• Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM

  • By: Kathy Nelson
  • Podcast

Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM

By: Kathy Nelson
  • Summary

  • I’m an electrical engineer who enjoys listening to and sharing stories of ordinarily extraordinary women that work in STEM fields. The women featured on these episodes work in different STEM fields, are at different phases in their careers, and bring their unique perspectives and stories. I am endlessly fascinated by what these women do, how they have navigated their careers, balanced families, and why they made the career choices they did. Most STEM fields are dominated by men which makes for unique circumstances for women to navigate. It’s a privilege to be able to share their stories through this podcast.

    © 2024 Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEM
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Episodes
  • 132. Fae Gaze, Mathematician, Data Scientist, and Machine Learning Researcher
    Oct 17 2024

    Fae Gaze is a mathematician, data scientist, and machine learning researcher with degrees in mathematics, molecular biology, computer science, and data science engineering. She shares her journey into the world of math, data science, and machine learning and discusses the joy she finds in problem-solving and working with data.

    The conversation also touches on mental health, the importance of breaking down complex challenges, and how algorithms can be applied in research and life. Fae’s inspiring perspective highlights the beauty of math in everything from nature to decision-making and offers encouragement for those intimidated by the field.


    What do we talk about in this episode?

    1. Fae’s STEM Journey: Fae’s early love for math and puzzles led her into data science and machine learning. Her educational path includes degrees in math, molecular biology, and computer science.
    2. New Job & Kaggle Competitions: Fae discusses her current role as a machine learning researcher and her work in predictive analysis, time-series data, and her involvement in Kaggle AI/ML competitions.
    3. Breaking Down Complex Problems: Fae emphasizes the importance of breaking large, intimidating problems into smaller, manageable steps, which she applies both in her research and personal life.
    4. The Joy of Math: Fae shares how math brings her joy and explains how the logic behind math can simplify life’s challenges.
    5. Mental Health & Math’s Impact: Fae explores how math and its principles, like building backup plans and creating algorithms, can help manage anxiety and uncertainty.


    Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio

    You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

    Resources:

    Kaggle Competitions

    The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in New York City

    Connect with Fae Gaze

    • Linkedin- Fae Gaze
    • HashMap YouTube Channel
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    53 mins
  • 131. Dr. Sandra Johnson, Entrepreneur, Global Technology Leader, Author
    Sep 12 2024

    Dr. Sandra Johnson, a groundbreaking electrical engineer and entrepreneur, is the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer engineering. Her journey from a high school introduction to engineering to her current roles as a former IBM CTO and a board member for several companies is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of unique challenges.

    The book Soft Power for the Journey: The Life of a STEM Trailblazer is a fascinating story of the remarkable life arc of a resilient person from an underprivileged background who persistently overcomes whatever odds.

    The discussion delves into her groundbreaking achievements, her passion for aiding technology entrepreneurs of African descent, and her new memoir detailing her inspiring career. Join us as we explore the intricacies of serving on corporate boards and the importance of mentorship and legacy in STEM.

    What do we talk about in this episode?

    1. Insights on Serving on Boards
    2. Facing Adversity and Finding Strength
    3. Family Influence and Strong Women
    4. Writing the Memoir: Soft Power for the Journey
    5. The Role of Mentoring and Networking

    Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio

    You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

    Resources:

    Soft Power for the Journey: The Life of a STEM Trailblazer

    National Association of Corporate Directors: https://www.nacdonline.org/

    Grace Hopper Conference: https://ghc.anitab.org/

    Connect with Dr. Sandra Johnson
    Sandra K. Johnson, Ph.D.
    Linkedin- Sandra K Johnson, Ph.D.

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    51 mins
  • 130. Sheila Buswell- CEO, Biomedical Engineer & Innovator
    Jul 31 2024

    Sheila Buswell is the founder and CEO of Buswell Biomedical. Sheila's story is fascinating as she transitions from roles in mechanical engineering and as an army technician to becoming an innovator in the biomedical field, inspired by her own injury experiences.

    We dive into imposter syndrome, women's unique challenges in STEM, and the balancing act required in entrepreneurship. Sheila also shares insights from her book, "Is This Seat for Me?" highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and seeking support in male-dominated fields. This episode is packed with valuable insights into career resilience and the systemic challenges women encounter in the tech industry.

    What do we talk about in this episode?

    1. How Upward Mobility Device Works. A device that uses a person's power combined with artificial intelligence to aid rehabilitation activities.
    2. Her journey from education to military service ultimately inspired her to start Buswell Biomedical.
    3. Her battle with imposter syndrome, which led her to write a book on the topic while starting her business.
    4. Her challenges in securing venture capital highlight the statistics that reflect the difficulties women face in this area.
    5. Exploring Layoffs and Diversity in the Workplace

    Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio

    You can support my podcast on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/user?u=72701887

    Resources:

    Golden Triangle Angel Networks one of Canada’s most active and longest-established angel investment clubs.

    Learn more about it here- Episode 112 – Sherry Shannon – Vanstone

    A lack of parental leave policies also disproportionately impacts women in STEM, with 43% of women in STEM careers leaving their full-time job within 4-7 years of having their first child, compared to only 23% of men. - The Business Journal

    Connect with Sheila Buswell

    • Book: Is the Seat For Me?
    • Buswell Biomedical
    • Linkedin- Sheila Buswell
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    53 mins

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