial research. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology in India and completed a Master of Science by Research at RMIT in collaboration with CSIRO. In addition to her scientific career, Jayashree is a qualified pastry chef and co-owns a cake decorating business with her best friend. She proudly identifies as a lesbian of colour and is passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Show Notes (link) [00:01:10] The immersive pressure to pursue science and biology. [00:04:06] Taking advantage of the opportunities available. It was… a lot. [00:05:30] There's the 'obvious' next step, and there's following your bliss to become a pastry chef. [00:07:01] Hearing the call back to science. [00:08:09] Jaya's interest in the translational space of science. [00:08:56] The benefit of an expectation circuit breaker. [00:10:11] Looking for something more and the return to sciences. [00:12:15] Industrial biotechnology and production processes. [00:15:38] Every day looks a bit different. [00:16:57] The applications of industrial biotechnology and microbiology. [00:18:16] A day in the life of a cultivating cultures. [00:20:42] The importance of using a baseline in cell cultures. [00:23:00] Testing developmental antibiotics against known pathogens. [00:24:40] Watch as Michele is mentally overcome with questions about pathogens. [00:25:14] Protocols for culturing pathogens. [00:27:22] On Indian, queer, and migrant identity. [00:32:25] Perceptions, stereotypes, and expectation management. [00:34:48] Queerness and the Westernisation of identity. [00:38:28] Life hack: Have you considered having your coming out peer reviewed? [00:40:35] You can't learn who you are if you don't have the space to be who you are. [00:45:42] Balancing being both microbiologist and pastry chef. [00:49:41] The transferable skills between Jaya's skill sets. [00:51:05] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van...

    56 min
  8. Engineering, climate action, and politics with Zaneta Mascarenhas MP

    11/22/2024

    Engineering, climate action, and politics with Zaneta Mascarenhas MP

    Changes in career aren't a divergence from a path. The common thread is you, your experience, and how you can apply what you know in a difference space. Zaneta Mascarenhas is Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Swan. Join us as we speak about Zaneta's journey through engineering and resources, climate action, and politics -- and hear about how community and impact ties all of that together. About Zaneta Mascarenhas MP  Zaneta Mascarenhas MP is the Federal Member for Swan and sits in the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament. Zaneta, a chemical engineer, was elected to Parliament in 2022 and serves on the Industry, Science and Resources Standing Committee, the Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water Standing Committee, and the Joint Statutory Committee on Corporations and Financial Services. Prior to her election, Zaneta managed the West Australian team for Energetics, Australia’s leading carbon and energy consultancy, where she provided energy efficiency and climate change advice to the resources industry and various WA ASX200 companies, access to the Emissions Reduction Fund, and the development of emissions inventories and audits. She was selected to be trained by Al Gore to deliver Climate Reality Project presentations in 2009 and has also worked for the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Community Led Total Sanitation as part of AusAid’s Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program. Zaneta has a strong track record in not-for-profit governance, having served six different boards including education institutions and a community legal centre. As the first engineer elected as the Member for Swan and the 28th in the Parliament of Australia, Zaneta applies her planning and problem-solving skills to developing policy, including the transition to a less carbon intensive economy and developing Australia’s high tech industrial capacity. Show Notes (link) [00:00:48] Zaneta's childhood experiences and exposure to sciences and the world around her. [00:04:00] How your environment shapes your perceptions of an industry. [00:07:27] The evolution of culture and safety in the workplace in the mining industry. [00:12:04] Observations about organisational culture in an organically culturally diverse industry. [00:14:48] The impetus and shift to climate change. [00:18:16] Working in the climate change space and perspectives of impact and timescales. [00:23:49] Policy and politics. [00:26:33] Working not just for now, but for the future. [00:31:19] Systems thinking and transferrable experience. [00:38:28] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by a href="http://www.brettvandonselmusic.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    42 min
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About

Conversations with women in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) about their journeys, work, passions, and what they learned along the way. We’re a diverse group of people with unique personal and professional journeys, and I want you to meet some of us. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Information

  • Creator
    Michele Ong
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Michele Ong
  • Show Website
    STEAM Powered