The Lab Coats & Life™ Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Quinn speaks with scientist Dr. Chantelle Leveille and software engineer Peyton Lee from the Allen Institute for Cell Science about the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in modern research. Chantelle shares her journey from biochemistry and biophysics into large-scale imaging data analysis, while Peyton discusses combining his interests in programming, design, and biology to build interactive scientific tools. Together, they describe the development of the Timelapse Feature Explorer, a visualization tool that allows researchers to explore complex cellular imaging data and uncover patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. The conversation explores the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, open science, and creating research environments where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and relying on each other’s expertise. Chantelle and Peyton also reflect on the importance of communication, curiosity, and finding the “secret sauce” each person brings to a scientific team, offering thoughtful advice for researchers looking to build collaborative, meaningful careers in science. Image courtesy of Chantelle Leveille and Peyton Lee. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  In this episode, Drs. Nicole Quinn and Brenda Raud speak with Dr. Alae Kawam, a surgical pathologist in New York City, about burnout in medicine and the biomedical sciences. Drawing from her personal experience in medical training, Dr. Kawam explains the core components of burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, and explores how systemic pressures, productivity culture, visa constraints, debt, and lack of institutional support contribute to disengagement. The conversation highlights parallels between medicine and academic research, emphasizing the importance of human connection, identity beyond work, cultural awareness, and organizational accountability. Dr. Kawam closes with practical guidance for individuals and leaders alike, encouraging self-awareness, community support, and structural change to foster healthier, more sustainable scientific careers. Image courtesy of Dr. Alae Kawam Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  In this episode, Dr. Nicole Quinn speaks with Dr. Rachel Owen, a sustainability and science policy entrepreneur and founder of RKO Consulting, about how scientists can engage effectively in policy and advocacy. Rachel shares her journey from soil science to science policy and explains how researchers can get “in the room” with policymakers through professional societies, relationship-building, or formal policy roles. The conversation explores how to communicate uncertainty, build trust across political divides, and present science using an honest broker approach. Rachel also outlines practical pathways for scientists who want to stay at the bench while influencing policy, as well as those considering full-time careers in science policy. Image courtesy of Dr. Rachel Owen. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  In this episode, Dr. Nicole Quinn speaks with Dr. Tenneille Ludwig, board member of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, and Dr. Rita Carsetti, President of the International Union of Immunological Societies, about the essential role scientific societies play in the global research ecosystem. They discuss how societies bring researchers together across borders, establish guidelines and nomenclature, support early-career scientists, and advocate for science at the policy level. The conversation also explores how international societies promote equitable access to knowledge, combat misinformation around issues like stem cell therapies and vaccines, and strengthen public trust through clear communication and global collaboration. Image courtesy of Drs. Tenneille Ludwig and Rita Carsetti Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  In this episode, Drs. Nicole Quinn and Daylon James speak with Dr. Sarahanne Field, Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Trial and Error, about the importance of publishing negative results and studying science itself through meta-science. Sarahanne shares how the journal was founded to challenge publication bias and create space for well-designed studies that produce unexpected or null findings. The conversation explores incentives in academic publishing, the “file drawer problem,” registered reports, open data, and how cultural and structural change can support more transparent and rigorous science. Sarahanne closes with a hopeful vision for a research culture that rewards honesty, collaboration, and high-quality work, even when the results are not flashy. Image courtesy of Dr. Sarahanne Field Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  In this episode, Drs. Nicole Quinn and Brenda Raud speak with Dr. Rachel Perry at the Yale School of Medicine about the long-standing expectation that scientists must move between institutions or countries to advance their careers. Rachel shares her unconventional path of remaining at Yale from undergraduate training through faculty appointment, and discusses the intentional decisions, mentorship strategies, and clear scientific differentiation required to build independence while staying in one place. Brenda offers a contrasting perspective shaped by international mobility, highlighting both the professional benefits and personal costs of relocating. Together, they explore how shifting norms around dual-career couples, family considerations, remote collaboration, and open data are challenging traditional models of academic progression, and offer practical advice for scientists navigating whether to move—or stay—while building meaningful, impactful careers in science. Image courtesy of Dr. Rachel Perry. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

In this episode, co-hosts Drs. Nicole Quinn and Arun Sharma speak with Euan Adie, Founder of Altmetric, about rethinking how we measure research impact beyond traditional citations. Euan shares the origin story of Altmetric and explains the difference between attention and real-world influence, including policy, education, and clinical impact. The conversation explores the challenges of reforming research assessment, the role of social media and institutional communications in increasing visibility, and how AI is changing the way scientific information is discovered and evaluated. Euan also reflects on the need to better reward researchers for contributions outside of traditional publications, and what meaningful change in research culture could look like. Image courtesy of Euan Adie. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  In this episode, co-hosts Drs. Nicole Quinn and Jason Goldsmith chat with Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. Rob shares insights on workforce trends in the life sciences and explains why the biggest skills gaps in biotech aren’t technical, but in so-called “success skills” like communication, project management, and critical thinking. He discusses how co-ops, internships, and work-integrated learning help bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations, the role of government and employers in building talent pipelines, and what trainees can do to better prepare for careers in today’s bioeconomy. Image courtesy of Rob Henderson Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

In this episode, co-hosts Drs. Nicole Quinn and Jason Goldsmith chat with Dr. César de la Fuente, Presidential Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. de la Fuente discusses his work using AI to discover new antibiotics, and building a new large language model in his lab. He talks about opportunities for AI to assist researchers with administrative tasks, as well as current limitations of the technology. He also touches on the future of AI, including the generation of “AI scientists,” and the need to address server use and environmental impacts. Image courtesy of Dr. César de la Fuente Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

In this episode, co-hosts Drs. Nicole Quinn and Arun Sharma chat with Tamara Poles, Founder and CEO of Universal SciCom. Tamara discusses her career path into science communication and how she helps scientists become effective communicators. She also talks about the importance of authenticity and storytelling when engaging with the public, and how early-career scientists can cultivate their communication skills. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe