Science Wise

DESCRIPTION:
Wrapping up Season 2, Drs. Rori Rohlfs and Emilia Huerta-Sanchez return with a special twist: this episode is driven by your questions—and answered by the inspiring scientists we’ve featured all season.
This finale isn’t just a look back—it’s a conversation shaped by curiosity. With insights from guests like Dr. Joann Trejo, Dr. Lisa White, Dr. Maria Orive, and more, Rori and Emilia dive into what it takes to thrive in science. They go beyond the lab, from missed opportunities and navigating stereotypes to building resilience and finding unexpected breakthroughs.
A big thank-you to the Science-Wise community for listening, questioning, and growing with us this season! Please let us know what you thought of seasons one and two in the reviews, we’d love to know.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:31 Highlighting Our Esteemed Guest
02:35 Listener Questions: Biggest Failures
05:59 Facing Stereotypes in Science
14:49 Support from Science Mentors
17:20 Dealing with Toxic Work Environments
24:00 Unexpected Career Flukes
27:56 Wrapping Up Season Two
CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Emilia and Rori sit in-studio with Dr. Anne Stone to discuss how scientists can succeed without having all the answers. They share three big takeaways—from handling disagreements in research, to choosing the right path for your work, and why coding skills still matter. It’s helpful advice for scientists at any stage of their career.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:39 – Lesson 1: Resolving disagreement by citing authoritative sources
02:21 – Lesson 2: Balancing interest, opportunity, and strategy in research choices
03:44 – Lesson 3: Why every scientist should learn to code — even if you won’t master it
CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative Production.

DESCRIPTION:
Dr. Anne Stone joins Emilia and Rori for an in-person conversation, sharing her journey into the world of ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Anne, a Regents Professor at Arizona State University, shares how her childhood curiosity led to a career studying ancient DNA and human evolution. Dr. Stone reflects on her early life, time studying in Germany, and education at Penn State. She talks about her research on ancient diseases like tuberculosis, her work in forensic genetics, and the challenges she faced along the way.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
02:10 – Early life and family
05:57 – Academic path and early interests
09:40 – Grad school and first research projects
17:05 – Starting her career
18:18 – Research ideas and teamwork
19:40 – Challenges with ancient DNA
20:21 – Becoming a professor
23:08 – Studying tuberculosis
29:14 – Forensic genetics work
33:20 – Final thoughts and future plans
CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.

Rori and Emilia discuss key lessons from their conversation with Dr. Dawn Wright, an accomplished oceanographer known for her remarkable achievements and approachable demeanor. They delve into the importance of being open to new experiences, seeking regular feedback from advisors, and staying flexible with one's career path. They also reflect on Dr. Wright's bold decisions, such as leaving tenure, and her enthusiasm for sharing science with the world.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:31 Lesson 1: Embrace New Experiences
01:45 Family Influence and Inspiration
02:42 Personal Reflections and Support
04:02 Lesson 2: Seek Regular Feedback
05:46 Dr. Wright’s Vision and Flexibility
07:08 Lesson 3: Keep your eye on your vision, and be flexible about your specific next steps
08:23 Bold Career Moves
CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production. Special thanks to Dr. Dawn Wright.

Emilia and Rori chat with Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist of Esri and former faculty at Oregon State University, about her incredible journey in marine geology. Dr. Wright shares her experiences growing up under the influence of an ambitious mother, her challenges and milestones in academia, and her groundbreaking research adventures. Her stories encapsulate her dive into the Challenger Deep, overcoming academic obstacles, and exemplary mentorship. Dr. Wright also discusses self-care and balancing personal and professional ambitions.
EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:26 Meet Dr. Dawn Wright: Marine Geologist Extraordinaire
01:52 Dr. Wright’s Early Life and Influences
05:19 Adventures in Hawai’i and Early Ocean Fascination
09:47 Transition to Maryland and Academic Pursuits
12:33 College Choices and Mentorship
14:29 Graduate Studies and Challenges
17:26 Entering the Field of Oceanography
18:42 Switching Advisors and Finding Mentors
21:50 Completing the Thesis Against the Odds
24:38 Becoming a Marine Technician
28:18 Exploring the Deep Sea
32:38 Reflections and Career Advice
CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering, Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. The hosts of Science Wise are Emilia Huerta-Sanchez and Rori Rohlfs. This is a Diferente Creative production.