S8:EP5 - STEM Beyond the Norm: Embracing Uncertainty in Non-Linear Paths

In this special holiday episode of the WiSE Podcast, host Shubneet is joined by members of the WiSE podcast and communications team - Petra, Nicola, and Samantha - for a fun and timely conversation to close out the semester and year!We get into hot topics in STEM right now, including AI in education, burnout culture, and navigating uncertainty in academic and career paths. Then, we lighten things up by sharing our favourite ways to unwind during the semester, from books and shows to habits that actually helped us get through.Whether you’re studying, commuting, or finally taking a well-earned break, this episode is a cozy end-of-year listen. Thanks for being part of the WiSE community, and happy holidays! ✨

In this episode, host Shubneet is joined by Wendy Wu, Jory Hunter, and Stephanie Thompson for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to build a career in STEM, especially when your path is anything but linear. They discuss navigating uncertainty, taking risks, switching directions, and letting go of the pressure to “have it all figured out.”The episode also explores how mentorship, curiosity, confidence, and self-trust shape both your professional and personal growth. Whether you’re choosing a major, facing a pivot, acquiring an internship, or reimagining your future, this conversation reminds you that uncertainty isn’t a setback - it’s part of the path that will lead you to where you're meant to be.

In this episode of HTBW, host Shubneet sits down with Lauren Brown and Logan Germain, co-founders of the Queen’s University Biotech Innovation and Consulting group (QUBIC). They share how QUBIC is helping students bridge the gap between academic research and Canada’s biotech industry - turning ideas into impact and research into live ventures. From building entrepreneurial skills to empowering women in STEM leadership, Lauren and Logan reveal what it takes to innovate, collaborate, and make your mark in the future of biotech at Queen’s.

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!