Shows
Puzzle ScienceRare but Real: Navigating Porfiria, Advocacy, and Breaking the Stigma with NadeždaIn this episode, I sit down with Nadežda Pejović, a patient advocate and global representative, to explore the multifaceted challenges of living with rare diseases like porphyria.
🧩 Topics we dive into:
The stigma of saying, “I have an X disease”
How lifestyle, support, and surroundings impact coping
Empathy vs. pity: the delicate balance
Therapy accessibility and systemic issues in rare disease care
What it’s like to navigate healthcare systems in Serbia
Nadežda brings invaluable insights as someone who lives with porphyria and works tirelessly to advocate for patients worldwide. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about rar...2025-01-311h 21Puzzle ScienceFinale Sezone: Sve o OdgovornostiDok privodimo kraju prvu sezonu Puzzle Science podcasta, želela bih da se osvrnem na naše zajedničko putovanje kroz osam snažnih epizoda, od kojih je svaka obradila teme koje su mi izuzetno važne.
Počeli smo sa Senkom, razgovarajući o identitetu, jedinstvu i vernosti svojim vrednostima u nauci i društvu. Darko je podelio zašto je važno biti povezan sa svojim korenima, a Branka je naglasila značaj sistemske podrške. Tim nas je podsetio na važnost glasnog zagovaranja i prihvatanja društvenih odgovornosti, dok je Karolina osvetlila uticaj rasta desničarske po...2024-12-3105 minPuzzle ScienceSeason finale: All About ResponsibilityAs we wrap up the first season of Puzzle Science, I wanted to reflect on the journey we’ve shared through eight impactful episodes, each covering topics that matter deeply to me.
We began with Senka, discussing identity, unity, and staying true to your values in science and society. Darko shared why connecting to our roots is essential, and Branka emphasized the importance of system support. Tim reminded us to speak up and embrace our societal responsibilities, while Carolina shed light on the effects of right-wing political growth on immigrants and trust in science. Finally, Elisabeth joined me...2024-12-3105 minPuzzle ScienceThe final chapter with Elisabeth: Female Startups, Leadership, and Lessons LearnedIn this special finale, we wrap up our insightful conversation with Elisabeth Pavez-Lorie, diving into the challenges of being a CEO and a female co-founder in the demanding world of startups. We discuss the importance of humility, embracing diversity, and rethinking approaches to preclinical studies in light of 2024’s tough startup climate. Elisabeth shares her perspective on the so-called snowflake generation and why standing up for people’s rights matters more than ever.
Before diving into the episode, I want to shine a light on the student protests in Serbia. Following a tragic incident in Novi Sad, wher...2024-12-201h 15Puzzle ScienceParenthood Unfiltered: Raising Humans with Dr. Elisabeth Pavez-Lorie (Part II)Welcome to the last month of 2024! In this Part II episode with Dr. Elisabeth Pavez-Lorie, we dive deep into the raw realities of motherhood—and parenthood as a whole.
We explore why it’s essential to walk the talk, shifting the narrative from motherhood to parenthood, and how to raise children with a mindset of contributing to humanity. From teaching about consequences to accepting when your child is no longer a child, this episode brings wisdom, vulnerability, and practical insights.
We also tackle tough topics: dealing with bullying, supporting abused children, losing health, and the impo...2024-12-0657 minPuzzle ScienceNavigating Immigration, Empathy, and Big Life Decisions with Elizabeth Pavez Lorie – Part 1This month has been a whirlwind, filled with learning curves and technical challenges, but also incredible conversations. After a memorable interview with Dr. Carolina Corzo, I’m thrilled to share another special episode, kicking off a three-part series with the inspiring Elizabeth Pavez Lorie.
Elizabeth is a remarkable woman: a scientist, a mother, a CEO, and a force of nature. In this deeply moving conversation—yes, the first one that brought me to tears—we dive into the profound topics of immigration and its political implications. Elizabeth shares her journey as a war immigrant and unpacks the import...2024-11-221h 07Puzzle ScienceChoosing Paths: Immigration, Resilience, and Right-Wing Realities with Dr. Carolina CorzoNovember is a special month—it's my birthday month and the release of the fifth episode of Puzzle Science, a personal milestone! This episode, recorded actually first in the series, was a deep learning journey for me. I’m thrilled to share it with my ‘sister from another mother,’ Dr. Carolina Corzo.
In this conversation, we explore Dr. Corzo’s inspiring journey from Guatemala to Austria. Her story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and focus, marked by the need to choose sometimes paths based on job availability, not necessarily her passion—a reality for many. We also discuss...2024-11-081h 19Puzzle ScienceSkeleton of an Invertebrate TiMollusc: No Bones but Still StrongIn the fourth episode of Puzzle Science, titled Skeleton of an Invertebrate TiMollusc: No Bones but Still Strong, I sit down with Tim Wollesen, a Professor of Zoology at the University of Vienna, specializing in EvoDevo. We dive into Tim's childhood fascination with collecting dead animals (trust us, there's a funny story behind it!) and explore the nuances of the German school system and the impact of parental support. Our conversation touches on the value of basic research, effective science communication, and the art of slowing down—in both research and life. We also discuss the dynamics of intercultural ma...2024-10-251h 08Puzzle ScienceScience with Heart: Dr. Branka Radić Sarikas on Learning, Leading, and ListeningIn today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Branka Radić Sarikas, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Children’s Cancer Research Institute, for a heartfelt and insightful conversation. We cover a range of topics, including:
The roots of imposter syndrome and hustle culture in academia
Navigating the mental and emotional challenges of working in pediatric cancer research
Why PhD students deserve our appreciation and how to support them
Feminism in science and the disparities in research quality between the EU and third-world countries
The importance of system support and learning from the mistakes of past mentors
Dr. Sarik...2024-10-112h 04Puzzle ScienceBeyond the Stars: Exploring Science, Bias, and BalanceIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Darko Donevski, a PhD in Astrophysics and Cosmology from the University of Marseille. We dive into his fascinating research and explore why astronomy is not just about distant stars but has deep relevance to each of us. Beyond the science, we discuss the importance of cultivating interests outside the academic world, the value of connecting with one's roots, and how luck often intertwines with research success. Dr. Donevski also offers a refreshing perspective on gender bias and the ways forward, even as a white male scientist. We wrap up with an...2024-09-272h 14Puzzle ScienceBalancing Identity, Unity, and Values in Science and SocietyIn this episode, we explore the importance of unity in an achievement-oriented world, and how you can align your personal values within a team setting. Join Dr. Senka Holzer and me while we dive into the significance of embracing your true identity, especially when balancing roles like motherhood and professional ambitions. You'll hear insights on how to confidently express your scientific identity and tips on starting the journey of writing a big grant. We'll also tackle how to keep your ego in check while navigating the challenges of being a scientific immigrant in today's world. This episode is packed...2024-09-131h 42Puzzle Science🎙️ "Lung Chats & Puzzle Pieces" with Snezana 🎙️
Welcome to the podcast where we geek out over tiny things that do huge work—yes, I’m talking about alveoli! I’m Snezana, a proud nerd obsessed with lungs, drugs (the medicinal kind!), and connecting the dots in science and life. Join me as I explore the wild world of academia, from the challenges facing early career researchers to the not-so-glamorous side of being a woman in science (and a mom!). Whether you're a fellow science lover or just here for the weird lung facts, expect deep dives into the way science is communicated, how academia shapes our future...2024-09-0606 min