S8:EP3 - WiSE Women in Conversation: Lab Life and Leadership in Reproductive Health

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with three graduate students from Queen’s University’s Tayade Lab to talk about their research on endometriosis and reproductive health, and what it’s really like to be women leading change in science. From unexpected lab challenges to mentorship, collaboration, and resilience, this candid conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of grad school and the future of women’s health research!

What if the key to thriving in STEM isn’t pushing harder, but learning to pause?In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with Kim Barthel - a world-renowned occupational therapist, speaker, and author - for a powerful conversation on self-compassion, burnout, and the neuroscience of stress. With over 35 years of experience in trauma-informed care, Kim shares her insights into how high performing students can protect their well-being while still pursuing excellence.We dive into:What self-compassion really means (and why it's not fluff)How chronic stress impacts your brain (and your GPA)The science behind burnout, flow state, and emotional regulationWhy connection, vulnerability, and boundaries are essential in competitive fieldsReframing failure as feedback, not defeatIf you’re feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or in need of permission to breathe, this episode is for you. Tune in, take a breath, and let Kim remind you that you are enough - exactly as you are💜

Welcome to Season 8 of HTBW! In our very first episode, host Shubneet sits down with the 2025/26 WiSE Presidential Team including Charlotte, Kaylee, and Lindsay. We discuss their journeys into STEM, their WiSE origin stories, and what this year’s leadership team envisions for the WiSE community. From biggest challenges to proudest STEM moments, quick-fire fun facts, and advice for aspiring women in STEM, this episode sets the tone for an inspiring season ahead.

As our world continues to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health and mental disorders, we must recognize the scientists that dedicate their lives to learning more about the human brain. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how Gina, a Clinical Psychology MSc student at Queen's, researches the relationship between PTSD and chronic pain in Canadian women veterans. Mikaela and Gina discuss the importance of psychological research, helping us as an audience understand more about how the experiences of others affect them and what we can do to support our friends, peers, and loved ones. 🤍

As undergrads, it can be difficult to decide what exactly you'd like to do after graduation. Some might default to saying that they will get their Master's or PhD, but what exactly do you do during grad school?! Tune in to this week's episode for advice from Angelica and Kristen as they share their stories of their academic journeys. Learn about how rewarding research can be, what challenges can be associated with academia and how to decide what career is really for you.

Without epidemiologists, our world would be at risk for uncontrolled disease outbreaks, uninformed health policies, and ultimately lower life expectancy. So, yeah... we need them! Are you interested in health and disease, but also working with statistics? Public Health and Epidemiology might be the perfect career for you. Tune in to this week's episode to learn all about what the journey to becoming an epidemiologist could look like! Mikaela chats with Penny and Ryann as they tell us exactly how they got to where they are today! 🦠📊

Welcome back to HTBW! As we enter 2025, join Mikaela and Kaylee as they set their intentions for the new year! During the school year, it can feel impossible to set aside time for yourself. Tune in to hear us chat about why it’s crucial to make sure you are balancing personal life with school, and how we plan to do it. Learn about amazing women-in-STEM books, podcasts, and even influencers that will inspire you to challenge yourself this year!

As we approach the end of exam season, mid-December blues are hitting hard and can be difficult to see through. Don't worry! The HTBW Holiday Special is here to brighten your day! Join Mikaela as she interviews the Podcast Team behind Season 7! The team discusses 2024's 'STEM Wrapped', including hot topics in STEM this year and advances in technology such as ChatGPT, biodegradable plastics, reverse genetics, etc! We love a controversial topic. To finish off the episode, Mikaela guides the team through a lighthearted game of Holiday STEM Trivia (we definitely got every question right...) Take a study break, tune in! You deserve it. Good luck and Happy Holidays from the Pod Team!!!🎄⭐️☃️

Have you ever wondered how the universe operates on a fundamental level? Join Mikaela as she chats with Kate and Charlotte about their respective experiences in the fields of physics and computing! Learn how the future of quantum computing may involve development of many complex tasks, such as simulating drug delivery. From the undergraduate level to the doctorate level, explore what kind of opportunities there are in this field of STEM! The scope of possibilities are TRULY endless!!!

Join Mikaela as she chats with Aranya and Rachel from FREED (Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified), a field work association focusing on providing hands-on learning opportunities for BIPOC students. Are you a nature lover? Learn about the importance of gaining experience in the field, and the scope of possibilities that are available to those interested in the conservation of our environment. From land to water, there is so much to explore within the realm of ecology and conservation. Tune in to hear about what field work ecologists are focusing on today and what you can do to get involved!