What does it take to pursue cancer research—and trust that you belong in the lab? In this episode, I’m joined by Palantin Shakker, a University of Virginia student, aspiring physician, and author, to talk about her experiences in science and writing and how she learned to bet on herself.

From researching potential cancer treatments at Johns Hopkins and Harvard Medical School to writing a book at twelve, we explore the experiences that challenged her and helped her build confidence. She shares what it was like entering her first lab at sixteen, presenting her research to experienced scientists, and finding mentors who encouraged her curiosity.

We also talk about advocating for your work, navigating imposter syndrome, and resisting the pressure to follow everyone else’s path. Together, we reflect on embracing what makes you different and trusting yourself to pursue what you love.

What does it take to build a rocket—and find your voice along the way? In this episode, I’m joined by Nancy, Kira, Kailyn, and Mahima from Rocketry at Virginia Tech to talk about their paths into aerospace engineering and the experiences that helped them discover what they love.

From NASA flight hardware and electric propulsion to a brain-controlled wheelchair, we explore the projects that challenged them, the opportunities they took a chance on, and the lessons they learned along the way. They share advice on finding internships, joining a design team without prior experience, and balancing college life with ambitious goals.

We also talk about speaking up when you’re afraid of being wrong, embracing your femininity in STEM, and trusting that you have something to contribute before you have everything figured out.

Three Virginia Tech engineers reveal how a welcoming team, hands-on projects, and a little stubbornness can change the course of your career. Claudia Pack, Kate Taipale, and Madison Yeatts share how Design Build Fly took them from uncertain freshmen to women leading real aircraft design, testing, and manufacturing work. What makes this conversation stand out is how different their paths are—and how similar the outcome is. Claudia explains how her aerospace and chemistry background led to flight test engineering and a passion for pushing past “pushy” labels. Kate breaks down her Boeing internships on the V-22 Osprey, the reality of shop-floor engineering, and why DBF helped her realize she wants hands-on work, not a desk all day. Madison shares how a Framatome internship in nuclear design is expanding her view of mechanical engineering and why she’s now excited about systems-level thinking. You’ll hear how Design Build Fly actually works—from annual rule changes and flight missions to 60-page technical reports, prototype crashes, and all-night rebuilds. You’ll also hear what it takes to thrive in engineering when you’re often the only woman in the room, why asking for what you want matters, and how these three found confidence through mentorship, collaboration, and real responsibility.This episode is packed with practical insight for engineering students, women in STEM, and anyone wondering whether they belong in a technical field. If you need proof that the right team can turn hesitation into momentum, this conversation delivers it.

Claudia Pack is an aerospace engineering graduate from Virginia Tech who interned at BAE Systems and is moving into flight test engineering. Her experience in DBF and chemistry gives her a unique lens on design, testing, and propulsion.

Kate Taipale is a mechanical engineering graduate from Virginia Tech who interned at Boeing on the V-22 Osprey and has deep experience in composites, structures, and teaching as an undergraduate teaching assistant. She brings a candid perspective on adapting from school to industry and leading as chief engineer.

Madison Yeatts is a Virginia Tech mechanical engineering student interning at Framatome and stepping into a systems lead role on DBF. She brings the perspective of someone still in the middle of the journey, learning how hands-on engineering opens unexpected doors.Perfect for anyone who loves aerospace, project teams, and honest conversations about women carving out space in engineering. If you’ve ever doubted whether you belong in STEM, this one is worth your time.