Who said gut microbes aren't cute? | STEMpod204

Niba Nirmal is a multimedia science communicator based in San Francisco, who explores the science in cosmetics, fashion, and skincare through YouTube and Instagram as @NotesByNiba. Prior to this, she researched the genetics of plant stem cells. As a visible and invisible minority, Niba strives to be inclusive of all minority statuses. Learn more about her work here: https://www.notesbyniba.org/  

Dr. Marina Venero Galanternik is a developmental biologist studying the membranes that encase your brain and spinal cord and protect your nervous system. Marina got her science start "taking care of" earthworms as a young kid in Russia, but really credits a few incredible mentors and 8 months of living in a nunnery for getting her to where she is today. You can find Marina on Twitter @vg_biomarina

Dr. Shannon Odell is a neuroscientist, comedian, and science communicator based in Brooklyn, NY. Shannon shares with us her research studying memory, how she got into stand-up and improv as a graduate student, and how, as a science communicator, she's combining her love of the brain and comedy. You can find Shannon on Twitter @shodell. Check out her website: https://shannoncodell.com/

Cindy Cordoba Arroyo is a PhD student at Cornell studying apparel design and sustainability. Her research focuses on what textiles make clothes easier to reuse and recycle, and how we can improve them. You can find Cindy on Instagram @circular.fashion and on Twitter at @CirculrFashion. And, if you speak Spanish, be sure to check out Cindy's podcast Moda Circular: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bienvenidos-al-podcast-moda-circular/id1509478658?i=1000472292762

Nina Gao is a PhD candidate in the Biomedical Sciences program at UC San Diego, where she studies infectious disease and how a type of bacteria interacts with its host. Spoiler alert: we're the host, and it can get kinda gross.  Nina is working to develop a vaccine for these bacteria before they become resistant to antibiotics.  You can find Nina on Twitter @biologist_nina

Jordan Harrod is a PhD Student in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Her research focuses on neuroengineering, brain-machine interfaces, and machine learning. Outside of the lab, Jordan talks about artificial intelligence, and the ethics surrounding it, on her YouTube channel.   To learn more about Jordan's research and scicomm work, check out her website: https://www.jordanharrod.com/  

Dr. Ana Maria Porras is a biomedical engineer studying the human gut microbiome and developing biomaterials-based models of disease, to see how good and bad microorganisms regulate our health. She's also an incredible artist, crocheting the microbes she studies and using them to engage with the public in both the US and Latin America. You can learn more about Dr. Porras, her work, and her cute crocheted microbes here: https://www.anamariaporras.com/  

Dr. Jenifer Smith is the Director of the Department of Forensic Sciences in Washington, DC. Before beginning her position at the DFS Dr. Smith, a PhD chemist, was an FBI Special Agent for over 20 years, and former Chief of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Intelligence Analysis Section. She also led the CIA's Biological Technology Center and has served on advisory groups focused on microbial forensics. You can learn more about Dr. Smith here: https://dfs.dc.gov/node/1128848

Dr. Nicole Allen is a New York City-based psychiatrist who specializes in psychosomatic medicine—an interdisciplinary field of psychiatry focused on the interaction between mental and physical illness. Dr. Allen and Sam chat about what life is like for a psychiatrist—and her patients—during a global pandemic, and how there are a few silver linings if you look hard enough.  

Moiya McTier is an astrophysicist and folklorist, completing her PhD in astronomy at Columbia University. When she's not thinking about planet formation or working on a book, you might find Moiya building other worlds on her podcast Exolore. Check out Exolore: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exolore-facts-based-fictional-worldbuilding/id1511097941 And for more on what Moiya's up to, check out her website: https://www.moiyamctier.com/