She Has a PhD (The Non-Conformist Scientist)

This podcast episode was recorded in 2021. Even though a few years have passed and a new season is being launched in 2024, we believe this Pilot Episode is an important part of our podcast and a reminder that "good things take time".

In this episode, we feature Doctor Patricia Hurter, also known as Trish by her friends. Patricia was born in South Africa, and in the 80s, she came to the US where she graduated from MIT with a degree in chemical engineering. She is a mother of two, and she is passionate about horses and horse-riding. After retiring for only six weeks, Patricia took up the next challenge in her career: becoming the CEO of Lyndra Therapeutics.

Currently, Patricia is the former CEO of Lyndra, and she serves as a board member of Synlogic.

In this episode, host Rita Ramalhete speaks with Angela Tabiri, an inspirational scientist making an impact and raising enthusiasm for the world of Mathematics 

Angela reflects on how moving abroad has been transformative for her development, emphasizing the value of a supportive network and the crucial role of mentorship throughout her journey.  

Committed to promoting STEM education for African women and girls, Angela founded Femafricmaths, an NGO aimed at inspiring young African women to pursue mathematics and science careers. 

#mathsqueen #GirlsDoMath

https://x.com/femafricmaths?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/femafricmaths/

AIMS: https://aims.edu.gh/researcher/angela-tabiri/

 🔗 Connect with Angela Tabiri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-tabiri-phd-13a93257/?originalSubdomain=gh

🔗 Connect with Rita Ramalhete

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaramalhete/

Join She Has a PhD host Inês Veiga for a swift exploration into the realm of implicit bias in science with the esteemed Joanne Kamens. 

In this concise yet powerful episode, Dr. Kamens unveils practical ways that individuals and organizations can raise awareness about implicit bias, offering crucial insights and actionable strategies to foster a more inclusive and unbiased scientific community. 

Prepare for a quick-paced journey through the intricacies of implicit bias and the essential steps for a positive change in the scientific landscape.

References:

Books Dr. Kamens recommends:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61969059-jollof-rice-and-other-revolutions

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273694-the-exceptions

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59148724-under-the-skin

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62589168-black-cake

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55957716-the-menopause-manifesto

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52677915-in-my-own-moccasins

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58186037-unprotected

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46212118-the-unanswered-letter

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59357120-yellowface

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57518006-the-seed-keeper

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/141268708-dear-ijeawele-or-a-feminist-manifesto-in-fifteen-suggestions

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60281996-we-ve-got-this

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59681622-benevolence

🔗 Connect with Dr. Kamens:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannekamens/

🔗 Connect with Inês Veiga:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ines-veigaa/

Join She Has a PhD host Isabel Castanho for a quick dive into the world of cutting-edge treatments for neurodegenerative diseases with the distinguished Fiona Elwood. 

In this brief yet impactful episode, Dr. Elwood shares her insights on the challenges of developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, how we can advance their research and development, and her aspirations and goals for the future of neuroscience. 

Get ready for a fast-paced exploration of the latest advancements in the field, led by one of its visionary leaders.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Elwood:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-elwood-phd-aa7a5922/

🔗 Connect with host Isabel Castanho:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelcastanho/

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Naama Kanarek, a leading researcher at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, to explore the critical intersection between cancer treatments and nutrition. Dr. Kanarek shares her insights on the complexities of recommending dietary changes to cancer patients, the impact of nutrition on treatment outcomes, and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach involving oncology, nutrition, and psychology.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kanarek emphasizes the delicate balance between offering nutritional advice and maintaining the mental well-being of patients who are already facing immense challenges. She also discusses the ongoing research efforts aimed at understanding how specific diets can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how nutrition and cancer treatments intersect, and what the future holds for this promising area of study.

Join us as we delve into the nuances of this rapidly evolving field, and learn why being critical and cautious about nutritional advice is paramount for those battling cancer. Whether you're a researcher, a healthcare professional, or someone affected by cancer, this episode offers valuable perspectives and hope for future advancements.

 🔗 Connect with Dr. Naama Kanarek:

Lab website: https://www.kanareklab.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naama-kanarek-66666b31/

References:

Kanarek, N., Petrova, B., & Sabatini, D. M. (2020). Dietary modifications for enhanced cancer therapy. Nature, 579(7800), 507–517. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2124-0
Nutrition in cancer care. (2024, June 6). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/nutrition-pdq

She Has a PhD host Rita Ramalhete is joined by Dr Minmin Yen, a leader in infectious diseases and innovation. Dr Yen is the CEO and co-founder of PhagePro, a biotech startup that develops innovative therapies to tackle cholera. PhagePro focus on global health inequities is a testimony of Dr Yen’s belief that health is a basic human right.

In this episode, we discussed Dr Yen’s  passion for combating health inequities as a motivation to delve into the realms of infectious diseases and innovation.

Dr Yen is also a co-founder of Scientists in Solidarity, a non-profit organization that provides a safe community for minority scientists within the life sciences.

This episode explores the remarkable journey of Dr Minmin Yen into leadership and social equality. We navigate the challenges of academia, the transition into biotech and and leaving an indelible mark in combating infectious diseases while fostering inclusivity within the scientific community.

References:

Be a Revolution by Ijeoma Oluo https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/70240478

Ijeoma Oluo https://www.ijeomaoluo.com/

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/40109367

Brené Brown https://brenebrown.com/

Anti-Racism daily https://open.spotify.com/show/1UZ3H9gEnDaI6D0ms0hwNC?si=0c9c0106ed4c4dd0

https://www.instagram.com/ardtakeaction/?hl=en

https://antiracismdaily.com/podcast/

 🔗 Connect with Dr Minmin Yen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minmin-yen/

PhagePro: https://www.phageproinc.com/

 🔗 Connect with Rita Ramalhete:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaramalhete/

She Has a PhD host Isabel Castanho is joined by Professor Rana Dajani, a distinguished molecular geneticist and professor at the Hashemite University in Jordan. Professor Dajani's career has been marked by significant contributions to molecular genetics, particularly in the realm of stem cell research. Her groundbreaking work not only advances our understanding of genetics but also champions science education and empowers women in the scientific community.

In this immersive episode, we discussed Professor Dajani's journey of discovery in science, her experiences in advocating for gender equality, and her impactful initiatives to promote STEM careers for young women in the Arab world. We explored the intersection of science, education, and women's empowerment, uncovering the inspiring efforts of Professor Rana Dajani.

This episode will help illuminate the extraordinary journey of Rana Dajani, providing valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for gender equality and empowering women in science and education.

References:

Rana Dajani's official website: https://www.ranadajaninelson.com/

🔗 Connect with Professor Dajani:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rana-dajani/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Isabel Castanho:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelcastanho/

In this episode of She Has a PhD, host Inês Veiga welcomes Sandra Caldeira, Head of the Disease Prevention Unit at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. From growing up in Santarém, Portugal, with a fascination for health and viruses, to conducting groundbreaking research on the human papillomavirus in Heidelberg and navigating postdoctoral challenges at Stanford, Sandra's journey is one of resilience and boundless curiosity.

Sandra shares how her love for writing led her to a career in scientific editing at EMBO and how an interview sparked her transition into science policy-making. Tune in to hear Sandra's reflections on leadership, optimism, and the role of science in shaping a better future. Don’t miss her advice for young women in science and her vision for tackling global challenges like cancer and climate change.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Sandra’s incredible journey from the lab to policy-making!

 🔗 Connect with Sandra Caldeira

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scaldeira/

🔗 Connect with Inês Veiga

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ines-veigaa/

In this episode of She Has a PhD, host Ana Cadete is joined by scientist and social entrepreneur Zafira Castaño to explore the vital role of emotional intelligence in leadership.

Together, they discuss why empathy is a crucial yet challenging skill for leaders, especially for women in male-dominated fields. Zafira shares her insights on navigating workplace dynamics with emotional intelligence, how to handle criticism constructively, and offers valuable advice for women looking to enhance their leadership effectiveness. 

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/09/19/empathy-is-the-most-important-leadership-skill-according-to-research/?sh=7354661d3dc5

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/emotional-intelligence-in-leadership

 🔗 Connect with Dr. Zafira Castaño:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafiracastano/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Ana Cadete:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acadetepires/

Join She Has a PhD host Isabel Castanho for a compelling exploration of social entrepreneurship with the esteemed Rana Dajani. 

In this impactful episode, Professor Dajani shares her journey of driving change through innovative initiatives at the intersection of science and social impact. 

Discover her role as a member of the United Nations Women Jordan Advisory Council, her intake on the role scientists should play in promoting evidence-based information within their communities, and more about her project "We Love Reading".

This episode will inspire and enlighten, showcasing the transformative power of combining scientific expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to address societal challenges and drive positive change.

🔗 Connect with Professor Dajani:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rana-dajani/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Isabel Castanho:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelcastanho/

In this trailer, you will hear from Ana Cadete, the creator of 'She Has a Ph.D.' and founder of The Non-Conformist Scientist, the nonprofit organization behind this podcast.

By listening to this short introduction, you will discover what the podcast is about, learn about its mission to empower women scientists in leadership positions, and feel curious about future episodes!

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Naama Kanarek, an Assistant Professor at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, who studies cellular metabolic adaptability of immune and cancer cells.

Dr. Kanarek shares her experiences and insights on how she navigated the complex landscape of academia while balancing her personal and professional life. She discusses pivotal moments in her career, from her early struggles with language barriers to finding her place in the scientific community, and how influential mentors shaped her path in academia.

Naama's story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Throughout the conversation, She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support, and reflects on the impact of both positive and negative advice she received in her formative years, highlighting the need to challenge societal norms and expectations. Dr. Kanarek shares memorable moments from her scientific career, including overcoming nerves during international presentations and the recognition that followed.

Her journey serves as an example that with perseverance and the right support system, you can successfully overcome social expectations to follow what you are passionate about and make a meaningful impact in science.

No Empty Bedsides: https://www.noemptybedsides.com/index.html

 🔗 Connect with Dr. Naama Kanarek:

Lab website: https://www.kanareklab.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naama-kanarek-66666b31/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Isabel Castanho:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelcastanho/

She Has a PhD host Isabel Castanho is joined by Fiona Elwood, a distinguished leader in neuroscience. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Elwood has left an indelible mark on the field, contributing to groundbreaking research in neurodegeneration.

In this episode, we discussed what inspired Dr. Elwood to pursue a career in neuroscience, her experience as the only woman in the room, and her strategies to encourage and support young girls and adult women in their scientific careers.

This episode will illuminate the journey of neuroscience leadership with Dr. Fiona Elwood, offering insights into her inspirations, strategies, and impactful contributions to the field.

References:

My Love Affair with the Brain: The Life and Science of Dr. Marian Diamond (PBS documentary)

🔗 Connect with Dr. Elwood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-elwood-phd-aa7a5922/

🔗 Connect with our host, Dr. Isabel Castanho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelcastanho/

Join “She Has a PhD” host Rita Ramalhete and Dr Minmin Yen as they delve deep into the phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome, a pervasive feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evidence of success.

In this brief episode, Dr. Yen sheds light on the origins of imposter syndrome and its profound impact on individuals across various professions.This episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice for overcoming imposter syndrome and unlocking your full potential.

 🔗 Connect with Dr Minmin Yen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minmin-yen/

PhagePro: https://www.phageproinc.com/

 🔗 Connect with Rita Ramalhete:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaramalhete/

In this episode, host Ana Cadete sits down with Zafira Castaño, a scientist, social entrepreneur, and mom, to discuss her remarkable journey. 

Zafira shares how growing up in a small town in Spain shaped her path, her decision to pursue a PhD, and how she co-founded the IMFAHE Foundation to bridge the gap between the emigrated talent and local universities. 

During this conversation, Zafira provides insights on global education strategies, balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and the challenges women face in leadership roles. Tune in for inspiring advice, mentorship insights, and a peek into Zafira's work-life balance as a mother and leader in science!

IMFAHE Foundation: https://www.imfahe.org/

Healthy Growth Foundation: https://healthygrowthfoundation.org/

Books recommendations:

The first 90 days, by Michael Watkins https://www.genesisadvisers.com/the-first-90-days

The making of a manager, by Julie Zhue https://www.juliezhuo.com/book/manager.html

 🔗 Connect with Dr. Zafira Castaño:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafiracastano/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Ana Cadete:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acadetepires/

She Has a PhD host Inês Veiga is joined by Joanne Kamens, a distinguished PhD in genetics from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kamens has traversed multiple sectors, including academia, industry, and non-profits. A passionate advocate for women in science, she is the founder of the Boston Chapter AWIS. 

In this episode, Dr. Kamens shares insights from her rich career journey and her experience balancing it with being a young mom. Discover the pivotal role of relationships in her career transitions, her commitment to professional development, and her pioneering work in addressing implicit bias in the field.

This episode will illuminate the nuances of diversity and inclusion in the scientific realm, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies to foster a more inclusive and equitable scientific community.

References:

Birutė Galdikas (primatologist)

🔗 Connect with Dr. Kamens:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannekamens/

🔗 Connect with Inês Veiga:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ines-veigaa/

In this episode of She Has a PhD, host Rita Ramalhete is joined by Dr Angela Tabiri, an mathematician inspiring young girls and women in Africa.

In this brief episode, Angela shares insights on the power of mentorship and networking. Discover practical tips for building meaningful connections and maintaining relationships to support personal and professional growth.

https://x.com/femafricmaths?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/femafricmaths/

AIMS: https://aims.edu.gh/researcher/angela-tabiri/

 🔗 Connect with Angela Tabiri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-tabiri-phd-13a93257/?originalSubdomain=gh

🔗 Connect with Rita Ramalhete

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaramalhete/

In this special short episode of She Has a PhD, host Inês Veiga sits down once again with Sandra Caldeira, Head of the Disease Prevention Unit at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. Sandra shares insights into her team’s current projects in disease prevention and public health policy, the real-world impact of their work, and how science drives effective policy-making.

Discover the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of public health, as well as Sandra’s thoughts on emerging trends that could revolutionize the field.

🎧 Tune in for a concise yet thought-provoking discussion with one of science policy's most inspiring leaders!

 🔗 Connect with Sandra Caldeira

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scaldeira/

🔗 Connect with Inês Veiga

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ines-veigaa/