WHEN IN STEM
When in STEM is your go-to podcast for exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through the eyes of those who live it. Hosted by Marie, each episode features conversations with professionals from across the STEM landscape, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the breakthroughs shaping the future. Whether you're a student navigating your path or a professional looking to elevate your career, When in STEM offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and the unfiltered truth about what it's really like to work in these dynamic fields. Tune in for a dose of motivation.
Episodes
I Answered Your Most Asked Questions About STEM, Life & My Career
In today's episode, I'm answering your most asked questions about my life, career, and journey in STEM.From why I chose biotech over medicine, to why I didn't pursue a PhD, how I got promoted in industry, and where I see myself in the future, this episode is a chance to get to know me beyond the lab coat.We'll also dive into personal questions about my routines, goals, life in Bost
7 Harsh Truths About Working in Biotech
In today’s episode of When In STEM, I’m talking about some of the biggest lessons working in biotech has taught me in my 20s.From navigating imposter syndrome in Boston biotech, to understanding how important networking and managers really are, to realizing biotech is way more business-focused than I ever expected… this episode is an honest conversation about the realities of working in STEM that
Why Smart Women in STEM Stay Stuck - (How to overcome it)
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like everyone else belonged there more than you?In this episode, we talk about imposter syndrome, confidence, leadership, and the pressure many women feel while navigating STEM careers. From feeling small in executive meetings to questioning our own accomplishments, this is an honest conversation about learning to take up space in rooms we already deserve
Why Grades Don't Matter: A Biotech CEO's Honest Career Advice
Ever felt like you're not smart enough for a career in science? This conversation is for you.In this episode of When In STEM, I sit down with Nicole Richards, CEO of a biotech startup working on solutions for mining, PFAS removal, and water treatment, for one of the most honest career conversations I've ever had.Nicole didn't follow a straight line. She "barely made it through" chemical engineerin
From MIT to CEO: Rachel Sha on Big Pharma, Startups & Leading as a Woman in Biotech
📌 Note: this episode was recorded when the company was still called Vaxess Technologies. It has since rebranded to Terrestrial Bio, Inc. (Terrestrial).What does it actually take to go from MIT chemistry to running your own biotech company?Rachel Sha is the CEO of Terrestrial Bio (formerly Vaxess Technologies). Before that, she spent over a decade at Sanofi and earned her MBA at Harvard. We sat dow
From English Major to Life Sciences Leader — How?!
Can you work in the life sciences with a BA in English?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Rosie from Life Science Cares Boston to talk about her nontraditional path into the life sciences. From studying English to working at the intersection of biotech, nonprofit leadership, and social impact, Rosie’s journey challenges what we think a “STEM career” should look like.We talk about how
Career Paths You Can Take With a Chemistry Degree
You got a chemistry degree… now what?Most people think it means staying in the lab forever, but that’s far from the truth.In this episode, I break down what a chemistry degree actually gives you and the different career paths you can take in biotech, from R&D and QC to project management, supply chain, regulatory, and even tech and business roles.We also talk about salary progression and how t
She Made It to Leadership at Bayer… With Just a Bachelor’s
She made it to leadership at Bayer… with just a bachelor’s. So how did she do it?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Kristen Landgren, a chemical engineering graduate who went from starting her career in the lab to leading innovation and science at Bayer, without a PhD.We break down her full career journey, the risks she took, and the skills that actually helped her stand out and move
I Quit the Lab for a Fully Remote Biotech Job (With a Chemical Background)
“I quit the lab for a fully remote biotech job”… but how does that actually happen?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Alexandra to talk about her journey from chemical engineering to working as an analytical chemist, and how she transitioned into a remote project management role in the pharmaceutical industry.We break down what it’s really like working in a startup, the skills that h
From a Chemistry Degree to Big Pharma — No PhD Needed
What can you really do with a chemistry degree?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with a Site Research Lead Associate at Thermo Fisher to talk about her path from organic chemistry and cancer research to working in clinical trials, without a PhD.We dive into what clinical research actually looks like, how she broke into biotech, and the biggest misconceptions about careers in this space.I
I Have a Biology Degree… Now What? (All Career Options Explained)
You have a biology degree… now what?Most people think their only options are med school or a PhD.But in reality, there are so many career paths in biotech, you just haven’t been exposed to them.In this episode, I break down the entire biotech industry so you can finally understand where you fit in.We walk through:Research & Development (R&D)Cell culture, discovery, and assay developmentPro
From Bachelor’s Degree to Principal Scientist: How He Made It in Biotech All the Way From Nepal
From Bachelor’s Degree to Principal Scientist: How One Scientist Made It in Biotech All the Way From NepalIn this episode of When In STEM, we sit down with Ananda Mishra, who went from earning a bachelor’s degree to becoming a Principal Scientist in the biotech industry, all while navigating the challenges of moving from Nepal to the U.S.Ananda shares:📌 How his identity as an international student
Is a Master’s Enough for a Biotech Job? A Gene Therapy Scientist Explains
Ever been told a master’s degree isn’t enough to land a career in biotech? Michaela Duffy proves it can be.In this episode of When in STEM, Michaela shares her journey from graduating during the pandemic, reaching out to scientists in Boston, and developing a rapid COVID testing machine at MIT, to building a career in gene therapy. She talks about her experience working in rare disease drug develo
Can You Work in Biotech with Just a Bachelor’s in Biology?
Feeling stuck with just a bachelor’s degree in biology? Think your career has hit a ceiling? Think again.In this episode, we dive into real stories and expert advice to show you how to leverage your skills, learn new ones, and relentlessly move forward, no matter where you started.Our guest, an accomplished researcher and biotech professional, shares her unconventional journey from microbiology st
8 Unique Ways to Get Research Funding
Funding can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… gatekept.In this episode, I’m breaking down 8 unique and overlooked ways to fund your research, especially if you’re early in your career or applying for the first time.Even if you’ve never written a grant before, this episode gives you clear, actionable steps to move forward and maybe even some shortcuts that could save you months of frustra
From Chemistry to Neuroscience: How Scientific Curiosity Led to Unexpected Transitions
What happens when a scientist changes disciplines multiple times and transforms how we understand animal behavior?In this episode, Rebecka Sepela shares her journey from chemistry to biophysics to sensory biology and how scientific curiosity led her into groundbreaking octopus research. Rebecka is a L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellowship award recipient, a L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellow, and
The Unexpected Truth About Imposter Syndrome in STEM and How to Overcome It
From struggling first-generation student to groundbreaking geneticist discover how resilience, curiosity, and community transform impossible dreams into reality.Few stories are as inspiring as Kaitlyn’s journey from a chaotic upbringing with no family support for education to becoming a Harvard-trained researcher making waves in reproductive biology. In this episode, Kaitlyn reveals the unfiltered
Can L’Oréal Fund Your Science? Inside a Harvard Neuroscientist’s Postdoc Path
Can L’Oréal really fund your scientific research? 👀In this episode of When In STEM, we’re breaking down what fellowships like L’Oréal For Women in Science can actually do for your career and why choosing the right lab and mentor can matter more than your CV.Today’s guest is Dr. Sydney Aten, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, neuroscientist studying circadian rhythms and fertility
19 Career Opportunities in Pharmacy | Careers You Need To Know About After a PharmD
This episode explores the diverse career paths available to pharmacists with a PharmD degree, emphasizing the growing demand for pharmacists in various sectors of healthcare. The host discusses the misconceptions surrounding the role of pharmacists, highlighting that their expertise extends beyond traditional patient-facing roles. The conversation covers various career options, including clinical
A Pharmacist’s Path Into Biotech
In this episode of When in STEM, I chat with Rachel Hawley, PharmD, about redefining what a pharmacy career can look like beyond clinical settings. Rachel gets real about her journey, from inpatient pharmacy experiences to the shift into medical affairs and biotech, the skills that matter most, what her fellowship actually taught her, and what it is like working as a Medical Outcomes Science Liais
A Day in the Life of a Pharmacy Student on Rotations: Classes, Clinics, and the Grind with Kami
What does a day in the life of a pharmacy student on rotations actually look like? In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Kami to break down her real routine, from clinical rotations and hands-on learning to studying, staying organized, and managing the mental load that comes with pharmacy school.Kami shares what surprised her most about pharmacy school, how she balances rotations with c
A Day in the Life of a Retail Pharmacist: The Truth Behind the Counter
In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Elissa Hanna, a retail pharmacist, to uncover the real story behind life in community pharmacy. She shares her path from education to earning her PharmD, the challenges she faced along the way, and what led her to retail pharmacy. We dive into what a day in her life looks like, what it truly means to hold a PharmD, and how pharmacists impact patient
Lab Life: EU vs. U.S
Do you really need a PhD to build a successful career in science? In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Elina, a lab technician working in spatial biology, who shares her journey from conducting research at the University of Oxford to building her career in Belgium.We dive into the realities of being a lab technician in Europe, what day-to-day lab life looks like, and how career paths i
12 Essential Tips Before Starting Your PhD
In this episode, I’m sharing 12 things you need before starting your PhD. From choosing the right supervisor and setting goals, to networking, managing imposter syndrome, and saying yes to every opportunity. These practical tips will help you start your PhD with confidence and clarity.ᵔᴗᵔ Hello ᵔᴗᵔ I’m Marie, a scientist, content creator, and podcast host passionate about helping students and earl
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My PhD | Real Advice for Students
Starting a PhD can feel overwhelming but knowing what to expect can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Ben Rein, a biopsychologist and entrepreneur with a passion for translating neuroscience into real-world impact, shares 15 honest lessons he wishes he knew before starting his PhD journey.Ben studied biopsychology at West Virginia University and earned his PhD from the University at Bu
Why Staying in the Lab Isn’t the Only Way to Win in STEM
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Habibi, scientist, entrepreneur, mom, and passionate science communicator. After earning her PhD, Sarah made a courageous decision to step away from the traditional academic path and create a career that fits her life and values.We dive deep into her journey of reinvention, from the pressures of academia to building her business Mito & Co, which creat
A Harvard PhD on Beauty and Materials Science
In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Kathy, a PhD student in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering at Harvard who is redefining how we think about science. From her beginnings at Stanford researching skin‑inspired electronic materials, to a Fulbright year in the Netherlands working with Nobel laureate Ben Feringa, Kathy’s journey shows just how many paths STEM can open.Now at Ha
So You Don’t Know If a PhD Is for You? This Episode Is for You
Feeling unsure about whether to pursue a PhD? This episode is for anyone in STEM, science, or biotech who’s wondering what’s next but isn’t sure if graduate school is the right move. I talk about the pressure to keep collecting degrees and why that might not actually solve the uncertainty you’re feeling.Sometimes the answer isn’t another program. It’s reflection. In this episode, I share honest th
Success in STEM Isn’t Just About Being Smart | Here’s What Really Matters
Ever sat in a meeting thinking “I don’t belong here”? You’re not the only one and you’re definitely not the first. In this episode, we’re breaking down the mental side of building a career in STEM: imposter syndrome, self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to constantly prove yourself.Joining me is Odeal Jacob, Director of Strategy and Operations at Moderna, who brings over a decade of experience le
Succeeding in Science Without a PhD
In this episode, we talk with Kristian DiMatteo, a STEM professional who built a successful career in industry without ever getting a PhD.Kristian shares how he used certifications, hands-on lab experience, and strategic skill building to grow in the field and earn respect in an industry where PhDs often dominate. Whether you're in school, in the lab, or considering your next move, this conver
PhD Journey — The Commitment & Rewards
What does it really take to pursue a doctorate, and how does it shape who you become?In this episode of When in STEM, Dr. Lauren D’Innocenzo joins us to reflect on the PhD and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) journey and what pushed her to pursue a doctorate, how she balanced life alongside academic demands, and the long-term growth that came from it all.We explore the real PhD experience:
How a Recruiter Got Me Hired (and Could Help You Too)
This solo episode wraps up the recruiter series, and I'm getting personal. I’m recapping everything we’ve covered in Episodes 1–3 of When in STEM, from what recruiters actually do, to how LinkedIn plays a role, to what biotech companies are really looking for.But I’m also sharing the behind-the-scenes of how a recruiter helped me land my job, how they helped a friend of mine find her role, and
LinkedIn for Biotech: What Recruiters Are Actually Looking For
Let’s be honest, LinkedIn can feel like a black hole. You're posting, editing, applying... but is anyone even seeing it?In this final episode of the recruiter series on When in STEM, I sit down with biotech recruiter Joan Francesc García Borràs to break down how recruiters actually use LinkedIn and how you can make your profile work for you. We get into:✅ The green flags that make recruiters stop
Inside a Biotech Company: Roles, Teams & Where You Could Fit In
In this episode, we’re continuing our recruiter series—but zooming out. Because before you can land a job in biotech, you need to understand how these companies are actually built.What teams exist beyond the bench? What roles should you be looking for besides “scientist”? Whether you're trying to break in or pivot within the biotech industry, this episode is your roadmap.I’m breaking down the typi
Unfiltered Truth from a Biotech Recruiter
Job searching in biotech can feel like a full-time job with no feedback loop. You’re applying, refreshing, waiting—and still hearing nothing. So what actually works?In this episode of When in STEM, we’re pulling back the curtain on biotech recruiting with Joan Francesc Garcia Borràs, a life sciences recruiter at Hays.Joan shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of hiring: - What recruiters
How I’m Building a Stronger STEM Career: Mindset, Networking, and More
Are you navigating a STEM career filled with uncertainty, job search stress, and the pressure to “have it all figured out”? In this solo episode, I share how I’m applying mindset strategies I’ve learned from this month’s guests — so you can build confidence, resilience, and professional momentum in your own STEM journey.This episode is packed with actionable tips for early-career scientists, inter
Building Adaptive Resilience in STEM
In the high-stakes world of STEM—where pressure is constant and rejection is often personal—resilience isn’t just a skill. It’s survival.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jo Viney, career coach, biotech leader, and co-founder of Seismic Therapeutics. From co-leading the $1.85B acquisition of Pandion by Merck to navigating the invisible weight of leadership, Jo’s story is anything but linear. Be
Just a Bachelor’s Degree—And Still Made It in Biotech
What do you do when you’ve done everything right — and it still falls apart?Asmi is an international student with only a bachelor’s degree trying to survive in one of the most competitive industries: biotech. No advanced degree. No safety net. Just pure determination.First, she got laid off from a startup.Then, 23 weeks into a new role— laid off again.Next? She landed another job… only to have the
The Power of Networking and Confidence
What if the biggest opportunities in your STEM career were just one conversation away?In this episode, I sit down with Jessi Rennekamp—a powerhouse in the STEM world whose journey is living proof that networking isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a career strategy. We talk about the often-overlooked truth: talent alone doesn’t always open doors, but relationships do.We dive into the moments that shaped J
The Truth About STEM Careers No One Tells You
When I graduated with my STEM degree, I thought there were only two options: get a PhD or spend the next 40 years working in a lab.But what if that’s not true? What if there’s a whole worldof creative, impactful STEM careers no one ever told us about?In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing my own journey — howfollowing the “traditional” path in STEM led me to start questioning everything.You’ll hear
This Pharmacist Ditched the Safe Path. Here’s What Happened | Untraditional STEM Career Path
You’re not stuck — you’re just playing by someone else’srules. In this episode, I’m talking to a pharmacist who walkedaway from the traditional path and said NO to the hospital grind, NO toretail, and YES to a role that actually lights her up:Medical Communications at L’Oréal. Yes, that L’Oréal. She took everything she learned in pharmacy school andflipped the script. Now she’s working at the inte
How to Leave Academia and Become a Program Lead
After a decade in academia — from a master’s in nutrition to a PhD and postdoc — Stephanie Hershman found herself burned out, disillusioned, and facing a question so many researchers silently ask: Was it all worth it?In this episode, Stephanie opens up about her journey from the academic grind to leading projects in biotech. She shares the emotional toll of chasing publications, the identity crisi
The STEM Career Pivot: Leaving the Lab for Patent Law | Untraditional STEM Careers
In this episode of WHEN IN STEM, we dive deep into the unconventional STEM career pivot with Chloe Kirk, also known as @chloethescientist on Instagram. Chloe shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from the lab to the world of patent law, proving that you don’t have to stay in the lab to be a successful STEM professional. We also talk about the struggle many STEM professionals face when leav
3 Key Takeaways for Breaking Into STEM
🎙 STEM Resources You NEED to Know! | Scholarships, Mentorships & Biotech Career Tips STEM careers can feel overwhelming—no one tells us where to start, and so many people miss out on opportunities just because they don’t know they exist! But today, we’re breaking down game-changing resources to help you find mentorship, secure scholarships, and land jobs in STEM—whether you’re a student, caree
Life Lessons for Aspiring STEM Enthusiasts: Wisdom from Successful STEM Professionals
In this episode of Aerospace Careers 101, we dive into the real-world challenges of breaking into the aerospace industry with aerospace expert Jill Meyers. With over 30 years of experience in aerospace engineering, aviation careers, and military aviation, Jill shares invaluable insights on how to navigate this high-flying field. From tips on landing aerospace jobs to strategies for standing out in
Rewriting the Rules: Can You Land a Biotech Job Without a Degree?
Think you need a four-year degree to break into biotech? Think again. Today, we’re joined by Laura and John from Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to biotech careers. Through Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, GMGI offers an alternative path into the industry—providing hands-on lab training for students without requiring a bachelor’s
STEM Career Transitions: From Engineering to Biotech
🎙 Breaking Into Biotech: From Engineering to Research & Working in the USEver wondered how to transition into biotech from a different field? Or how international professionals land jobs in STEM?In this episode, my guest Vimal Choudary shares his journey from mechanical engineering to biotech R&D, making the leap from manufacturing to research—all the way from India to the US.We cover:✅ Ho
The Reality of STEM Careers: Why I Started Sharing My Story
If You Feel Lost in STEM, This Is for You🎙️ Why I Started Social Media & the Truth About STEMSTEM can be overwhelming, confusing, and isolating—I knowbecause I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered story of why I started my social media, the struggles I faced, and the moments that almost made me quit. From feeling lost in my career to realizing how little guidance exi
The Resume That Built My Career—Step by Step Breakdown!
Figuring out your resume can be tough, but I’ve been there! In this episode, I’m breaking down my own resume—every job, every pivot, and every lesson I’ve learned along the way. I’ll share how I shaped my career, the mistakes I made, and what actually helped me land opportunities.Whether you’re job hunting, thinking about a career switch, or just curious about how resumes really work, this episode
My Premed Exit—How I Found My Path in Biotech
This is my journey. I was on the premed track, checking all the right boxes—until I realized it wasn’t the future I wanted. In this episode, I’m sharing the unfiltered story of why I walked away from med school and how I found my place in biotech instead. From the uncertainty of leaving a well-defined path to discovering a career I truly love, this is my journey of trial, error, and finally, clari
Welcome to When in STEM: What to Expect
In this episode, host Marie introduces When in STEM, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the science, technology, engineering, and math world. Each month, we’ll dive into a different theme, including Untraditional STEM Careers, How to Get a Job in STEM, and To PhD or Not to PhD?. You’ll hear from expert guests, explore tools and resources, and get career tips in our Career Corner—where
