STEM Tea

BioTechniques

Welcome to the STEM Tea podcast! This series dives into the conversations shaping the future of science — blending social, societal and scientific perspectives in STEM. Episodes explore everything from building healthy and productive research environments, to the strategies scientists use to communicate their work, expand outreach to the broader community, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines. Each week, Antentor Othrell Hinton Jr., Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA), invites a guest to 'spill the tea' on their journey in science. Together, they highlight the discoveries driving their fields forward, discuss how to create sustainable and supportive research practices and share mentoring approaches that train and inspire the next generation of scientists. Beyond the science itself, the podcast uncovers the human side of research — how investigators navigate challenges, build resilient careers and balance innovation with responsibility. With a rotating set of guest hosts adding their own perspectives, the series serves as both a resource and a reflection point for anyone committed to advancing science while shaping a stronger research culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. STEM Tea | Investing in our students

    ٢٤‏/١٠‏/٢٠٢٥

    STEM Tea | Investing in our students

    In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by two science educators who are striving to instill a love of science and a sense of belonging within K–12 students through outreach initiatives and programs. Yelena Janumyan is a postdoctoral fellow at the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Since receiving her PhD, Yelena has taught science and math in schools; however, she is now turning her attention back to research. At the time of recording, Zachary Conley was also a postdoctoral fellow at the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach at Vanderbilt University. Before joining the Collaborative, he was working toward his PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the Baylor College of Medicine (TX, USA). At the Collaborative, Yelena and Zachary were co-instructors for the Day of Discovery Program, an initiative for middle school students to participate in a research-based STEM curriculum one school day per week. Content: Introductions: 00:00–02:39More about the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach and their Day of Discovery initiative: 02:40–05:27Why should we care about this initiative? 05:28–07:45How do your science classes differ from standard classes? 07:46–09:34How does this program support and inspire students? Plus, personal motivations for instructing this program: 09:35–12:46Expanding the horizon of career prospects, belonging and scientific exploration: 12:47–18:15Navigating STEM careers, from mentors to research: 18:16–22:36A lesson in leadership: 22:37–24:15How can we improve education for all? 24:16–29:52How can scientists and teachers work together to improve STEM education? 29:53–32:27Closing thoughts: 32:28–36:27 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ٣٦ د
  2. STEM Tea | Disrupting racism and cisheteropatriarchy through research, pedagogy and mentorship in STEM education

    ٢٤‏/١٠‏/٢٠٢٥

    STEM Tea | Disrupting racism and cisheteropatriarchy through research, pedagogy and mentorship in STEM education

    In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Luis A. Leyva, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education & STEM Higher Education in the Peabody College of Education & Human Development at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Luis is the Director of the Power, Resistance & Identity in STEM Education (PRISM) Research Lab. He describes how his research examines equity through pedagogy to disrupt racism and cisheteropatriarchy for broadening opportunities among historically marginalized populations in STEM. Luis discusses why amplifying marginalized experiences as knowledge sources is vital to challenge the status quo in STEM pedagogy, in addition to his perspectives about leadership as a researcher. He also shares his experiences of being an openly queer man of color as a form of resistance and the ethos of his equity-minded mentorship in the academy. Contents: Meet Luis 00:41–02:54The evolving definition of ‘STEM’ and variation of disciplinary cultures in the sciences 02:55–04:48Expanding opportunities for historically marginalized groups in STEM through pedagogy 04:49–07:35A glimpse into pedagogy in postsecondary calculus for STEM educational equity 07:36-12:25Sustaining professional energy by nurturing aspects of personal life 12:26–16:30The leadership challenges of making space for multiple voices whilst maintaining a collective vision 16:31–22:04Passion for amplifying and validating experiences of intersectionality to foster a sense of belonging in STEM 22:05–25:25Learning and growing alongside research mentees in equity-minded advising 25:26–29:54Being out as a form of resistance, especially in STEM environments 29:55–33:13Mentorship: paying it forward, facilitating connections and embracing equity 33:14–39:16Closing 39:17–40:37 Relevant publications: Racially-affirming community in instructional servingness for Latin* students’ gateway mathematics classroom participationThe rights of undergraduate queer and trans* students of color as STEM majors“It seems like they purposefully try to make as many kids drop”: An analysis of logics and mechanisms of racial-gendered inequality in introductory mathematics instruction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ٤١ د
  3. STEM Tea | Impact and sustainability in mentorship

    ٢٤‏/١٠‏/٢٠٢٥

    STEM Tea | Impact and sustainability in mentorship

    In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Clintoria Williams, Principal Investigator in the Kidney PathoPhysiology Research Group at Wright State University (OH, USA). Clintoria is a physiologist who is passionate about ‘lifting while climbing’ and is a co-founder of Black in Physiology. In this episode, Clintoria shares her journey in mentorship, sharing her tips for balancing your professional and personal life, and turning every experience into an opportunity for learning. She also shares highlights from last year’s Black in Physiology Week, an online and community event that celebrates achievements, and provides resources and support. Contents: Meet Clintoria Williams and her research: 0:00–2:02Promoting equity and inclusion in your space: 2:03–5:35Getting the most out of mentoring for both mentors and mentees: 5:36–9:10Balancing professional and personal commitments: 9:11–14:50The birth and growth of Black in Physiology: 14:51–21:40Championing Generation Now and preparing Generation Next: 21:41–26:16Taking time to celebrate your strengths and turn weaknesses into opportunities: 26:17–28:43Leading with the ‘why’ in research and communication: 28:44–31:08Her journey towards being a mentor and a leader: 31:09–35:34The power of bringing your true self everywhere you go: 35:35–38:00Highlights from the most recent Black in Physiology Week and what’s to come in the future: 38:01–42:59What’s next for Clintoria and her team of Zinc-sperts? 43:00–46:33Clintoria’s advice for her younger self: 46:34–47:46Wine recommendations to stay fearless from Clintoria and AJ: 47:47–49:50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ٥٠ د

التقييمات والمراجعات

٤٫٨
من ٥
‫٥ من التقييمات‬

حول

Welcome to the STEM Tea podcast! This series dives into the conversations shaping the future of science — blending social, societal and scientific perspectives in STEM. Episodes explore everything from building healthy and productive research environments, to the strategies scientists use to communicate their work, expand outreach to the broader community, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines. Each week, Antentor Othrell Hinton Jr., Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA), invites a guest to 'spill the tea' on their journey in science. Together, they highlight the discoveries driving their fields forward, discuss how to create sustainable and supportive research practices and share mentoring approaches that train and inspire the next generation of scientists. Beyond the science itself, the podcast uncovers the human side of research — how investigators navigate challenges, build resilient careers and balance innovation with responsibility. With a rotating set of guest hosts adding their own perspectives, the series serves as both a resource and a reflection point for anyone committed to advancing science while shaping a stronger research culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.