Propelling Women in Power Wisconsin Energy Institute

In this episode, we sit down with Kaiping Chen, Assistant Professor in Life Sciences Communication at UW–Madison. She leads us down the path to what she does now, from exploring political science to diving into the computational methods that drive her communications research. Through her community engagement work, she seeks to connect data science, democratic theory, and human-computer interactions to find out how to empower people, especially those who are underserved, to participate in environmental policymaking. She explains how she’s finding out who says what in deliberation processes and highlights her invaluable experiences collaborating with community members and listening to community NGOs. Lastly, she delves into the essential support required for young STEM faculty, emphasizing the significance of holistic success criteria, promotions, and diverse mentorship opportunities in the field.

Whether it's unraveling the mysteries of newly synthesized polymers on a microscopic level or finding order amidst the chaos of a busy life, today's guest, Whitney Loo, assistant professor of chemical biological engineering at UW–Madison, is always finding ways to integrate the macroscopic with the microscopic. In this episode, she takes us on her journey in STEM, driven by her passion for discovery, and provides us with an inside look into the intricacies of being a new professor. She sheds light on her team's research designing sustainable polymers and what they can learn about these materials by looking really closely. Reflecting on her own path, Whitney encourages listeners to defy societal expectations and embrace their true potential.

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Do you remember who first sparked your interest in science? In this episode, we sit down with Aurora Munguia-Lopez, postdoctoral researcher in Zavalab in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at UW-Madison. Aurora takes us on a journey through her career in science, starting with the professor who first sparked her interest in chemical engineering. She discusses her work in optimization research and how it led her to focus on finding ways to optimize systems for the benefit of the environment, economy, and people. Throughout her journey, Aurora emphasizes the importance of representation and optimism in science and shares her thoughts on the role they played in her success.



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How do you choose between academia and industry? How do you stay resilient in whatever position you might find yourself in? Today, we speak to Joy Altwies, director of UW–Madison's Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs, who's been at the forefront of the sustainable construction field. With her roots in sustainability, she navigated her way through both industry and academia and shares insight on what to expect in each sector. She lends us wisdom on how she’s navigated many parts of her career, from keeping a strong network to staying flexible in tough situations, and shares what we need to do to invite more girls into engineering.

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In today's episode, Mallory Spencer, graduate student in the Thomas Lab at UW–Madison, takes us on her journey through STEM, how her undergraduate internship at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center sparked her passion for exploring the bioproduct-making potential of microbes, leading her to pursue a Masters Degree in Bacteriology. Mallory candidly shares the pressure she faced to pursue a PhD and how self-reflection guided her decision to pursue a Masters instead. She offers valuable insights into the challenges surrounding accountability and accommodations in academia. Mallory enlightens us with her personal experiences navigating STEM as a woman, reflections on purpose, and the potential for positive change in the academic landscape.



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This week, we sat down with Becky Larson, an extension specialist and Professor in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW–Madison, as she shares her journey to becoming an expert in some of the smellier parts of science (biowaste management). She shares with us cautionary tales and optimism, and how she has learned to strike the right balance between the two as the faculty director of the Women in Science and Engineering Program. She provides invaluable insights into her experiences and offers guidance on empowering young women in STEM to navigate the challenges they may encounter in their professional lives. Drawing from her 13 years of experience in academia, Becky sheds light on the highs and lows, while advocating for a more equitable and inclusive STEM field. Finally, she dives into the power of failure and the path to a more equitable future in STEM.

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