DASL Podcast
The DASL podcast is a project designed by Dr. Silvia Vicenzi to elevate the stories of underrepresented trainees at UCSD who have braved challenges and discrimination in their lives and careers. This platform aims to empower individuals by sharing their experiences and the strategies they used to navigate and overcome such obstacles. The objective is to provide insights and inspiration, with the anticipated outcome being a source of motivation and guidance for trainees facing similar challenges. DASL at UCSD has already made significant contributions to promoting diversity and enhancing rights within higher education. The DASL Podcast represents a forward-thinking approach to storytelling and mentorship that will make a lasting impact on our community.
We are extremely thankful to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Diversity Grant for funding the DASL Podcast Series, among many other projects (https://chanzuckerberg.com/). DASL stands for The Diversity and Science Lecture Series (https://www.ucsddasl.com/).
Are you interested in sharing your story on the DASL Podcast? Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a guest by filling out our intake form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMipiFRpxpWj_IEDte8mBAKA9n7BCe2ylBLNNY_H6zTE5Ogg/viewform.
We’re excited to feature voices that inspire, empower, and contribute to our diverse community.
Episodes
22 episodes
#22 - Sleep, Science, and Storytelling: A unique Journey with Swathy Karamchedu
This episode of the DASL Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Swathy Karamchedu — physician, sleep researcher, science communicator, and founder of Sleep Doodles — whose journey spans medicine, research, creativity, immigration, and ...
#21 - Science, Startups, and Singing: A Journey of Passion and Diversity With Dr Bilgenur Baloğlu
This episode of the DASL Podcast features an inspiring and multidimensional conversation with Dr. Bilgenur Baloğlu — scientist, entrepreneur, educator, and co-founder of Wild Genomics — whose journey spans continents, disciplines, and identitie...
#20 - Transforming Cancer Genomics: the Vision for an Inclusive Future - With Dr Bharat Kwatra
This episode of the DASL Podcast features a conversation with Dr Bharat Kwatra, a computational biologist working at the intersection of cancer genomics, artificial intelligence, and precision oncology. With experience spanning academia, global...
#19 - "From Illness to Innovation: A story of perseverance" - With Dr Helen M. Berman
This episode of the DASL Podcast features an extraordinary conversation with Dr. Helen M. Berman, a pioneering structural biologist whose visionary work reshaped modern science. As one of the founders of the Protein Data Bank (PDB)
#18 - From Wound Healing to Queer Advocacy: Redefining Success in Academia - With Saroj Gourkanti
This episode of the DASL Podcast features a heartfelt and deeply honest conversation with Saroj Gourkanti, a sixth-year PhD candidate at UC San Diego whose journey through science, identity, and advocacy offers a compelling window into t...
#17 - "The Crucial Role of Mentorship in Academia" - With Dr Dionna Williams
In this episode of the DASL Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dionna Williams, Associate Professor at Emory University, whose research focuses on HIV research and the impact of substance use disorders on treatment outcomes. As a first-generation co...
#16 - "Carving One's Paths: The First Generation's Journey" - With Adriana Elaine Scott
Adriana Elaine Scott, originally from Calexico, California, shares her powerful journey as a first-generation college student who carved her own path through higher education. From navigating the unwritten rules of academia without a roadmap to...
#15 - "Creating Impact: From Science to Society with Treobytes" - With Ava Mason
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ava Mason, executive director and founder of Treobytes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating career pathways in engineering and technology for students from fourth grade through high school. Ava s...
# 14 - "Chronic Pains and Academic Gains: Caitlin's Tale" - With Dr. Caitlin Aamodt
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Caitlin Aamodt, a postdoctoral researcher whose story exemplifies the power of self-advocacy, scientific curiosity, and personal resilience. Diagnosed with lupus only after years of medical dism...
#13 - "Navigating Academia and Motherhood" - With Dr. Cindy Barba
The podcast episode features an interview with Cindy Barba, a scientist and mother whose journey is defined by resilience, determination, and the courage to carve her own path. Growing up in Southern California as the daughter of undocumented M...
#12 - "Redesigning STEM, One Lesson at a Time" with Dr. Matthew Ellis
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Matthew Ellis, a queer, dual-gender scientist and educator whose passion for inclusive, student-centered teaching is driving bold conversations about equity in academia. In this episode, Matthe...
#11 - "Turning Obstacles into Opportunities in Research" with Sofia Howe
The podcast episode features an interview with Sofia Howe, a former student-athlete turned scientist whose journey into STEM is rooted in resilience, mentorship, and a deep commitment to science outreach. Sofia shares how her experience balanci...
#10 - "Beyond the Lab: Finding Balance in Science" Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez, a first-generation Mexican-American scientist who shares how the work ethic passed down from her immigrant parents shaped her approach to both life and academia. Monica...
#9 - "Transcending Barriers to New Beginnings" with Dr. Christian Cazares
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Christian Cazares, who shares his inspiring journey as an immigrant from Mexico, whose parents juggled multiple jobs to provide for their family, instilling in him a strong work ethic that would...
#8 - “When Science Meets Resistance: A Story of Strength and Purpose” with Dr. Arash Fassihi
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Arash Fassihi, a project scientist in the Kleinfeld Laboratory at UC San Diego, where he investigates orofacial movements in rats and explores how the brainstem coordinates complex neural circu...
#7 - “I Didn’t Know the Way, So I Made One” with Dr. Marta Pratelli
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Marta Pratelli, a project scientist in neurobiology at UCSD whose inspiring journey highlights the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate a non-linear path in science. Marta...
#6 - “Starting Over Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It” with Dr. Ghodsieh Ghanbari
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ghodsieh Ghanbari, who shares her inspiring story of resilience and determination as an Iranian immigrant navigating life and academia in the United States. Ghodsieh reflects on the challenges ...
#5 - “Choosing Science, Finding Myself” with Dr. Chris Anderson
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Christopher Anderson, a guest whose inspiring journey challenges the stereotypes often imposed on Black individuals, especially those from families with little exposure to science. Chris reflect...
#4 - “Trying, Failing, and Believing Anyway” with Dr. Neha Varshney
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Neha Varshney, a remarkable scientist dedicated to fostering future talent in India. Neha shares her inspiring journey of becoming a mentor, and the profound impact mentorship can have on both ...
#3 - “It Wasn’t Always the Plan, But I Got Here” with Dr. Taniya Mitra
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Taniya Mitra, who shares their inspiring journey of perseverance and resilience in the face of life's unexpected challenges. Taniya talks about the importance of finding your way and pursuing y...
#2 - “Leaving Home, Finding Purpose” with Dr. Ece Bayram
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ece Bayram, who shares her experiences as a foreigner navigating life and academia. Ece discusses the impact of imposter syndrome and offers insights into developing strong organizational skill...
#1 - "Navigating Paths: Academia, Industry, and Beyond" with Dr. Evan Boyle
The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Evan Boyle, a postdoctoral scholar at UC San Diego. Evan discusses his work in RNA biology and his involvement in the Diversity and Science Lecture Series (DASL). He talks about how DASL was fou...