On this penultimate episode of season 2, I sit down with my friend, Tom Vondriska. Tom is a Professor of Medicine at UCLA where he studies the role of chromatin dynamics in cardiovascular disease. We discuss his early beginnings in a small Ohio town, his path to research, and perspective on the role of science and safeguarding the public trust. Check out Tom's Substack to get more of his take on important issues.

On this week's episode, I interview Mariana Weber, a kind and enthusiastic Medical Science Liaison. We talk about her journey from a small town in Brazil to a PhD in microbiology, surviving layoffs and setbacks to land her first Medical Science Liaison role. Her secret? Resilience, mentorship, and taking ownership of her career.

On this week's episode, I have the distinct privilege of sitting down with Professor Jen Heemstra. Jen is the chair of the chemistry department at Washington University. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed book “Lab Work to Leadership”. She recounts her conservative upbringing, mentors who changed her path, finding research and academia, and wrangling with a surprising tenure setback. We also imposter syndrome, gratitude, and fostering kind and productive lab cultures where trainees drive ideas.