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.
DASL Podcast
#22 - Sleep, Science, and Storytelling: A unique Journey with Swathy Karamchedu
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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 entrepreneurship across multiple continents. From growing up in India dreaming of becoming a cartoonist to pursuing sleep research in Sweden and Singapore and later building a life in the United States, Swathy shares what it means to navigate a non-linear career with curiosity, resilience, and purpose.
Throughout the episode, Swathy reflects on the realities of medical training, burnout, and how severe sleep deprivation during her internship years sparked her passion for sleep medicine. She discusses her transition from clinical medicine into research and industry, the challenges of immigration and visas, and the experience of constantly rebuilding identity and community while living across different countries and cultures.
A central part of the conversation explores Sleep Doodles, her creative platform combining illustration, storytelling, and sleep health education. Swathy shares how rediscovering her artistic side eventually became a way to bridge science and communication in a more human and accessible way.
The episode also dives into entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary careers, and the courage required to pursue unconventional paths. Swathy’s story is ultimately a reminder that meaningful careers do not need to follow straight lines — and that creativity, science, and personal experience can come together to create impact in powerful ways.
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.