Shows
DASL Podcast# 14 - "Chronic Pains and Academic Gains: Caitlin's Tale" - With Dr. Caitlin AmitSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr Caitlin Amit, a postdoctoral researcher whose story exemplifies the power of self-advocacy, scientific curiosity, and personal resilience. Diagnosed with lupus only after years of medical dismissal and misdiagnosis, Caitlin opens up about navigating the isolating journey of living with an invisible chronic illness—and how it ultimately fueled her path into neuroscience and bioinformatics.Growing up in an academic family, Caitlin didn’t initially see herself as a scientist. Struggling with mysterious health issues and mental health challenges throughout high school, she turned to c...2025-08-0144 minDASL Podcast#13 - "Navigating Academia and Motherhood" - With Dr. Cindy BarbaSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Cindy Barba, a scientist and mother whose journey is defined by resilience, determination, and the courage to carve her own path. Growing up in Southern California as the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Cindy shares the challenges of navigating higher education without financial aid, working tirelessly to fund her studies—including running her own clothing store—and discovering her passion for science through community college programs.Cindy opens up about the quiet struggles her family faced, from living with the fear of deportation to the...2025-07-2148 minDASL Podcast#12 - "Redesigning STEM, One Lesson at a Time" with Dr. Matthew EllisSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Matthew Ellis, a queer, dual-gender scientist and educator whose passion for inclusive, student-centered teaching is driving bold conversations about equity in academia. In this episode, Matthew calls for a much-needed shift in how universities value teaching—advocating for systemic reform that includes fair compensation, tenure-track pathways for teaching-focused faculty, and meaningful input in curricular decisions. Drawing on their experience with the NIH-funded IRACDA program, Matthew reflects on the promise and limitations of current diversity initiatives aimed at preparing the next generation of faculty. They offer a...2025-07-1038 minDASL Podcast#11 - "Turning Obstacles into Opportunities in Research" with Sofia HoweSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Sofia Howe, a former student-athlete turned scientist whose journey into STEM is rooted in resilience, mentorship, and a deep commitment to science outreach. Sofia shares how her experience balancing athletics and academics helped her develop the discipline and mental toughness needed to navigate the challenges of graduate school and research. She opens up about a difficult early-career experience with a principal investigator and how she learned to advocate for herself, find supportive mentors, and rebuild her confidence during a pivotal moment in her academic path. Through...2025-06-0149 minDASL Podcast#10 - "Beyond the Lab: Finding Balance in Science" Dr. Monica Gonzalez RamirezSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez, a first-generation Mexican-American scientist who shares how the work ethic passed down from her immigrant parents shaped her approach to both life and academia. Monica reflects on the challenges of being a minority in STEM and how navigating systemic disadvantages helped her develop resilience, adaptability, and deep resourcefulness. She opens up about the emotional difficulty of changing labs or mentors, emphasizing that while these transitions can be scary, they often lead to better, more aligned opportunities. Monica shares how she learned to...2025-04-1031 minDASL Podcast#9 - "Transcending Barriers to New Beginnings" with Dr. Christian CazaresSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr Christian Cazares, who shares his inspiring journey as an immigrant from Mexico, whose parents juggled multiple jobs to provide for their family, instilling in him a strong work ethic that would drive his academic and professional journey. Christian reflects on how scholarships were pivotal in making higher education possible for him and the importance of taking strategic steps in building a successful academic career. He discusses how his post-bac experience provided the clarity he needed to create a strong and successful Ph.D. application, highlighting...2025-03-0552 minDASL Podcast#8 - “When Science Meets Resistance: A Story of Strength and Purpose” with Dr. Arash FassihiSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Arash Fassihi, a project scientist in the Kleinfeld Laboratory at UC San Diego, where he investigates orofacial movements in rats and explores how the brainstem coordinates complex neural circuitry. In this episode, Dr. Fassihi shares his remarkable academic journey, spanning Iran, Italy, and the U.S., discussing how a pivotal talk on neuronal communication inspired his lifelong fascination with understanding how the brain perceives the external world and translates it into action. He highlights his significant contributions to neuroscience and emphasizes the value of knowing...2025-01-2032 minDASL Podcast#7 - “I Didn’t Know the Way, So I Made One” with Dr. Marta PratelliSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr Marta Pratelli, a project scientist in neurobiology at UCSD whose inspiring journey highlights the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate a non-linear path in science. Marta shares how an unexpected logistical issue prevented her from pursuing psychiatry, leading her to discover her passion for neuroscience. She reflects on the challenges of learning a new scientific field, especially while overcoming language barriers and adapting to research in a foreign country. Silvia and Marta discuss the realities of being a first-generation college student an...2024-12-1742 minDASL Podcast#6 - “Starting Over Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It” with Dr. Ghodsieh GhanbariSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ghodsieh Ghanbari, who shares her inspiring story of resilience and determination as an Iranian immigrant navigating life and academia in the United States. Ghodsieh reflects on the challenges she faced during the 2017 U.S. travel ban, which forced her to wait in uncertainty despite holding a legal visa for her PhD. She discusses the emotional toll of confronting barriers beyond one’s control and the importance of staying hopeful and believing in one’s strength and value. Silvia and Ghodsieh delve into what it means to b...2024-11-1826 minDASL Podcast#5 - “Choosing Science, Finding Myself” with Dr. Chris AndersonSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr Christopher Anderson, a guest whose inspiring journey challenges the stereotypes often imposed on Black individuals, especially those from families with little exposure to science. Chris reflects on the internalized racism that can discourage Black individuals from pursuing scientific careers and how he overcame these barriers. Silvia and Chris discuss the financial challenges that often go unspoken in academic spaces, including the lack of paid undergraduate positions, which limits access for underrepresented students. Together, they explore ways to create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment...2024-10-2249 minDASL Podcast#4 - “Trying, Failing, and Believing Anyway” with Dr. Neha VarshneySend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Neha Varshney, a remarkable scientist dedicated to fostering future talent in India. Neha shares her inspiring journey of becoming a mentor, and the profound impact mentorship can have on both the mentor and the mentee. She discusses her involvement in outreach programs for underprivileged children, emphasizing how education and encouragement can change lives. Neha highlights the importance of finding compatible mentors and the role networking plays in shaping our careers. She reminds us that great mentorship often comes from unexpected sources and can be found...2024-10-0833 minDASL Podcast#3 - “It Wasn’t Always the Plan, But I Got Here” with Dr. Taniya MitraSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Taniya Mitra, who shares their inspiring journey of perseverance and resilience in the face of life's unexpected challenges. Taniya talks about the importance of finding your way and pursuing your goals with determination, even when life doesn't go as planned. She also discuss some personal experiences, including overcoming the challenge of failing an exam and learning to see the good in every setback. Silvia and Taniya explore the value of accountability, accepting faults, and taking responsibility for one's actions. They emphasize the power of exploration...2024-08-3039 minDASL Podcast#2 - “Leaving Home, Finding Purpose” with Dr. Ece BayramSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ece Bayram, who shares her experiences as a foreigner navigating life and academia. Ece discusses the impact of imposter syndrome and offers insights into developing strong organizational skills and finding effective mentoring. Silvia and Ece also explore the challenges faced in medical school, including dealing with depression and PTSD, and how these experiences have shaped her resilience. They talk about the importance of picturing diversity and the unique obstacles within academia. Additionally, Ece provides advice on navigating the academic landscape and shares personal strategies for...2024-08-301h 06DASL Podcast#1 - "Navigating Paths: Academia, Industry, and Beyond" with Dr. Evan BoyleSend us a textThe podcast episode features an interview with Dr Evan Boyle, a postdoctoral scholar at UC San Diego. Evan discusses his work in RNA biology and his involvement in the Diversity and Science Lecture Series (DASL). He talks about how DASL was founded and his role in leading the organization. Silvia and Evan also discuss the challenges and rewards of being a leader in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) space. Additionally, Evan shares his experiences applying for academic and biotech jobs and offers advice to listeners on how to navigate the job search...2024-08-2838 min
Diffusion Science radioDeveloping brainsWhat is your brain made of?
A day in the life of a neuroscientist by by Silvia Vicenzi
Silvia Vicenzi talks with Ian Woolf about National Science Week, studying neurobiology, and how the brain develops.
Hosted and produced by Ian Woolf
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Paolo Gallo - Why NotEp.96 - Silvia Vicenzi: Dottorato in medicina in TasmaniaNella puntata di Lunedì 18 Maggio di Why Not Cafè, la protagonista è stata Silvia Vicenzi che ad Hobart sta frequentando il terzo anno di Dottorato in Molecular Developmental Neurobiology all'Università della Tasmania.Originaria di Rovereto e appassionata di ricerca, Silvia ha frequentato un Master in Svezia prima di trasferirsi in Tasmania per proseguire i suoi studi.Oltre a studiare, Silvia lavora come tutor universitario, tecnico di laboratorio, é segretaria al dipartimento di Demenza dell'universita e infine partecipa come giovane scienziata ad incontri nelle scuole dove spiega le funzioni del cervello a bambini e adolescenti. Ecco i momen...2020-05-1956 min