We Love Science

Shekerah Primus & Fatu Badiane
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Celebrating the untold stories, the extraordinary discoveries, and the inspiring lives led by those whose jobs, passions, hobbies and more embody their love of science. Hear stories about -- the dedicated scientists who unravel the mysteries of biology; the artists and musicians who highlight the beauty of science through their craft; the educators, policy makers and science outreach advocates whose convictions propel them toward community engagement and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders; and the bona fide science enthusiasts who design their own unique journey to science fulfillment.

  1. Ep 89: Bridging Communication, Art, and Health - The Journey

    19 JAN

    Ep 89: Bridging Communication, Art, and Health - The Journey

    Today, we continue interviewing Beth Amato, a public health research communicator and writer at the University of Witwatersrand and Wits Health consortium in South Africa. In her early days, Beth truly disliked science and preferred poetry and storytelling. It wasn’t until she was much further in her education that she saw the link between captivating stories and science, and was really intrigued. Beth’s childhood memories were deeply touched by her mother who struggled with mental illness and ultimately took her own life. Through this tragedy, Beth began to ask several questions on trauma, psychology, and brain development and how this could also link to generational trauma and violent crime in South Africa. Her unique lens for understanding violence and crime through science led to an award and fellowship at the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma for Early Childhood Development. Given the tumultuous history of her home country and the current state of high violence in South Africa, Beth wanted to get a more nuanced and granular perspective for such behavior and decision making. This curiosity led Beth to use her hustler instinct to seek out researchers in developmental biology and work with them, planting her start in science communication. Looking back, Beth wishes she could tell her younger self, “I don’t think I’m the best storyteller or best writer in the world, but I do it anyway. . . . You must just do it anyway . . . Tell the story. Make the mistake.” From her journey, Beth’s unique vision of success is rooted in showing the beauty of humanity through her work—of complexity and nuance connecting science to health. When she is not writing, Beth enjoys practicing yoga, sewing dolls, crafting origami, and experiencing childhood again through her 2 children.  In case you missed it, learn about Beth’s work as a public health communicator—https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/episodes/18258926 Check out more about Beth’s journey in the latest episode—https://welovesciencepodcast.com.  Tune into this episode to learn more about Beth’s journey and: What personal tragedy helped guide her path to storytelling How she was influenced by mentors who recognized her early talent What she would do differently looking back Reach out to Beth:  Email: Beth.amato3@wits.ac.zaIG: @sweetlittlefrida If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 21: Who Should Art Represent? - The JourneyEp 40: The Art of Science with Laura Canil - The Journey  Support the show Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    31 min
  2. Ep 88: Bridging Communication, Art, and Health - The Work

    5 JAN

    Ep 88: Bridging Communication, Art, and Health - The Work

    Today we are joined by Beth Amato, a public health research communicator and writer at the University of Witwatersrand and Wits Health consortium in South Africa. Beth’s work centers on science communication and engagement specifically focused on public health issues in South Africa and across the continent. Her day-to-day work involves translating research discoveries from the 5 research units of the health consortium into a palatable format that is relatable and accessible to audiences outside of academia. She describes her creative process as an intersection between communication, art, health, and science. For example, Beth recently reported on a discovery from the Anti-Viral Gene Therapy Research Unit which adapted cashew shell nut oil as a lipid transporter for mRNA vaccines. “Cashew nut shell oil is actually a waste product, and it is abundant across the continent; and is basically a biodegradable material that is very unique, and something that is African led and African made,” she explains. This discovery was key following the limitations in access experienced across Africa during the development of the COVID vaccine. In addition to writing articles, Beth and her team also used art to describe the process of developing the oil for use in vaccines. Her work even ended up in articles available in airport lounges for business travelers, catching the attention and interest of the business community in further expanding vaccine development in the global South. Throughout her work, Beth is motivated to decode data that initially seems incomprehensible to highlight its broader impact on humanity. The biggest challenge she comes across as a public research communicator is the reluctance of scientists to tell the story of their discoveries for broader audiences. But, Beth is patient and with a little bit of coaxing, she is able to get many brilliant yet shy minds to break out of their shell. One piece of advice she would give to someone starting in science communication is to be brave.  Check out more about Beth’s work in the latest episode. Tune into this episode to learn more about Beth’s work and: Discover examples of the research areas represented by the Wits Health consortium—from rural health to genomicsHow she communicated on a recent discovery about the gut micro biome Why she is motivated to tell the story of science from the African perspective, as part of a global viewpoint  Reach out to Beth:  Email: Beth.amato3@wits.ac.zaIG: @sweetlittlefrida If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 20: Who Should Art Represent? - The Work Ep 44: The Colorful Life of Bird Eggs Support the show Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    38 min
  3. Ep 87: Take a Deep Breath with Aerobiology - The Journey

    22/12/2025

    Ep 87: Take a Deep Breath with Aerobiology - The Journey

    We continue our discussion with Janet Price, Chief Science Officer (CSO) at Visium (formerly Lit Thinking), a company dedicated to promoting public health through air quality. As a child, Janet had an obsession with asking way too many questions and she found many of the answers at her local library. Originally she wanted to be a writer, specifically for the synopses found on the inside of a book cover —without spoilers of course. Once she joined Central Michigan University as an undergrad, Janet realized her love of microbiology and passion for exploring an “unseen” world; and this began her journey into research. Even though she isn’t in the lab anymore, there is still a deep connection to her current role as a CSO and her experience studying microbes. “The things we learn from these model systems, be they bacterial or small organisms, can really be applied, translationally, for human health and new technologies . . . I wanted to be a person that could take that new technology and bring it to the real world,” she explains. And this is now her primarily responsibility as a CSO combining her expertise and science communications to translate discoveries for the real world. Janet has had many memorable mentors along her journey and she specifically reflects on two during her time as a young researcher in graduate school at Central Michigan University and University of Michigan-Rockham Graduate School. Her mentors instilled in her the value of science for everyone and the importance of free thinking to drive good ideas. One piece of advice she would give to her younger self is to start in research early, as she looks back on her journey. In her spare time, Janet enjoys a good cup of tea (specifically Victorian Earl Grey), spending time with her family and dog, and getting lost in a good story—in a book, movie, or video game. Hear more about Janet’s journey in the latest episode—https://welovesciencepodcast.com.  Check out the previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/episodes/18244541 Tune into this episode to hear Janet share: How her interests evolved from searching for answers in local libraries to designing her own microbiology experimentsHow her graduate school mentors influenced her views of science What’s next for Visium and promoting air quality for public health Reach out to Janet: LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molecularjanet/ And check out Visium: https://visium.one/ If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 49: Advocating for Science and Research - The Journey Ep 61: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The Journey  Support the show Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    21 min
  4. Ep 86: Take a Deep Breath with Aerobiology - The Work

    08/12/2025

    Ep 86: Take a Deep Breath with Aerobiology - The Work

    Today we are joined by Janet Price, Chief Science Officer (CSO) at Visium (formerly Lit Thinking) a company dedicated to creating room and building health solutions to promote air quality. During her time at Visium, Janet was fortunate to learn numerous new skills as her responsibilities grew with the company. She started in engineering supporting the development of the initial prototype product, and then transitioned to product validation, and now she relies on science communications to explain the mature product and how it works. Currently, clean air standards are based on how successfully harmful compounds are removed from the air, or how often air is exchanged within closed spaces. It's only recently that this focus has shifted more to considering how to remove pathogens from the air, as seen during the pandemic. With her leadership at Visium, Janet is passionate about setting this new standard for air quality and promoting new technologies to provide clean air for all that is also pathogen-free. “Let us protect those who are most vulnerable in our populations. Let’s make sure they have safe air, just like we’ve committed to having safe drinking water,” explains Janet. But, Visium alone can’t achieve this goal, it also requires input from many different players including the government. One piece of advice Janet would give to anyone looking to become a CSO is to get really good at communicating the science and staying connected with the current research. A CSO essentially works at the intersection of business and science and this means being able to speak the language of both fields.     Check out the latest episode on the website: https://welovesciencepodcast.com  Tune into this episode to hear Janet share: Why clean air is a public goodHow are air quality and standards are currently measuredWhat are the gaps in air quality policy How you measure air changes in a building and why this is important  Reach out to Janet: LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molecularjanet/ And check out Visium: https://visium.one/  If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 23: The Accidental Discovery of Penicillin Ep 48: Advocating for Science and Research - The Work Support the show Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    36 min
  5. Ep 85: The International Academic - The Journey

    24/11/2025

    Ep 85: The International Academic - The Journey

    We continue our conversation with David Calianese on his journey to teaching, research, and academia. David’s interest in biology and helping people started in high school with an opportunity to work as an emergency technician basic (EMT-B) providing care to patients in ambulances. It sounded exciting, but nothing could have prepared David for his first call responding to a woman in active labor in her living room. There wasn’t enough time to take her to the hospital, and he and his colleagues jumped straight to work helping the new mother have a safe and successful delivery. While this experience was a shocking eye-opener for then 16 year old David, it really ignited his ambition to study biology with a focus on pre-med. “It was luck and happenstance, truly,” David explains as he reflects on his first laboratory experience at Providence College. Very unexpectedly, during his first few days as an undergrad, David was approached by a friendly and eager professor to join his research lab; and even quicker than he could blink, David found himself deeply immersed in academic research. From his journey to high school and college and even graduate school at Rutgers University, David had a variety of mentors who helped guide him down his path and open up doors for a number of new experiences, including the big move to Japan. David’s adventure in Japan started with the daunting thought, what the hell did I get into, but he credits the support of his wife and the new friends they made to an unforgettable and rewarding experience in the new country. The best advice David would give his younger self, looking back at his very adventurous journey, is to have patience because we often have more time than we think. In his spare time, David enjoys playing board games like Dungeons and Dragons, or Wingspan; and bird watching with the Merlin app.  If you missed it check out the previous episode Check out the latest episode on the website: https://welovesciencepodcast.com  Tune into this episode to hear David’s perspective on: Why he joined the EMT service as a teenagerHis first experience at a scientific research conference as an undergraduate student The transition from life in the US to working as a post-doc in Japan What has been the thorn and bud along his journey so far Reach out to David on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcalianese/Seton Hall website: https://www.shu.edu/profiles/calianda.html IG: @DCBiolab If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 27: From Post doc to Assistant Professor - The Journey Ep 14: Estrogen Heals Both Sexes - The Journey  Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    45 min
  6. Ep 84: The International Academic - The Work

    10/11/2025

    Ep 84: The International Academic - The Work

    Today we are joined by a fellow Rutgers alumnus, David Calianese. He recently completed a post-doc at Osaka University in Japan and is now starting a new lab at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. David’s new lab will study the process of programmed cell death and its influence on the immune system, specifically as relates to cancer. The link between cell death and the immune system lies within particular enzyme-receptor interactions, and understanding these linkages and pathways more deeply will help to develop novel therapeutics and targets for cancer treatments. This is one short-term goal David envisions for his lab. Moving across the world from the US to Japan for his post-doc and then back to the US for a new position, was a big transition for David, filled with ups and downs, but in the end he was able to land a job he really wanted. Even though David is now miles away from the friendships (personal and professional) he built in Japan, he is very optimistic about keeping the connections he made abroad. As he sees it, “science is what unites the world,” because ultimately his research is going to help people he will never meet, and in a way that connects us all. Looking back at his first months as an assistant professor, David really enjoys the freedom of his new role and mentoring young students. It truly brings him excitement every single day. Some daily challenges he encounters as a new assistant professor come in two flavors–teaching and research. With his very limited teaching experience, David has to find ways of distilling complex topics appropriately for an undergraduate audience. And with working in a research environment, just setting up a lab can be tricky–where do you put new equipment? How do you organize the lab space and keep it functional? Despite these minor setbacks, David still has wonderful advice for anyone interested in a similar career path–find what you love and make it your life’s work. Hear more about David’s work on the podcast!         Check out the latest episode on the website: https://welovesciencepodcast.com  Tune into this episode to hear David’s perspective on: The application process in going from post-doc to assistant professor How to find the right support in becoming a new PI (primary investigator)Star Trek; yes, Star Trek (Trekkies, this one’s for y’all)  Reach out to David on: LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcalianese/Seton Hall website: https://www.shu.edu/profiles/calianda.html IG: @DCBiolab  If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 26: From Post doc to Assistant Professor - The Work Ep 13: Estrogen Heals Both Sexes - The Work Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    1h 4m
  7. Ep 83: DNA is Love - The Journey

    27/10/2025

    Ep 83: DNA is Love - The Journey

    We continue our interview with Dave Latorra and Stephanie Ford, the entrepreneurs behind DNA is Love, a unique company that uses science to make cherished memories. Dave describes his science journey as “one thing leading to another.” After high school, he attended junior college where his interest in chemistry first blossomed, then he transitioned to biochemistry followed by microbiology, and ended up pursuing molecular biology during graduate school at Colorado State University. Throughout his journey, Dave has always kept an open mind about his career goals and this helped open the door to many diverse opportunities focused on product development and science. Although Stephanie had a very different career journey from Dave, what helps connect these two co-founders is their appreciation for each other’s curiosity. The idea for DNA is Love was built on Stephanie’s experience as a hospice caregiver and interest in family genealogy. She was inspired by her previous patients to create a unique way of holding onto the memories of those we love. In the brainstorming stages of the company, curiosity, care, and science all came together to give a new meaning on how we view DNA and what it means to us–it is our past, our present, and our future. But most importantly, it is also a special kind of connection and stability that never leaves us–just like love. Looking back at their younger selves, Dave and Stephanie offer this advice: stay on course and true to yourself, and believe in yourself. Check out the current episode to hear more about their journey!     To hear about the work of DNA is Love, check out the previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1720419/episodes/17909274     Tune into this episode to hear Dave and Stephanie share: The scientific journey that inspired DNA is LoveWhich mentors inspired Dave and Stephanie along their career journeysHow they plan to evolve DNA is Love into the future Reach out to Dave and Stephanie and learn more about DNA is Love on their website: https://dnaislove.com   If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 61: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The Journey   Ep 38: The Secret Behind CRISPR Gene Editing  Support the show Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    29 min
  8. Ep 82: DNA is Love - The Work

    13/10/2025

    Ep 82: DNA is Love - The Work

    We are so excited to have two special guests on our episode today–Dave Latorra and Stephanie Ford, who blend science, entrepreneurship, and keepsakes with their company, DNA is Love. Dave and Stephanie approach DNA is Love from each of their areas of expertise in  biology and hospice care, respectively. DNA is Love has discovered a unique way to hold on to the memories of the people and pets in our lives through jewelry, picture frames, and other special items. And, what makes these items so priceless and personal is they contain actual DNA from the people and pets being commemorated–literally their essence. While Dave always had the general idea of somehow preserving DNA as part of family heirlooms, the concept didn’t come to fruition until he met Stephanie; she was able to bring the heart to the idea and give it life. Dave and Stephanie agree one of the most rewarding parts of the work is hearing from happy customers who share the joy, peace of mind, and gratitude they feel after receiving these special items. One of the biggest challenges they face, however, is in the marketing of this futuristic product and getting new customers to understand exactly what services are offered. For anyone who is interested in pursuing their own great idea to start a unique science-based company, Dave recommends doing your homework first and Stephanie emphasizes to just go for it! Check out the latest episode on the website: https://welovesciencepodcast.com  Tune into this episode to hear Dave and Stephanie discuss: How they brought science together with creating lifelong, family memoriesWhat process is used to purify and verify the DNA in every sample collected What each of them brings to co-founding and running DNA is LoveWhy the reputation of DNA is Love is key to the ethos of the company  Reach out to Dave and Stephanie and learn more about DNA is Love on their website: https://dnaislove.com   If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to: Ep 60: The Love Language of Organic Chemistry - The Work Ep 35: How CRISPR Gene Therapy is Bringing Hope to the World Visit our store: WeLoveSciencePodcast.com Suggest a guest Reach out to Fatu: www.linkedin.com/in/fatubm Instagram: @thee_fatu_b and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Reach out to Shekerah: www.linkedin.com/in/shekerah-primus and LoveSciencePodcast@gmail.com Music from Pixabay: Future Artificial Intelligence Technology 130 by TimMoor Music from https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes: Hotshot by ScottHolmesMusic

    39 min
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About

Celebrating the untold stories, the extraordinary discoveries, and the inspiring lives led by those whose jobs, passions, hobbies and more embody their love of science. Hear stories about -- the dedicated scientists who unravel the mysteries of biology; the artists and musicians who highlight the beauty of science through their craft; the educators, policy makers and science outreach advocates whose convictions propel them toward community engagement and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders; and the bona fide science enthusiasts who design their own unique journey to science fulfillment.

Information

  • Creator
    Shekerah Primus & Fatu Badiane
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 We Love Science
  • Show Website
    We Love Science