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UH Engineering STEMinist Podcast

UH Engineering STEMinist Podcast

By UH Engineering

The STEMINIST podcast is produced at the Cullen College of Engineering at the University of Houston aimed at celebrating trailblazing women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

You will hear industry leaders, engineering researchers, and female faculty members at the Cullen College talk about their journeys in STEM and how their work impacts the next generation of female STEMINISTs.
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Part 1: Preparing for the Career Fair

UH Engineering STEMinist PodcastFeb 04, 2022

00:00
18:55
Unlocking the Future: Exploring Adobe Firefly with Engineering Innovator Rebecca Li

Unlocking the Future: Exploring Adobe Firefly with Engineering Innovator Rebecca Li

In this new episode, STEMINIST host Moriah Bisewski welcomes UH alum Rebecca Li to the podcast. Rebecca Li works as an Engineering Manager at Adobe Inc. and works in developing Adobe Firefly, a cutting-edge generative AI model, and exploring its potential impact on classrooms worldwide.

Feb 27, 202427:52
Carol Voight: Motherhood in STEM

Carol Voight: Motherhood in STEM

Join STEMINIST Host Camilla Flores as she interviews Carol Voight, a physics teacher and UH alumna who holds a master's degree in physics and mathematics. During the interview, Carol sheds light on her challenges as a woman and a mother while pursuing a STEM degree and profession.

Nov 22, 202315:33
Stacy Louie tells us what it is like to be a researcher at the University Of Houston

Stacy Louie tells us what it is like to be a researcher at the University Of Houston

STEMINIST host Moriah Bisewski interviews Dr. Stacey Louie, an associate professor in the civil and environmental engineering department in the Cullen College. Dr. Louie holds a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.  Her research focuses on understanding how pollutants interact with our surroundings, with a specific emphasis on developing engineering methods to effectively remove these pollutants. In addition to her research, Dr. Louie plays a vital role in mentoring her doctoral students through the process of selecting research topics and providing valuable support throughout their dissertation projects to ensure their academic success.

Nov 15, 202338:47
Eliza Paul talks about how she's engineering her future

Eliza Paul talks about how she's engineering her future


In an engaging conversation with STEMINIST podcast host Camilla Flores, Eliza Paul P.E, an esteemed #CullenCollege Alumni and District Engineer for TxDOT's Houston District, provides insights into her educational and professional journey. Eliza discusses her academic achievements and sheds light on her remarkable career trajectory. As an international STEM student, she shares her experiences and challenges, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the field. Eliza also delves into the project scope within her current role as a District Engineer at TXDOT, providing a glimpse into the responsibilities and opportunities she encounters in her position.

Nov 02, 202329:32
Inside Petrochemical Engineering with UH Alum Rosario Maltbia

Inside Petrochemical Engineering with UH Alum Rosario Maltbia

In this episode, STEMINIST host Moriah Bisewski interviews Rosario Maltbia, a UH electrical and computer engineering alum. Rosario has been with Shell for six years as a product manager but moved to California amid the COVID-19 pandemic for a new role as a facility engineer. In this new role, she manages a "terminal," maintaining production schedules and communicating across multiple teams. She attributes much of her success to her communication skills and management style of building up employees.

Oct 12, 202324:53
UH's Hedda Grelz shares with Nusayba how to thrive in Stem and Athletics

UH's Hedda Grelz shares with Nusayba how to thrive in Stem and Athletics

Hedda Grelz talks about balancing her studies as a Mechanical Engineering major and her practice as an accomplished competitive diver. Hedda prioritizes the future of engineering by mentoring students on campus. She talks about her experience in interning and research during her time at UH and the experience that has brought her. Hedda shares her go-to ways to manage stress and mitigate burnout keeping such a streamlined schedule.

Aug 30, 202315:42
A Passion For Space with Award-winning Author & former Flight Controller, Marianne Dyson: Part 2

A Passion For Space with Award-winning Author & former Flight Controller, Marianne Dyson: Part 2

We're back for part-two of our talk with Marianne Dyson. Listeners will get to hear more about about her career in NASA's Mission Control. Also, learn more about her upcoming memoir, A Passion For Space.

May 17, 202322:03
A Passion For Space with Award-winning Author & former Flight Controller, Marianne Dyson: Part 1

A Passion For Space with Award-winning Author & former Flight Controller, Marianne Dyson: Part 1

We are excited to welcome Award-winning Author & former Flight Controller Marianne Dyson to the STEMINIST podcast. In this two-part episode, STEMINIST host Michelle Patrick-Krueger talks with Marianne about her career at NASA and what it was like to be one of the first women in NASA's Mission Control. Also, we get a few inside sneaks into her upcoming memoir, A Passion For Space. 

May 17, 202332:09
Inside Industry with Project Engineer , Shanna O'hara

Inside Industry with Project Engineer , Shanna O'hara

In this episode, STEMINIST host Michelle Patrick-Krueger talks with Shanna O'hara. Shanna received her bachelors in civil engineering from UH and currently works as design engineer at Vogler & Spencer Engineering. Listeners will learn more about Shanna's engineering background and her career as a design engineer.

May 05, 202318:22
UH Doctoral Student Garima Singh- MIT Rising Star Workshop & More

UH Doctoral Student Garima Singh- MIT Rising Star Workshop & More

In this new episode, STEMINIST host Aria Shankar talks with ChBE doctoral student Garima Singh about her engineering education journey and being selected for the MIT Rising Stars Workshop.

Apr 26, 202340:34
One-on-One with Cullen College Space Architecture Program Leader Olga Bannova

One-on-One with Cullen College Space Architecture Program Leader Olga Bannova

In this new episode STEMINIST host Trinity Doan talks with Olga Bannova from the Cullen College of Engineering. Olga Bannova is a Research Associate Professor at the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA) of the University of Houston. Learn more about the SICSA program, Olga's engineering education journey and her perspective on the future of space exploration.

Apr 19, 202324:05
UH Honors Engineering Program- Dr. Marsha Kowal

UH Honors Engineering Program- Dr. Marsha Kowal

In this new STEMINIST podcast, Aria Shankar talks with Dr. Marsha Kowal from the Cullen College of Engineering. Dr. Kowal is an Instructional Assistant Professor and serves as the Director of the Honors Engineering Program. Listeners will learn more about the UH Honors Engineering program and the various college outreach initiatives to engage with prospective engineering students.

Apr 05, 202327:58
One-On-One with Cullen College's Undergraduate Recruitment Manager, Alexandra Landon

One-On-One with Cullen College's Undergraduate Recruitment Manager, Alexandra Landon

In this new episode STEMINIST host Aria Shankar talks with Alexandra Landon about mechanical engineering, being the Cullen College's first ever Professor in Practice and her experience engaging with prospective engineering students.

Mar 29, 202328:50
Getting Involved As UH Engineering Alum- Clarissa Oliveira

Getting Involved As UH Engineering Alum- Clarissa Oliveira

In this new podcast episode, STEMINIST host Sarah Mukhida talks with UH Alum and EAA board member, Clarissa Oliveira about her involvement in the College since graduating and the importance of the Engineering Alumni Association.

Mar 22, 202314:60
One-On-One with Career Center Ambassador Adrianna Taing

One-On-One with Career Center Ambassador Adrianna Taing

STEMINIST host, Nusayba welcomes career center ambassador Adrianna Taing to this week's podcast episode. 

Learn more about Adrianna and what it's like to be a Career Center Ambassador in the college's career center. Adrianna also shares some tips to help engineering students prepare for the spring 2023 engineering career fair.

Jan 31, 202315:48
Navigating Engineering Life at the Cullen College of Engineering- Sairah Samma

Navigating Engineering Life at the Cullen College of Engineering- Sairah Samma

In this episode, STEMINIST host Trinity Doan talks with Sairah Samma, a #CullenCollege civil engineering graduate, about her experience at UH and her involvement in engineering student organizations helped her gain beneficial opportunities outside of the classroom.

Dec 07, 202216:51
3.....2.....1......🚀 A Space engineer's perspective on the future of space exploration

3.....2.....1......🚀 A Space engineer's perspective on the future of space exploration

We’re back with the rest of the conversation with STEMINIST host Michelle Patrick-Krueger and Anita Gale. Listen as Anita shares her perspective on the future of space exploration and how contributions impact the next generation of space explorers.

Nov 30, 202220:03
1-on-1 with Space Engineer Anita Gale

1-on-1 with Space Engineer Anita Gale

In this episode, STEMINIST host Michelle Patrick-Krueger talks with Anita Gale  a Senior Project Engineer in Space Shuttle Payload & Cargo Integration for The Boeing Company in Houston. Her professional career started on the Space Shuttle program in 1974 for Rockwell International in Downey, California. She provides conceptual designs for cargo integration on future launch vehicles, contributes to R&D for Shuttle upgrades and future missions of both reusable and expendable launch vehicles, and develops and fosters process improvements. We're so excited to have Anita on our podcast!

Nov 23, 202226:58
Femtech(+) Challenge and the next generation of innovators

Femtech(+) Challenge and the next generation of innovators

STEMINIST host Aria Shankar continues her talk with Liana Gonzalez-Schulenberg about the Femtech(+) challenge and how this challenge is cultivating the next generation of innovators. 

Nov 09, 202221:23
UH Femtech(+) Innovation Challenge: Meet Liana Gonzalez-Schulenberg

UH Femtech(+) Innovation Challenge: Meet Liana Gonzalez-Schulenberg

The Femtech(+) Innovation Challenge is a hack-a-thon style weekend where teams of students are asked to brainstorm business solutions to problems predominantly faced by women. STEMINIST host Aria Shankar talks with Liana Gonzalez-Schulenberg about the Femtech(+) challenge and what students should expect to get out of this annual event.

Nov 02, 202221:45
Inside Industry: Cyber Security and Why It Matters

Inside Industry: Cyber Security and Why It Matters

In this episode, STEMINIST host Trinity Doan interviews BeBe Kelly- Serrato, an aerospace professional-systems safety engineer, and cyber security coach. 

Trinity and BeBe discuss her cyber security career and offer tips on keeping both individuals and organizations safe online in this digital age.


Oct 26, 202222:54
Research in bioelectronic medicine with Dr. Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez
Oct 19, 202216:55
Engineering Education Research: The importance of creating pathways to receive an engineering education.

Engineering Education Research: The importance of creating pathways to receive an engineering education.

In this episode, STEMINIST host Aria Shankar interviews Le Shorn Benjamin to talk about the importance of creating pathways to engineering . Le Shorn discusses some of her new research in the college focused around Engineering Education and how this work will lead to the development of an engineering education program at the University of Houston. In recognition of this important work, Benjamin was recently selected for the inaugural cohort of the American Society for Engineering Education's eFellos program.

Oct 12, 202227:27
Inside Industry Part 2: Tips on how to stand out to future employers

Inside Industry Part 2: Tips on how to stand out to future employers

STEMINIST host Michelle Patrick-Krueger is back for part 2 of her conversation with CEO JesTech NASA, Subcontractor Nellie Chappel-White shares some best practices on how to stand out amongst other applicants and some must-do things you can do to land the job!

Sep 28, 202230:11
Inside Industry Part 1: Hiring engineers in today's job market

Inside Industry Part 1: Hiring engineers in today's job market

In this 2-part episode, STEMINIST host Michelle Patrick-Krueger talks with CEO JesTech NASA, Subcontractor Nellie Chappel-White joins the STEMINIST podcast to share some insight on her experience hiring engineers in today's job market.

Sep 28, 202230:35
Prepare for the Fair- Career Fair Tips & Tricks

Prepare for the Fair- Career Fair Tips & Tricks

We're preparing Cullen College engineers for the fall 2022 Engineering Career Fair. Emily Clark, University Recruiting Specialist from Haliburton is sharing tips & tricks that will help engineering students land your resume in the 'yes' pile. 


Sep 14, 202210:28
Dive Deep Into What It’s Like To Be A STEM Athlete

Dive Deep Into What It’s Like To Be A STEM Athlete

Elizabeth Richardson a UH industrial engineering senior and a member of the UH Swim & Dive team, talks with STEMINIST host Trinity Doan on her choice to be a student athlete and pursue a STEM degree.

Elizabeth also shares some advice on why pursuing an engineering degree is worthwhile.

Sep 07, 202211:21
Inside Industry: Artemis I Launch with NASA’s Orion Deputy Program Manager, Debbie Korth

Inside Industry: Artemis I Launch with NASA’s Orion Deputy Program Manager, Debbie Korth

In this episode, STEMINIST host Michelle Patrick-Krueger talks with Debbie Korth, the Orion Deputy Program Manager at NASA’s Johnson Space Center talks about her role in designing, developing, testing, verifying, and certifying NASA’s next-generation human-rated spacecraft for Artemis missions. Listeners will also get an inside perspective on how the upcoming Artemis 1 mission will impact the next generation of space missions.

Aug 29, 202226:37
Calling all female engineers!
Aug 24, 202218:32
Mars, Moon, and Iceland, oh my!

Mars, Moon, and Iceland, oh my!

Ruby Patterson, a University of Houston PhD Candidate studying planetary geology, talks about her research from Iceland, to the Moon, to Mars. Her past internship at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) focused on the Apollo Mission and she aims to publish a manuscript about the samples that will be returned from the Moon to Earth.

Apr 20, 202214:03
Sustainability job + sustainable life

Sustainability job + sustainable life

Alyssa Johnson, a UH alumna, describes her interesting journey from community college in California, to attending the University of Houston focusing on Energy and Sustainability, to working multiple jobs in the retail, medical, and energy fields. 

Apr 13, 202216:37
Blue Economy

Blue Economy

Holly Stower, an analyst at Cleantech Group, answers questions from Sameera Rednam, a team lead for the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition. Holly describes her position and mentions several ways we can help the environment such as being knowledgeable about what we purchase, contributing more time and research to ocean exploration, and voting.

Apr 06, 202213:30
Reduce your carbon footprint by an elephant load

Reduce your carbon footprint by an elephant load

One of the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC) team leads, Akash Doshi, discusses with Dr. Mim Rahimi about carbon capture. Dr. Rahimi excellently explains how carbon capture works, what his lab is doing to work on the problem, and how every single one of us can help.

Mar 29, 202214:40
Bilingual education

Bilingual education

Sarah Hakam, the recipient of the Outstanding Senior of the Cullen College of Engineering, talks about her story from majoring in biomedical engineering to getting accepted to a dual degree graduate program including both an MD and a Masters in Engineering.

Mar 23, 202215:26
Marine Competition: Carbon capture style

Marine Competition: Carbon capture style

Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC) team leads, Sameera and Akash, give us a broad overview of the competition, a brief summary of their proposed topic, and talk about the influence of this competition in their life as engineering students.

Mar 15, 202221:19
Nanoparticles and wetlands

Nanoparticles and wetlands

Current PhD student at the University of Houston in environmental engineering, Marcela Strane, tells us about her research studying microplastics in wetlands. Marcela also speaks openly about what it's like as a Latinx person in STEM and her REU experience as an undergrad.

Feb 23, 202213:41
Part 3: Before, during, and after Career Fair

Part 3: Before, during, and after Career Fair

Prepare for the Engineering Career Fair by perfecting your resume, researching companies, applying for jobs prior to the fair, and pre-registering for the fair. The day of the Career Fair, practice your elevator pitch, bring paper copies of your resume, and dress sharp. After the Career Fair, follow the 333 rule: follow up with companies you spoke to 3 days post Career Fair, then 3 weeks, then 3 months. Thank you Tahimy Landestoy for the awesome advice!

Feb 15, 202218:12
Part 2: Career Fair tips & tricks

Part 2: Career Fair tips & tricks

Do your research before attending the University of Houston's Engineering Career Fair! This episode is chalk full of tips to get your resume into the 'yes' pile like checking eCONNECTIONS, researching companies, and checking in with yourself about your personal goals.

Feb 10, 202214:44
Part 1: Preparing for the Career Fair

Part 1: Preparing for the Career Fair

The University of Houston’s Engineering Career Fair is a huge event for both students looking for opportunities and those who put the event on. Professional societies, a career fair center, and recruiters team up to make this event accessible virtually and in-person this year, which calls for a career fair miniseries. In this first discussion, Ali, Janice, and Emily talk about the innerworkings of the career fair and all the team work that goes into this event.

Feb 04, 202218:55
I am enough, you are enough

I am enough, you are enough

Shania Perez wraps up her story by giving more details about working for CenterPoint Energy, her personal experience with imposter syndrome, and even drops a new concept: 'pluralistic ignorance'.

Jan 26, 202214:55
Leaving the comfort zone

Leaving the comfort zone

First-generation students often experience many challenges where the rest of us had prior knowledge or the opportunity to ask for help. Shania Perez tells her interesting story from graduating high school, to attending two different colleges at the same time, to securing her job post-graduate job at CenterPoint Energy. She drops many golden nuggets of advice!

Jan 19, 202217:14
Who runs the world?

Who runs the world?

Biomedical engineering, running marathons, and directing several prominent organizations? Aria Shankar truly does it all during her time as a student at the University of Houston. Aria introduces us to a behind-the-scenes viewpoint of writing for Parameters, orientation leading, and acting as the Director of Operations for Frontier Fiesta.

Jan 13, 202219:48
What's the buzz about bees?

What's the buzz about bees?

A continuously declining bee population has the potential to affect humanity, biology and the global food chain in surprising ways.

Dec 22, 202106:40
Go with the (lava) flow

Go with the (lava) flow

What's it like to monitor erupting volcanos all over the world, fight back against science misinformation on social media AND overcome some unfair pressures of being a young faculty member? Hear all that and more in an interview with Kadie Bennis, volcanologist at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History Global Volcanism Program.

Dec 15, 202116:03
Speaking up and overcoming self-doubt

Speaking up and overcoming self-doubt

Our early career advice series with UH electrical engineering alumna Nancy Ladin wraps up with this third episode full of perspectives on life as a working mom, the importance of effectively communicating the need for accommodations, moving past imposter syndrome, and how regional differences can affect work culture in surprising ways.

Dec 08, 202118:44
Chernobyl: 35 years later

Chernobyl: 35 years later

A routine electrical engineering safety test gone wrong contributed to the worst nuclear disaster in history, resulting in contamination and radioactive fallout that could leave the region uninhabitable for 20,000 years.

Dec 01, 202106:43
Fighter jets to space stations

Fighter jets to space stations

Nancy Ladin talks about navigating post-graduate life as a young professional gaining valuable experience at an aerospace company. After becoming a working mom, Nancy reflects on how family obligations led to a greater appreciation for work-life balance, the value of positive company culture, and how she landed a new opportunity at a Houston-area commercial space company.

Nov 24, 202116:30
Finding her way

Finding her way

In the Season 2 premiere of the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering Steminist Podcast, we dive into the first of a series of conversations with Cullen College electrical engineering alumna Nancy Ladin. Hear about how Nancy's experience with a STEM summer camp led her to apply to the Cullen College as well as her advice on navigating the web of networking and landing an internship at an industry-leading aerospace and defense company.

Nov 17, 202121:44
Climate Change Changes Lives

Climate Change Changes Lives

An unprecedented heatwave in the Pacific Northwest. An early start to wildfire season. A fatal building collapse in Miami that some structural engineers suspect may have been caused by rising sea levels. These are just some recent examples of how our changing climate is changing lives. Listen and learn more about the fundamental causes and effects of climate change.

Jun 30, 202111:13
Return to Venus

Return to Venus

The how, why, and when of Venus planetary exploration answered! Learn more here about NASA's missions to Venus: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/1519/venus-resources/

Jun 23, 202106:41