WHEN IN STEM

Lab Skills Academy
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

When in STEM is your go-to podcast for exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through the eyes of those who live it. Hosted by Marie, each episode features conversations with professionals from across the STEM landscape, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the breakthroughs shaping the future. Whether you're a student navigating your path or a professional looking to elevate your career, When in STEM offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and the unfiltered truth about what it's really like to work in these dynamic fields. Tune in for a dose of motivation

  1. 4D AGO

    I Have a Biology Degree… Now What? (All Career Options Explained)

    You have a biology degree… now what? Most people think their only options are med school or a PhD. But in reality, there are so many career paths in biotech, you just haven’t been exposed to them. In this episode, I break down the entire biotech industry so you can finally understand where you fit in. We walk through: Research & Development (R&D) Cell culture, discovery, and assay development Process Development & CMC Manufacturing & bioprocessing Quality (QA/QC) Regulatory Affairs Clinical Research Bioinformatics & non-lab roles And most importantly, I explain the actual job titles you should be searching for on LinkedIn. If you’ve ever felt lost with a biology degree, this episode will give you a clear starting point. Biotech Careers Guide - BioSpace - https://www.biospace.com/career-advice/career-coach-transition-into-a-career-in-biotech

    15 min

  2. MAR 18

    From Bachelor’s Degree to Principal Scientist: How He Made It in Biotech All the Way From Nepal

    From Bachelor’s Degree to Principal Scientist: How One Scientist Made It in Biotech All the Way From NepalIn this episode of When In STEM, we sit down with Ananda Mishra, who went from earning a bachelor’s degree to becoming a Principal Scientist in the biotech industry, all while navigating the challenges of moving from Nepal to the U.S.Ananda shares:📌 How his identity as an international student shaped his career journey📌 Lessons learned working at startups, cross-department collaboration, and big pharma📌 Strategies for career growth and financial freedom in biotech without an advanced degree📌 Advice for international scientists navigating visas, opportunities, and career pivotsWhether you’re just starting your biotech career, considering a move from academia to industry, or looking for inspiration on making bold career decisions, this conversation is full of insights and actionable advice.📌 Follow Ananda’s journey and learn how to thrive in biotech, even with just a bachelor’s degree. 🔗 Connect with Ananda MishraSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@labskillsacademy2979♡Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labskillsacademy/ ♡Follow me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@labskillsacademy 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 11

    Is a Master’s Enough for a Biotech Job? A Gene Therapy Scientist Explains

    Ever been told a master’s degree isn’t enough to land a career in biotech? Michaela Duffy proves it can be. In this episode of When in STEM, Michaela shares her journey from graduating during the pandemic, reaching out to scientists in Boston, and developing a rapid COVID testing machine at MIT, to building a career in gene therapy. She talks about her experience working in rare disease drug development, downstream process development at a CDMO, presenting at ASGCT, and navigating challenges like burnout, ADHD, and breaking stereotypes as a woman in STEM. If you’re a biology graduate or early-career scientist wondering what it really takes to succeed in biotech, this episode is packed with honest insights, inspiration, and practical advice.

    54 min

  4. MAR 4

    Can You Work in Biotech with Just a Bachelor’s in Biology?

    Feeling stuck with just a bachelor’s degree in biology? Think your career has hit a ceiling? Think again. In this episode, we dive into real stories and expert advice to show you how to leverage your skills, learn new ones, and relentlessly move forward, no matter where you started. Our guest, an accomplished researcher and biotech professional, shares her unconventional journey from microbiology student to sequencing expert, emphasizing that your first job is not your final destination. She reveals how curiosity, networking, and a willingness to learn can accelerate your career, even if you have only undergraduate experience. You will discover: How to turn entry level roles into stepping stones for growth by asking for responsibilities and taking initiative.The importance of being proactive about promotions and skill development, plus the value of asking your manager outright.Practical tips for showcasing your skills, even with limited lab experience, by framing what you did in college as valuable.Why adapting to industry trends and timing can be more critical than having the “perfect” CV.The impact of strategic networking, shadowing, and being fearless about trying new techniques.How to navigate layoffs, uncertain markets, and feelings of imposter syndrome, all with resilience and confidence.This is essential listening for anyone feeling uncertain about their career path, overwhelmed by job postings, or questioning the value of their degree. It is about reframing challenges as opportunities, mastering the art of self advocacy, and understanding that your value goes far beyond that first diploma. Whether you are just starting out or looking to pivot, our guest’s insights will inspire you to take control of your journey and realize that success is not about the degree you hold. It is about the skills, attitude, and grit you bring along the way. Tune in and get inspired to build the biotech or science career you deserve.

    49 min

  5. FEB 25

    8 Unique Ways to Get Research Funding

    Funding can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… gatekept. In this episode, I’m breaking down 8 unique and overlooked ways to fund your research, especially if you’re early in your career or applying for the first time. Even if you’ve never written a grant before, this episode gives you clear, actionable steps to move forward and maybe even some shortcuts that could save you months of frustration. This is an episode you’ll want to save! 🏛 Government Funding National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Science Foundation (NSF) 🌟 Major Philanthropic & Private Research Funders Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) Simons Foundation 👩‍🔬 Funding Specifically Supporting Women in Science L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science American Association of University Women – Fellowships 🚀 Interdisciplinary & Career Pivot Funding Schmidt Science Fellows 🌍 Open Science & Emerging Models ResearchHub 💡 Crowdfunding for Science General science crowdfunding platforms (search by project type) 🔍 Tools to Find Grants for Your Research OEDB – “100 Places to Find Funding” https://www.oedb.org/ilibrarian/100_places_to_find_funding_your_research/ Grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ GrantForward https://www.grantforward.com/index Instrumentl – Science Research Grants https://www.instrumentl.com/browse-grants/grants-for-science-research 💬 Your Turn:What’s been the hardest part about funding for you? Finding opportunities, writing grants, or dealing with rejection? Drop your tips and experiences in the comments, let’s help each other succeed in science!

    16 min

  6. FEB 18

    From Chemistry to Neuroscience: How Scientific Curiosity Led to Unexpected Transitions

    What happens when a scientist changes disciplines multiple times and transforms how we understand animal behavior? In this episode, Rebecka Sepela shares her journey from chemistry to biophysics to sensory biology and how scientific curiosity led her into groundbreaking octopus research. Rebecka is a L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellowship award recipient, a L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellow, and an award winning L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellow recognized for her impact in advancing scientific discovery. We explore her pioneering research on octopus chemosensation and microbial chemical signaling, uncovering how microbes influence animal decision making and communication. Her work reveals how microbial signals shape behavior in octopuses and other species, expanding our understanding of neuroscience, sensory biology, marine biology, and animal communication. Rebecka also shares powerful lessons on mentorship, perseverance, adaptable thinking, and navigating a scientific career across multiple disciplines. From childhood experiments to high impact research, her story highlights the importance of curiosity, resilience, and embracing uncertainty in science. This conversation is perfect for early career scientists, STEM students, neuroscience enthusiasts, marine biology lovers, and anyone interested in microbiology, animal behavior, and scientific innovation. If you are questioning your path, considering switching fields, or chasing big research questions, this episode will inspire you to follow your curiosity and redefine what is possible in science. Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@labskillsacademy2979♡Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labskillsacademy/ ♡Follow me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@labskillsacademy 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com

    41 min

  7. FEB 11

    The Unexpected Truth About Imposter Syndrome in STEM and How to Overcome It

    From struggling first-generation student to groundbreaking geneticist discover how resilience, curiosity, and community transform impossible dreams into reality. Few stories are as inspiring as Kaitlyn’s journey from a chaotic upbringing with no family support for education to becoming a Harvard-trained researcher making waves in reproductive biology. In this episode, Kaitlyn reveals the unfiltered truths behind her path, showing that success in science isn't linear, and that real passion can push you through setbacks, imposter syndrome, and societal expectations. Her story is a powerful reminder that your background doesn’t define your future, and that with a little courage and community, you can turn your aspirations into achievement. We break down Kaitlyn’s deep dive into the world of fish genetics and evolutionary biology, from working with cavefish at Harvard to studying the genetics of infertility. Discover how she navigated a non-traditional career path, the importance of mentorship, and the critical role outreach plays in demystifying science for future generations. She shares tangible tactics for embracing failure, finding mentors, and making meaningful outreach a priority, proving that giving back can reignite your own science spark. You’ll learn about the transformative power of volunteering, the importance of communicating science outside the echo chamber, and why more scientists need to serve as mentors for marginalized communities and the next wave of innovators. Kaitlyn emphasizes that your scientific journey isn’t just about the data, it’s about connection, resilience, and the stories we tell ourselves along the way. Whether you're early in your career, feeling burnt out, or just need a reminder that you belong in science, this episode offers practical advice and uplifting inspiration to chart your course. If you’re a researcher, student, or science enthusiast craving a dose of authentic resilience and actionable insights, this is your must-listen episode. Kaitlyn’s openness and passion will remind you: you are more capable than you think, and your unique story has the power to inspire others. Guest Kaitlyn EP is a postdoc at Harvard Medical School, known for her groundbreaking work in reproductive genetics and her advocacy for diversity and outreach in STEM. Perfect for early-career scientists, students from underrepresented backgrounds, or anyone needing a boost of hope and purpose in their scientific pursuit.

    52 min

  8. FEB 4

    Can L’Oréal Fund Your Science? Inside a Harvard Neuroscientist’s Postdoc Path

    Can L’Oréal really fund your scientific research? 👀In this episode of When In STEM, we’re breaking down what fellowships like L’Oréal For Women in Science can actually do for your career and why choosing the right lab and mentor can matter more than your CV. Today’s guest is Dr. Sydney Aten, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, neuroscientist studying circadian rhythms and fertility, and a 2025 L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellow. Sydney shares her honest journey into neuroscience, how early research experiences shaped her path, and what she’s learned about mentorship, lab culture, and leadership as a woman in STEM. We talk about• Why she applied for the L’Oréal For Women in Science fellowship• What fellowships offer beyond funding and why recognition matters• How to know if a postdoc is right for you• Choosing the right PI and lab environment• Mentorship and leading as a woman in STEM• Navigating research careers without a “perfect” path If you’re a student, early-career scientist, or someone questioning academia, postdoc life, or research fellowships, this episode is for you. Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@labskillsacademy2979♡Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labskillsacademy/ ♡Follow me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@labskillsacademy💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.comᵔᴗᵔ Hello ᵔᴗᵔ I’m Marie, a scientist, content creator, and podcast host passionate about helping students and early-career researchers navigate the world of STEM a. On this channel, I share tips, advice, and insights to help you thrive in your PhD journey and beyond.♡ Want even more insights? Tune in to my podcast, WHEN IN STEM, where I interview scientists, educators, and industry leaders about careers in STEM, research advice, and personal growth strategies. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts!Join me as I break down these insights, share personal experiences, and offer strategies to make your STEM journey smoother, and a lot more rewarding.

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

When in STEM is your go-to podcast for exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through the eyes of those who live it. Hosted by Marie, each episode features conversations with professionals from across the STEM landscape, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the breakthroughs shaping the future. Whether you're a student navigating your path or a professional looking to elevate your career, When in STEM offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and the unfiltered truth about what it's really like to work in these dynamic fields. Tune in for a dose of motivation

Information

  • Creator
    Lab Skills Academy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lab Skills Academy
  • Show Website
    WHEN IN STEM

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