Science on Trial [and Error]

Episode 014 - Katarzyna Siuzdak

Episode 014: Prof. Katarzyna Siuzdak is a group leader of the Laboratory of Functional Materials at IMP PAN in Gdańsk (Poland). The group researches Nanomaterials for their use in conversion of solar energy into chemical or electrical energy.

 

Kasia explains the differences between doing basic research and developing applicable prototypes for the market. We discuss the underrepresentation of female researchers in Technical Sciences and the need for more opportunities for early career researchers to shine. Kasia shares her views on conscious mentoring and healthy time management. She also gives tips for a successful interview and finding balance between the Popular and the Science. PLUS we cover nanotubes forests, biocompatible glucose sensors, basement science, solar cells and many more…

 

Enjoy listening! 

 

Find Kasia through her website: science-mission.pl

on Instagram: @science_mission

Facebook: @science_mission

& Twitter: @kasiasiuzdak

 

We are wrapping up our SPECIAL episode: I've been interrogating my guests for long enough and it seems only fair to give them and YOU a chance to ask me some questions. Episode015 will be featuring me spilling the truth on my scientific adventure, my future plans and many, many other things. If you'd like your question to be answered, please contact me via email: scienceontrialanderror@gmail.com or through our social media channels!

 

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#scienceontrialanderror

Episode 013 - Vivien Ionasz

Episode 013: Vivien Ionasz is a biologist from Austria and a PhD student in German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. She is currently investigating the interplay between transcription and DNA damage in neural progenitor cells in the the lab of Dr. Wei.

 

We talk about challenges of moving abroad for studying, fast pace of scientific research and alternatives to staying in academia after graduation. Vivien shares details of her PhD application process and admits being obsessed with CRISPR. We discuss how to keep your mental health balance in check and how endometriosis research is terribly underfunded. We also cover connection between rest and productivity, communication issues, DNA breaks, self-care books, SCREWS, German science TV shows for kids, open online courses platforms…

 

Check it out for yourselves and enjoy listening! 

 

Find Vivien on Instagram: @science.viv and on Twitter: @VivienIonasz

 

We are planning a SPECIAL episode: I've been interrogating my guests for long enough and it seems only fair to give them and YOU a chance to ask ME some questions. Episode015 will be featuring me spilling the truth on my scientific adventure, my future plans and many, many other things. If you'd like your question to be answered, please contact me via email: scienceontrialanderror@gmail.com or through our social media channels!

 

Follow Science on Trial [and Error] on Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 

Episode 012 - Daisy Shearer

Episode 012: Daisy Shearer is a British physicist and a PhD candidate in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Surrey (UK). Her research project is focused on semiconductor spintronics for quantum technology applications.

We discuss the high prevalence of mental health issues in the academic community and the need for more equality, diversity and inclusion in science. Daisy shares the perks and drawbacks of working in uncharted scientific territories. She also gives insight into her decision to disclose autism diagnosis on social media and to create 'Neurodivergent in STEM' - project aimed to increasing the visibility of neurodivergent people in STEM fields and build a community to share experiences and advice. We also cover big magnets, lasers and Studio Ghibli soundtracks… Enjoy listening!

 

Find Daisy on Instagram: @notesfromthephysicslab Twitter: @QuantumDaisy and Facebook: @notesfromthephysicslab

Read her blog: notesfromthephysicslab.com and see her website: daisyshearer.com

 

Find Neurodivergent in STEM here as well as on Instagram @neurodivergent_in_stem and Twitter @ND_in_STEM

 

Follow Science on Trial and Error on Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! 

Episode 011 - Ewelina Kamińska

Episode 011: Ewelina Kamińska is a Polish scientist, science communicator and a PhD candidate at LMU in Munich (Germany). She is investigating active demethylation pathways in the group of Prof. Thomas Carell.

We discuss the culture of (over)working in the competitive academic environment and the power of inspiring teaching. Ewelina gives insight into her creative process of communicating science more clearly. She also shares her recipe for being productive and enjoying work-life balance. As part of the Room for Improvement Series, we talk about the need for more transparency in science. Enjoy listening!

 

Find Ewelina on Twitter: @motivelina

Follow Ewelina on Instagram: @motivelina_com

Read her blog: motivelina.com

Case Study: Starting a PhD in times of pandemic

Episode 010: Case Study: Starting a PhD in times of pandemic.

In this special episode my guests are Christine Fiedler, Ishita Gupta, Rebecca June Morse Mora and Valentin Hübner. They all started their PhD studies at IST Austria in September 2020, but their experiences differ in many ways. We discuss how they dealt with application process, working during lockdowns and having courses online. They acknowledge the challenges and struggles of the last year, but we also recognize achievements and successes. We try to figure out what could be improved for the new students who will start their PhDs this year.

Episode 009 - Mojtaba Tavakoli

Episode 009: Mojtaba Tavakoli is a biologist and a PhD student in the group of Prof. Johann Danzl at IST Austria. His research is focused on developing methods to study biological samples with more precision using expansion microscopy.

We discuss the power of collaborative science and how we all go through difficult times during our PhDs. Mojtaba shares his positive and negative experiences as a refugee in Austria. We agree that scientists could use more training in scientific communication.

 

Find Mojtaba on Twitter: @RTMojtaba

IGASUS organization website: igasus.org

 

Please consider supporting the organizations providing humanitarian aid for people in Afghanistan.

The UN Refugee Agency

Doctors Without Borders

Episode 008 - Rose Waugh

Episode 008: Rose Waugh is a PhD student in Astrophysics in the group of Prof. Moira Jardine at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Her research is focused on the formation of prominences in the magnetic fields of low mass stars.

We talk about stellar clouds and winds, communicating science with cartoons and the joys of teaching. Rose shares how she juggles work and personal life being a mum to a toddler. We discuss the inaccessibility of academia and physics still remaining a Boys' Club. Rose reveals that she would love to have coffee with Jim Al-Khalili to thank him for inspiring her career in science.

Enjoy listening!

 

Check out Rose's Instagram @astrophysicist_rose and find her on Twitter: @astrophys_rose

Episode 007 - Mariia Zhuldybina

Episode 007: Mariia Zhuldybina (PhD) is a physicist and an entrepreneur from Russia, currently living in Canada. She completed her PhD in the group of Prof. François Blanchard at École de Technologie Supérieure in Montréal. Mariia is also a CEO and co-founder of a start-up company TRAQC which provides a new method for quality control of printed electronics using terahertz radiation.

We discuss the challenges of creating a new business and transferring technology from the lab to the industry. Mariia opens up about her love of teaching and her hopes of becoming a group leader in the future. We both share how we dealt with the unavoidable rejections. We also cover the beautiful art of sewing and living abroad without knowing the language. Enjoy listening!

 

Find out more about Mariia's company TRAQC

Episode 006 - Nicole Amberg

Episode 006: Nicole Amberg (PhD) is a neuroscientist and a postdoc in the group of Prof. Simon Hippenmeyer at IST Austria. She is investigating the role of epigenetics regulation in neural stem cells lineage progression in the developing cortex.

We discuss which activities are important when you pursue a leadership position in academia. Nicole talks about her altruistic drive and how her initiatives aim to create a better place for others. She also reveals her reasons for not becoming a vet and for continuing her career in Vienna. We also cover mentorship, challenges of becoming accepted as knowledgeable scientist when switching fields and gender stereotypes within the society's mindset. Enjoy!

 

Find Nicole and her initiatives on Twitter: @amberg_nicole @STEM_fatale_ @wissenschaffts

Episode 005 - Mateusz Sikora

Episode 005: Mateusz Sikora (PhD) is a postdoc affiliated with Max Planck Institute for Biophysics in Frankfurt (Germany) and University of Vienna (Austria). In his current research Matt is using computational simulations to tackle the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus. We discuss how SARS-CoV-2 is playing hide-and-seek in our body and how we can use predictions to outsmart the virus. Matt shares how he went from being interested in dialects to studying biophysics (switching back and forth between theoretical and experimental work). We also talk about the collaborative science in times of pandemic and the 'tripod model' of work-life balance. Matt also reveals what an ideal model organism would be... Have fun listening!

 

Find Mateusz on Twitter: @BioPhysMatt