Varied Voices in STEM

Meet Your Hosts! with Charleese Williams, Rorah Ndungu, and Em Stacey

Just what it sounds like! Undergraduate co-hosts Charleese Williams, Rorah Ndungu, and Em Stacey are interviewed by Dr. Erica Tracey to learn about the amazing things they've done in undergrad and what motivated their engagement with this work.

Finding Your Voice with The Beyonce of Neuroscience, Kaela Singleton

Dr. Kaela Singleton discusses her journey from finding research as an undergraduate to becoming the Beyonce of Neuroscience and co-founder of #BlackinNeuro Kaela discusses the importance of mentorship in her journey and how learning to make use of her voice to amplify others has also allowed her to find a personal community where she can be her best "Black, Samoan, queer woman" self. At the time of recording, Kaela was a postdoctoral researcher at Emory University and adjunct professor at Agnes Scott College. At the time of this episode publishing, she has taken on a new role as Campaign Manager with the inclusive STEM consulting firm, Solving for Science: https://solvingfor.org/about-us

Braving New Countries through Academia with Chishiba Kanta and Dina Yakout

Chishiba Kanta and Dina Yakout (MD/PhD) discuss what it is like embarking on a new educational experience in a new-to-you country. At the time of recoding, Chishiba was studying civil engineering after completing her BS and Georgia State. Dina was a PhD candidate who moved to the US after completing her MD in Egypt. Each discuss how their cultures shaped their perspectives before moving to the US and how they have since made Atlanta into their home. They also discuss how they have managed evolving goals and learned how to keep their priorities, including those whom they cherish in the US and their homes of origin, at the forefront as their progres towards their careers of choice.

Finding Your Footing in the World of Medicine with Ugo Kalu

Ugo Kalu discusses what is it like transitioning from undergraduate student at GSU to Master's student in the Department of Biology and Cell Physiology and Molecular Biology. As a student with a non-traditional trajectory, she shares what she has learned from her years at Georgia state and reflects on how she has matured to understand what preparing for medical school really requires.

The Reciprocity of Life and Neuroscience with Joseph Normandin

Dr. Joseph Normandin, Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Director in the GSU Neuroscience Institute, discusses how he turned his passion for neuroscience into an impactful career despite having a rocky start in college. In addition to discussing his battles with impostor syndrome, Joe shares about the impacts of coming of age as a gay man during the AIDS pandemic, and how his interest in human sexuality ultimately shaped his research. As an educator, Joe has focused his efforts on supporting the students who-- like him-- could easily fall through the cracks or convince themselves they aren't "cut out" for science. He talks about some of these initiatives and why he is hopeful for the future of the scientific community.