Jaylee Bouwhuis, a first-year physics enthusiast at MIT, shares her inspiring journey of embracing uncertainty and exploring diverse passions. From astrophysics to storytelling, Jaylee's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and community. She candidly discusses transitioning to MIT’s fast-paced environment, navigating homesickness, and mastering the art of asking for help. Discover how her love for dragons and diverse academic interests shape her unique scientific journey.

Jaylee highlights her involvement in groundbreaking research, from simulating galaxies to exploring dark matter, and how these experiences foster confidence and real-world impact. She also emphasizes the supportive culture at MIT, countering stereotypes of fierce competition with stories of mentorship and shared passions. Perfect for students, aspiring scientists, or anyone questioning their career path, her story inspires us to pursue what excites us and embrace the beautiful mess of learning.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of identity, resilience, and the limitless possibilities when curiosity meets community. If you’re seeking inspiration and a reminder that it’s okay not to have all the answers, this conversation with Jaylee is a must-listen.

In this episode of She Persists, Sophia and Viana from the Girls of Steel robotics team share what it’s really like to lead one of the most impactful student-run robotics programs in the country. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Girls of Steel is an all-girls robotics organization that goes far beyond competition—mentoring younger teams, leading global outreach initiatives, and creating a pathway that supports girls in STEM from elementary school through high school.

Sophia and Viana talk about how they first got involved in robotics, what surprised them when they joined, and what it takes to run a fully student-led program that supports multiple teams across different age groups. They also share their experiences mentoring younger students, building international connections through FIRST Ladies, and leading outreach programs that have introduced thousands of students to robotics, including initiatives focused on underserved communities.

The conversation also explores the role of accessibility and representation in STEM, the impact of mentorship, and how engineering can be used as a tool for social change—from local workshops to global projects like low-cost robotics education initiatives.

This episode is a powerful look at what happens when leadership, community, and technical innovation come together—and how building robots can ultimately mean building confidence, belonging, and opportunity for the next generation of girls in STEM.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring stories of Keira Morin and Eliza Thurs, two passionate Purdue juniors who are making waves with Engineers Without Borders. From their first days on campus, Keira and Eliza have been on a mission to change the world, one project at a time. In this episode, Keira shares her heartfelt journey leading a water distribution project in Rwanda, where her work is not just about engineering but about bringing hope and change to communities in need. Meanwhile, Eliza opens up about her pioneering research on lung tissue, aiming to make a real difference in women's health globally. These young engineers are not just tackling technical challenges; they're breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a woman in STEM. Balancing the intense demands of Purdue's engineering programs with their drive to make a global impact, Keira and Eliza are proving that engineering is as much about people and passion as it is about numbers and equations. This episode is perfect for anyone who believes in the power of innovation, diversity, and the human spirit. Tune in to hear how Keira and Eliza are turning their dreams into reality and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

Meet the women of Ohio State's Formula Buckeyes, who are transforming the world of collegiate racing with their innovative approach to engineering. From humble beginnings, they've built a powerhouse team that's redefining what's possible in motorsports. In this episode, discover how Haley Krueger leads the charge in electronics design, crafting cutting-edge PCB boards for electric race cars. Gabby Anderson shares her journey into carbon fiber composites, creating lightweight, high-strength components that push the limits of performance. Jordan Pelland reveals the secrets of driver ergonomics and its impact on race outcomes, while Michaela Pindroh discusses the power of social media in elevating women's voices in STEM. Learn how these women balance rigorous academics with the demands of high-stakes racing, all while challenging stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of engineers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, diversity, and the future of engineering. Join the Formula Buckeyes as they demonstrate that with determination and creativity, the racetrack is just the beginning.

Victoria Mascorro is transforming space manufacturing with her startup, Space-CRYO, which began as a high school science fair project. By pioneering in-space 3D printing of metals, she aims to cut costs and timelines, unlocking new possibilities for space exploration.

In this episode, Victoria discusses her journey from a passionate student to a groundbreaking entrepreneur. Learn about her NASA SEAS internship, the challenges of funding a space tech startup, and her vision for integrating automotive and aerospace innovations. She shares valuable lessons on networking, persistence, and balancing college with entrepreneurship.

Discover how Space-CRYO could accelerate our journey to Mars and revolutionize manufacturing on Earth. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring innovators and space enthusiasts eager to see how bold ideas can reshape our future.

Join Victoria Mascorro as she shows that with curiosity and a bold vision, the universe can be your next workshop.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Yaga Richter, a scientific leader working to advance Earth system predictability across timescales.

As a Special Projects Lead to the NSF NCAR Director, Yaga leads the Earth System Predictability Across Timescales initiative, helping shape scientific strategy, interdisciplinary partnerships, and team-based approaches that support a more resilient future.

We talk about her unconventional journey into science--moving from Poland to the United States at 13, starting college at 14, and putting herself through school while studying Mathematics and Physics--and how those early experiences shaped her approach to leadership, collaboration, and resilience.

From studying atmospheric gravity waves during her PhD to tackling questions at the interfaces between atmospheric layers, disciplines, and societal needs, Yaga’s work is grounded in one core idea: when we reconnect what has been fragmented, we unlock better science and better outcomes for people.

This conversation dives into what Earth system predictability actually means, why interdisciplinary science matters now more than ever, and what it looks like to lead one of the largest Earth systems organizations.

In today's episode with Lily Myers, we explore her incredible journey from a YouTube video enthusiast to a NASA researcher. As a freshman at UC Berkeley, Lily has already made significant strides in astrophysics, including leading her school's astronomy club and conducting experiments in zero-gravity. Join us as we delve into her experiences with the NASA SEAS internship and discover what it's like to float in zero-g. This episode is packed with inspiration and insights into the universe!

In this episode, we’re talking with Melissa Pore--an award-winning Engineering educator who has helped students literally send their work to space. She’s been behind satellite launches, ThinSat missions, NASA collaborations, and hands-on programs that empower students to do real research and real engineering.

We get into what it means to trust students with big ideas, how to build community in STEM spaces, and why the best learning happens when you’re allowed to tinker, experiment, fail, and try again. Melissa’s energy is the kind that makes you feel like your biggest goals are actually achievable.

If you’ve ever felt small in a big field, this conversation is the reminder that you belong here.