S9:E1 Our Journey to WiSE: The Pres Team Story

Meet the 2026–2027 WiSE Pres Team and hear the stories behind how each of them found their way to WiSE. In this episode, we dive into their individual journeys, the experiences that shaped them, the moments that brought them together, and everything in between. From first getting involved with WiSE to stepping into leadership, the Pres Team reflects on the people, challenges, and opportunities that have influenced their paths. Tune in to get to know the team behind WiSE this year and the stories that brought them here.

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, we sit down with Danica Johnson and Diana Orsini, two researchers working at the forefront of psychedelic science and mental health. From ketamine to psilocybin, they share how these emerging therapies are reshaping our understanding of the brain and offering new hope for treating conditions like depression.We dive into their journeys into research, the realities of working in a highly regulated and evolving field, and the powerful (and sometimes surprising) impact these treatments can have on patients. They also open up about the challenges behind the scenes; from ethical considerations to emotional resilience, and share advice for students interested in neuroscience and research.If you’re curious about the future of mental health treatment or considering a path in research, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, we sit down with Asia Fee: cosmetic chemist, science communicator, entrepreneur, and founder of Alchemist Asia. Asia shares her journey into the world of cosmetic chemistry, from experimenting with lipstick formulations in high school to building a platform that combines beauty, science, and education.We talk about what cosmetic chemists actually do, the STEM behind skincare formulation, and how to think critically about popular skincare claims and trends online. Asia also opens up about her experience as a woman in STEM, the misconceptions surrounding beauty-related science careers, and why communication, business, and interdisciplinary learning are so important for students entering the field.To wrap up, Asia gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her experience on Beast Games and reflects on how her scientific mindset shaped the way she approached competition, risk, and teamwork.This episode is one you don't want to miss. It is such an empowering conversation on science, beauty, entrepreneurship, and navigating your own path in STEM.Asia's Instagram: @AsiafeeEnjoy!

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with Angelique Matias, a first-year medical student at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.Angelique shares how her early experiences in healthcare sparked her interest in medicine, how volunteering and research shaped her journey, and what ultimately confirmed that this path was right for her. Together, we discuss:Discovering your “why” for medicineMCAT preparation strategies and common misconceptionsNavigating the Canadian medical school application processWhat surprised her most about starting med schoolStaying balanced and grounded in a high-pressure fieldWhat she wishes she could tell her pre-med selfIf you’re considering medicine, feeling unsure about your next steps, or simply curious about what medical school is really like, this episode offers honest and first-hand insight and practical advice from someone who’s recently been through it.Thanks for tuning in, and as always, stay WiSE ✨

In a world of curated routines, productivity culture, and highlight reels, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling to keep it all together.In this episode, host Shubneet sits down with Lilli Jankovich, a fourth-year Kinesiology student at Queen’s University, Pilates instructor, and wellness content creator, for an honest conversation about what student “balance” really looks like behind the scenes.Lilli shares her journey navigating academic pressure, social media expectations, and holistic wellness, opening up about routines, boundaries, burnout, and learning to prioritize mental, physical, and emotional health without striving for perfection. This episode unpacks the realities of student life, the pressure to appear productive online, and why wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all.If you’ve ever compared your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel, felt pressure to do it all, or wondered how to care for yourself while pursuing a demanding degree, this conversation is for you. Enjoy!

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💜