Avsnitt
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ms. Marissa Marquez, an emerging neuroscientist and member of the Bess Frost Lab community. In this episode, she shares her journey into neuroscience, the experiences that sparked her passion for research, and the importance of mentorship and community in science. We discuss what it's like to begin a career in neuroscience, lessons she's learned along the way, and her advice for students interested in STEM. Whether you're curious about brain science or looking for inspiration to pursue your own passions, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of researchers shaping the future.
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What can rivers, groundwater, and city infrastructure teach us about the future of our planet? In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with geoscientist and Ph.D. researcher Josiah Sananda to explore how environmental science, water quality, and urban ecosystems intersect with some of today's biggest global challenges. Josiah shares his journey into geoscience, the importance of interdisciplinary research, and how young scientists can make a meaningful impact through curiosity, fieldwork, and innovation. Whether you're interested in Earth science, sustainability, or STEM careers, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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What drives our decisions? Why are some brains more vulnerable to addiction than others? And what does neuroscience teach us about resilience and behavior?
In this episode of Her Path to Success, Dr. Micky Marinelli shares her path from studying neuroscience in France to leading a research laboratory at UT Austin. We discuss dopamine, reward pathways, stress, addiction research, mentorship, and the importance of curiosity in science.
Whether you're interested in medicine, neuroscience, psychology, or biomedical research, this conversation offers an inside look at the questions scientists are working to answer—and the journey behind a career in discovery.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Okeanis Vaou, a neurologist, movement disorders specialist, and sleep medicine expert at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Vaou shares her journey into neurology, her passion for helping individuals with Parkinson's disease, and the exciting advances transforming patient care today.
We discuss the role of sleep in neurological health, how deep brain stimulation is changing lives, the importance of early diagnosis, and ongoing efforts to make Parkinson's research more inclusive and representative of diverse communities. Dr. Vaou also offers valuable advice for students interested in medicine, neuroscience, and clinical research.
Whether you are interested in neuroscience, healthcare, or stories of leadership in medicine, this conversation offers an inspiring look into the future of brain health and the people working to improve it.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli sits down with Lynn McBee, a biotech executive, education leader, and philanthropist whose work has transformed opportunities for students and communities across Texas. With a background in biochemistry and years of leadership in nonprofit organizations, workforce development, and STEM-focused education initiatives, Lynn shares how science, leadership, and service can intersect to create lasting impact. Together, they discuss the importance of empowering young women in STEM, building confidence as a leader, creating opportunities for underserved communities, and staying committed to meaningful change even when challenges arise. This conversation is filled with insights on leadership, resilience, and using your career to make a difference beyond yourself.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, I speak with Audrey Brumback, physician-scientist and pediatric neurologist whose research explores how neural circuits develop and how differences in brain development can contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Brumback discusses her path into neuroscience, the questions that drive her research, and how studying brain development can improve our understanding of learning, behavior, and neurological disorders. We also talk about mentorship, curiosity in science, and the importance of making neuroscience more accessible to future generations of researchers and physicians.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Staci Loewy, a radiogenic isotope geochemist and laboratory manager at the Jackson School of Geosciences. We discuss her journey into geoscience, her work using isotope geochemistry to study Earth’s history and supercontinent reconstruction, and the innovative analytical techniques being developed in her lab. Dr. Loewy also shares insights on mentorship, scientific curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and encouraging students to pursue research opportunities in STEM.
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This episode of Her Path to Success is a little different.
While the podcast is centered on amplifying women in STEM, this conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and allyship in creating those opportunities. I sat down with Dr. Mike Mauk to talk about his role in the Women in Neuroscience (WiN) program and how initiatives like WiN are working to support and uplift the next generation of women in science.
We discuss the purpose behind WiN, the impact of mentorship, and why creating inclusive spaces in STEM requires collaboration from everyone—not just those directly represented.
If you're interested in leadership, mentorship, or building more equitable spaces in STEM, this episode offers a really important perspective.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Jeanne Goka, a visionary educator and the founding principal of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.
From growing up in a family impacted by Japanese American internment to leading one of the most transformative all-girls public schools in the country, Jeanne’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and the belief that education can change lives.
We talk about:
How education can break cycles of poverty and inequalityThe importance of creating spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and empoweredWhat it truly means to build confidence and leadership in young womenLessons from decades of leading in environments shaped by social and racial challengesUnder her leadership, every graduate of the Ann Richards School was accepted into college—proving that when you invest in girls, you transform entire communities.
This episode is for anyone who believes in the power of education, leadership, and creating opportunities where they don’t yet exist.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Ms. Jessica Shurer, MSW, LCSW, a leading voice at CurePSP, to explore the urgent and often overlooked world of rare neurodegenerative diseases like PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).
Dr. Shurer shares her journey into neurology, the challenges of diagnosing and treating complex brain disorders, and how research, advocacy, and patient-centered care intersect to create real impact. We also dive into the importance of awareness, the role of innovation in advancing treatment, and what the future holds for patients and families navigating these conditions.
This episode is a powerful reminder of how science, compassion, and persistence come together to drive change in medicine.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Anna Bostoganashvili, a senior neuroscience student at Centre College and current research intern at Mount Sinai. Anna shares how her early curiosity about the brain evolved into a deep commitment to neuroscience research, and what it’s really like working in both liberal arts and major academic medical environments.
We explore her journey through mentorship, including her experience as a WiN (Women in Neuroscience) intern, and how being part of a supportive, women-focused community shaped her confidence and career vision. Anna also opens up about the graduate school application process, how she approaches uncertainty, and the mindset that has helped her stay resilient through challenges.
From practical advice for underclassmen to reflections on success and purpose, this conversation offers an honest and insightful look into what it means to pursue neuroscience with intention.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Dr. Claudia Lucchinetti, Dean of Dell Medical School and an internationally recognized neurologist and researcher.
Dr. Lucchinetti’s groundbreaking work in multiple sclerosis has revealed that MS is not a single disease, but a spectrum of distinct pathological patterns—an insight that has had major implications for personalized treatment approaches. Her research in neuroimmunology continues to shape how scientists and clinicians understand immune-mediated damage in the brain.
Beyond her research, Dr. Lucchinetti is a leader in medical education and healthcare innovation, working to redefine how physicians are trained and how care is delivered.
We explore:
How MS research has evolved and what it reveals about the brainThe role of the immune system in neurological diseaseWhat it takes to lead a medical school and drive change in healthcareThe intersection of research, clinical care, and educationAdvice for students interested in neuroscience and medicineThis conversation offers a powerful perspective on how science, leadership, and medicine come together to drive meaningful impact.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Hopp, Associate Professor and researcher at the Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Dr. Hopp’s work focuses on microglia—the immune cells of the brain—and how they influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Her research highlights a fascinating dual role: microglia can help clear harmful proteins like tau, but when dysregulated, they may also contribute to the spread of these toxic aggregates.
We explore:
How microglia impact brain health and agingThe role of tau protein and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’sWhy calcium signaling in brain cells mattersThe future of therapies targeting the brain’s immune systemThis conversation offers a powerful look into how cutting-edge neuroscience is reshaping our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases—and what that means for the future of medicine.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dignity Butts, a student at Harvard University and a Women in Neuroscience alum. She is a powerful advocate for health equity and community-centered care.
From addressing systemic disparities to rethinking how underserved populations access healthcare, her perspective challenges us to reconsider what dignity truly means in medicine. We talk about the realities behind inequity, the role of advocacy in driving change, and how one voice rooted in purpose can transform systems.
This conversation goes beyond healthcare. It is about humanity, justice, and the courage to create spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and cared for.
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What if Alzheimer’s disease could be detected years before symptoms begin—and even prevented?
In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia speaks with Dr. Winnie Pak, a neuroscientist and clinical strategy leader working at the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research. With a career spanning over 20 years in pharmaceutical leadership and clinical trials, Dr. Pak focuses on translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions for patients.
We explore:
Why Alzheimer’s begins long before symptoms appearThe shift from late-stage treatment to early detection and preventionHow clinical trials actually work—and why patient trust mattersThe growing role of biomarkers like tau and blood-based diagnosticsHow lifestyle factors like sleep, metabolism, and activity impact brain healthDr. Pak also shares how her personal experiences shaped her mission and why she advocates for focusing not just on lifespan—but “brain span”: living longer with strong cognitive health.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in neuroscience, medicine, or how research becomes real-world impact.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, host Sia Gullapalli sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Karen Duff, a leading expert in Alzheimer’s disease research.
Dr. Duff shares insights into her groundbreaking work studying tau pathology, the molecular mechanisms driving neurodegeneration, and how advances in neuroscience are shaping the future of Alzheimer’s treatment.
She also reflects on her journey into science, the importance of persistence in research, and her advice for students interested in pursuing careers in neuroscience and biomedical research.
This conversation offers a fascinating look into the science behind brain health and the researchers working to solve one of medicine’s greatest challenges.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli speaks with Dr. Esther Melamed, a neurologist, neuroimmunologist, and physician-scientist whose work explores the powerful intersection between the immune system and the brain.
Dr. Melamed shares her journey into neurology and neuroimmunology, reflecting on the moments during her training that shaped her path as a physician-scientist. She explains how immune-mediated neurological diseases are transforming our understanding of brain health and why neuroimmunology has become one of the most exciting frontiers in modern medicine.
The conversation also explores what it means to bridge research and patient care — from translating discoveries in the lab into treatments for patients to learning from clinical experiences that inspire new scientific questions.
Beyond the science, Dr. Melamed discusses the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the next generation of physician-scientists, particularly women entering academic medicine.
Together, we explore the future of neuroimmunology, the challenges of scientific discovery, and the profound impact that research can have on patients’ lives.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Caralyne Jackson, a distinguished neurologist and national medical leader, to discuss the intersection of clinical excellence, advocacy, and leadership in medicine.
Dr. Jackson shares:
Her journey into neurology and what drew her to the field
The evolving challenges facing physicians today
The importance of patient advocacy and ethical leadership
How young women can pursue medicine with confidence and clarity
Lessons on resilience, service, and long-term impact
This episode offers powerful insight for aspiring physicians, neuroscience students, and anyone passionate about making a difference through healthcare.
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What if the earliest signs of neurodegenerative disease begin long before symptoms appear?
In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Bess Frost, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry at Brown University. Dr. Frost’s lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Together, they explore how disruptions in nuclear architecture, tau pathology, and chromatin organization contribute to cognitive decline — and what this means for early detection and prevention. Dr. Frost also shares insights into her journey in science, navigating academia as a woman in research, and the importance of curiosity-driven discovery.
This conversation bridges molecular neuroscience with real-world impact, offering students and aspiring scientists a deeper look at how laboratory research shapes the future of brain health.
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In this episode of Her Path to Success, we spotlight Dr. Ellen Ochoa — engineer, astronaut, and former Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. As the first Hispanic woman in space, Dr. Ochoa broke barriers in 1993 and went on to fly four Space Shuttle missions.
But her story goes far beyond firsts. From her early work in optical engineering to leading one of NASA’s most important centers, Dr. Ochoa’s journey reflects resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to expanding opportunity in STEM.
We discuss:
What it takes to become an astronaut
Leadership lessons from space exploration
The importance of representation in science
Advice for young people who dream big
Her path reminds us that exploration is not just about discovering new worlds — it’s about expanding who gets to lead.
- Visa fler
