STEMpowering Conversations

Dr. Laurie Gordon is an internal medicine specialist with over 40 years of experience. Before graduating from Cornell Medical School in 1980, Dr. Gordon was a member among the first co-ed undergraduate classes at Yale, where she majored in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. Listen to learn about Dr. Gordon’s experiences at Yale and how they have paved the way for future classes of female undergraduates.

David Katz is the CEO of Plastic Bank, an internationally recognized solution to ocean plastic pollution. Plastic Bank creates recycling ecosystems where plastic is reprocessed and used for manufacturing. Families from coastal communities are provided school tuition, medical insurance, cooking fuel, and more for collecting used plastic. Listen to learn about Mr. Katz’s inspiration and the people he has helped live better lives

Rushil Mallarapu is an undergraduate student at Harvard University. With diverse interests in chemistry, math, computer science, government, and economics, Rushil has truly embraced an interdisciplinary education. Listen to learn about his research experiences, participation in science fairs, and plans for the future.

William G. Kaelin, Jr., a 2019 Nobel laureate, is the Sidney Farber Professor of Medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Listen to learn about the pivotal moments in Dr. Kaelin's life along with the lessons and advice he passes on. 

Dr. Janet Coope-Epstein is a Senior Manager at Henkel. Her PhD in Organic Chemistry has assisted her in a career involving consumer products research, product development, and more. Listen to hear about the steps that Henkel and Dr. Coope-Epstein have taken to work towards a more sustainable future. 

Pamela Lam is a Vice President of Research & Development at Henkel and has a master's degree in Polymer Chemistry. Listen to learn about Ms. Lam's life journey as a refugee, foster child, and now leader of the Asian American Professional Association at Henkel.

Olivia Beniston is a Chemical Engineering major at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Listen to learn about her time at Columbia University's Engineering Experience program, her passion for music, and more.

Ariana Novo is majoring in Civil Engineering, with minors in Sustainable and Earth & Environmental Engineering, at Columbia University. Listen to learn about the interconnectedness of these three engineering fields and Ariana's "Engineering for Humanity" mindset. 

Ashley Rosenberg recently graduated from Columbia University with a degree in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. Listen to learn about Ashley's exciting journey that has led her to the Icahn School of Medicine as a medical student.

Annika Thomas is an incoming mechanical engineering graduate student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Listen to learn about how Annika's interests in astronomy, spacecraft automation, and massive star formation have shaped her mechanical engineering experience.