SHE LEADS SCIENCE

Katie Schmitz - She Leads Science

In this episode of She Leads Science, Dr. Liz Joy talks with Dr. Kathryn “Katie” Schmitz, one of the world’s leading voices in exercise oncology. The conversation highlights Katie’s groundbreaking leadership in moving exercise from the margins of cancer care to an evidence-based component of survivorship. As a past president of the American College of Sports Medicine, founder of ACSM’s Moving Through Cancer initiative, and founding president of the International Society of Exercise Oncology, Katie has helped build the science, guidelines, programs, and global infrastructure needed to make exercise a standard part of oncology care. The discussion explores how physical activity during and after cancer treatment is associated with improved fatigue, function, strength, quality of life, mental health, and overall survivorship. Katie also reflects on implementation, referral systems, reimbursement, mentorship, and what it will take to ensure every person living with and beyond cancer has access to safe, effective movement support.

She Leads Science - Christy Porucznik

In this episode of She Leads Science, Dr. Liz Joy talks with Dr. Christina “Christy” Porucznik, professor in the Division of Public Health at the University of Utah and Vice Dean for Faculty in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Dr. Porucznik reflects on her path as a doctorally trained epidemiologist whose career has crossed nonprofit, government, academic, and public health settings, including service as a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officer. The conversation explores the remarkable breadth of her research, from reproductive and environmental epidemiology to opioid-related research, infectious disease surveillance, COVID-19 household transmission, children’s environmental health, physical activity, and population health. She discusses how rigorous epidemiologic thinking can be applied to complex, real-world problems and how public health communication depends on trust, clarity, and humanity. The episode also highlights her leadership philosophy, mentorship of faculty, support for women in science, and ability to bring humor, generosity, and curiosity to serious work.

Rachele Pojednic - She Leads Science

In this episode of She Leads Science, Dr. Rachele Pojednic joins Dr. Liz Joy for a compelling conversation on the evolving role of scientists across academia, industry, and public communication. Trained as an exercise physiologist, Dr. Pojednic grounds her work in the powerful idea that exercise—particularly strength training—is one of the most important levers we have for longevity, shaping muscle health, metabolism, and aging. A central theme is the importance of clear, credible scientific communication, using platforms like podcasts and social media to translate evidence without losing rigor. She also highlights her work at Restore Hyper Wellness, reflecting growing demand for accessible, science-informed health strategies. The discussion emphasizes that careers in industry are not only viable but essential for scientists seeking real-world impact. Ultimately, the episode challenges traditional career paths and underscores the importance of bridging science, communication, and innovation to improve health at scale.

Michelle Mottola - She Leads Science

In this episode of She Leads Science, Dr. Liz Joy sits down with Dr. Michelle Mottola, a globally recognized leader whose work has helped transform exercise during pregnancy from a source of caution and confusion into an evidence-based standard of care. Together, they explore Dr. Mottola’s scientific journey, her leadership in advancing maternal health research, and the growing global recognition that cardiometabolic health during pregnancy can shape a woman’s future risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The conversation highlights her groundbreaking work on gestational diabetes, exercise safety, and the long-term health implications of pregnancy, as well as her success translating research into practice through the NELIP program. Dr. Mottola also shares one of her most memorable and practical messages for pregnant women: don’t eat for two, eat twice as healthy. This episode is a compelling look at the science, leadership, and global impact of exercise during pregnancy.

Mary Jane De Souza and Nancy Williams - THEY Lead Science

In this episode of She Leads Science, host Dr. Liz Joy sits down with pioneers Drs. Mary Jane De Souza and Nancy Williams to explore the science and leadership behind the Female Athlete Triad. Together, they trace their paths into research, reflect on navigating male-dominated fields, and discuss how their work reshaped the understanding of energy deficiency, menstrual function, and bone health in physically active women. The conversation unpacks the physiology of energy deficiency and examines the long-term consequences for reproductive and skeletal health. They also address persistent misconceptions, gaps between science and clinical practice, and the importance of translating complex research into actionable care. Finally, they reflect on mentorship, leadership, and the power of collaboration between scientists and clinicians to drive meaningful change in women’s health. Highlighted below are recent publications on the expansion of our understanding of the Female Athlete Triad, and its translation into clinical care.  De Souza MJ, Williams NI, Misra M, Nattiv A, Joy E, Barrack M, Ricker EA, Gorrell S, Koltun KJ, O'Donnell E, Mallinson RJ, Salamunes ACC, Woodruff K, Fredericson M, Plessow F. 2025 Update to the Female Athlete Triad Coalition Consensus Statement Part 1: State of the Science and Introduction of a New Adolescent Model. Sports Med. 2026 Feb;56(2):327-373. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02333-z. Epub 2025 Dec 31. PMID: 41474493; PMCID: PMC12982264. Williams NI, De Souza MJ, Misra M, Nattiv A, Joy E, Barrack M, Ricker EA, Gorrell S, Koltun KJ, O'Donnell E, Mallinson RJ, Salamunes ACC, Woodruff K, Fredericson M, Plessow F. 2025 Update to the Female Athlete Triad Coalition Consensus Statement Part 2: Clinical Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Return to Play for Adolescents and Adults. Sports Med. 2026 Feb;56(2):375-427. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02332-0. Epub 2025 Dec 31. PMID: 41474492; PMCID: PMC12982345.