For The Culture Podcast
45 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsAn unfiltered conversation about the lived experiences of current and post grad men and women in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. It’s a platform for students and early-career professionals to discuss their development as individuals, scientists, entreprenuers, and community leaders in order to help the next generation of leaders push our culture forward.
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Episodes
Tha Carter IV: 4 Years Strong!
May 03, 2024 07:13 - 35 minutes - 68.2 MBCelebrate with us as For The Culture Podcast marks its 4-year anniversary! From a seed of an idea back in 2020, this podcast has blossomed into a transformative platform where we explore, learn, and grow together. In this special anniversary episode, we reflect on our journey of growth alongside the podcast. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of sharing personal stories and experiences, especially in the face of imposter syndrome. Embracing imperfection and the process of growth, both a...
Game Theory: Navigating Transitions
March 14, 2024 06:19 - 1 hour - 115 MBWelcome to Season 5, Episode 3 of For The Culture Podcast, moderated by co-host Kofi. Join Ian and Lawrence as they explore the transition from academia to industry. The PhD duo reflects on their own journeys from grad school to their current careers, discussing the challenges of balancing work and personal life. They share insights into their current research or work roles and the lessons learned along the way. Highlighting the diversity of experiences in this transition, they offer a can...
What's Going On: DEI in the Spotlight
February 12, 2024 08:00 - 55 minutes - 99.1 MBOn today's episode of For The Culture Podcast, we dissect the resignation of Dr. Claudine Gay, former president of Harvard College, igniting a conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in academia. We scrutinize the challenges she faced and the broader societal implications, while also addressing the ongoing debate surrounding DEI initiatives in academic and corporate settings. Amidst calls for their removal, we emphasize the importance of preserving DEI efforts, particularly...
Birth of the Cool: Engineering A Better Way Forward
January 09, 2024 08:00 - 47 minutes - 80.3 MBWelcome to Season 5 of For The Culture Podcast! In our opener, join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Richard Youngblood, a native Texan turned Philadelphia Senior Scientist at Johnson and Johnson. With a background in Chemical Engineering from Princeton and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Dr. Youngblood discusses his journey in STEM, from managing teams at Baxter Healthcare to pioneering regenerative medicine for Type 1 diabetes. As a devoted fathe...
After Hours: The Bioinformatics Ballad
December 06, 2023 08:00 - 51 minutes - 95 MBIn this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Radia Johnson, a Director in Research Data Science at Gilead Sciences, Inc. Dr. Johnson's extensive career spans academia and industry, making her a valuable voice in the realm of bioinformatics and computational biology. Join us as we delve into Dr. Johnson's career journey. Driven by a passion for collaboration, she discusses the significance of identifying a supportive PhD advisor and allowing your passion to guide your journey in bio...
Channel Orange: Growth and Impact
October 31, 2023 05:27 - 41 minutes - 73.4 MBDiscover the remarkable journey of Dr. Cheick O Diarra, a Senior Safety Scientist at Genentech, as he shares insights into the fusion of science and business. From Mali to San Francisco, his path intertwines Biochemistry, PharmD, and an MBA, revealing the invaluable connection between business savvy and scientific expertise. In this episode, Dr. Diarra delves into providing career value, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of mental health. He unpacks the concept of competitive...
The ArchAndroid: I’m just Heather
September 26, 2023 05:00 - 58 minutes - 110 MBMeet Dr. Heather K. Beasley, a postdoctoral research scholar at Vanderbilt University, where she's delving into breast cancer progression using cutting-edge imaging techniques. Heather's research has garnered her prestigious awards and fellowships, highlighting her dedication to both scientific discovery and diversity in STEM. She's also actively involved in professional organizations, advocating for health disparity research and community engagement. Heather's unique journey includes a bac...
Let’s Start Here: Growth, Challenges, and Academic Success
August 29, 2023 14:26 - 1 hour - 96 MBWelcome back, fam! Season 4 has arrived with a bang, and we're loaded with exciting content just for you. Join us in this episode as we give you a sneak peek into what's been happening since our last chat. Life has taken us through twists and turns, bringing growth, challenges, and opportunities to our doorstep. And hey, as students head back to school, we're sharing some golden tips to help you set those goals and ace your academic journey. Don't forget to spread the love by liking, followin...
ArtScience: On the Road to Cancer Health Equity
February 20, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 84.7 MBIn episode 6, we recognize World Cancer Day by discussing two articles that were recently published that speak on new data coming out of the American Cancer Society stating a sharp decline in cancer-related deaths as well addressing cancer care inequities and challenges to better treatment strategies for the African American population. Listen as we give our critical take on these two topics and provide insights to the historical aspects of cancer care in the U.S., where we currently find ou...
In My Mind: It Starts With Me
January 24, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 88.7 MBHappy New Year fam! We’re back for part two of Season 3. We’re not done with the season yet. We’ve got an amazing guest to kick off the year! In this episode we’re joined by the talented and driven, Jaysón Davidson. Jaysón is a Clinical Informatics Research and PhD Candidate in the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics program at University of California San Francisco (UCSF). At UCSF, he is a member of Dr. Atul Butte’s lab, where he intends to develop methods to effectively stratify t...
Liquid Swords: Mid-season finale
December 28, 2022 00:53 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBTodays episode is a live stream of our mid-season finale for season 3. Join us as we recap 2022 and look forward to 2023. We’re joined by fiends of the podcast for our annual hangout session. How was 2022 for you? What big plans do you have in 2023? We’d love to hear all about it.
Substance: Be Humble, Be Teachable
December 06, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBIn today's episode, we are joined by the skilled humble Dr. Antentor O. Hinton Jr. Dr. Hinton is a tenure track Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and the Ernest E. Just Early Career Investigator at Vanderbilt University. There his laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for neurogenic hypertension regulation, cardiac dysfunction in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes, studying mitochondrial dysfunction's rol...
The Forever Story: Re-envision Your Future
October 31, 2022 05:24 - 56 minutes - 103 MBOur first guest of Season 3 is none other than the multitalented Alex Muir. Mr. Muir is a Human Resource Technician and Future Work Strategist. Before his current role, Alex was a Management Consultant at KPMG and EY. As a Cornell University grad with over 15 years of experience in HR, Finance, and Business Development, we were able to tap into some of his knowledge as it relates to the intersection of business of science. He shares how he works with scientists to elevate their professional ...
Homecoming: HBCUs, PWIs, Exams, and Swag surfing
October 03, 2022 07:00 - 46 minutes - 87.4 MBIt’s official! Season 3 is finally here. Tune is as we gear up for another season full of amazing and informative episodes. We have a number of dynamic and diverse guests lined up so stay tuned. In today’s episode we keep it very casual. As we enter the Fall homecoming season, we decided to discuss our different experiences attending homecoming at HBCUs (Historically Black College/Universities) vs PWI’s (Predominately White Institutions) as during undergrad and grad school. Many of our exper...
Loud: Be-STEM-sational
June 27, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBThis is the last episode of season 2 everyone! Can you believe it? We were so luck to sit down and have a conversation with Assistant Professor at South Carolina State University and founder of BeSTEMsational, Dr. Janae Sweeny, M.S., PhD. This episode of full of amazing anecdotes and advice for early career students in STEM to be sensational and excel in school. It’s also a relatable episode for early-stage Investigators. Her non-traditional journey through STEM and path to assistant profess...
Role Model: Go Until You Can’t Anymore!
May 23, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBIn today’s episode we’re joined by the Dr. Henry Henderson, PhD. Henry is a native of Mobile, AL and currently resides in Atlanta, GA. He received his B.S. from Southern University and A&M College and his Ph.D. in Integrative Biosciences with a concentration in cancer biology from Tuskegee University. Following his graduate studies, he completed his postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he also served as an FDA-AACR Oncology Educational Fellow. Currently, Dr. He...
Call Me If You Get Lost: Conference Traveling Season Is Back!
April 25, 2022 04:00 - 51 minutes - 97.8 MBIn today’s episode, the hosts of For the Culture Podcast discuss about past and upcoming research conferences. It’s hard to believe that for many of us, it’s been 2+ years since we’ve attended an in-person research conference. For a lot of grad students, it’ll be their first time ever attending one. Attending research conferences is one of the major perks that we get to take advantage of in our journey to get a degree. Listen as we discuss our past experiences and talk about lessons learned ...
Let’s Get Free: Bringing Clinical Trial Research to Communities of Color
April 11, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 115 MBIn today’s episode, we’re joined by the founders of IM Clinical Research Center, LLC., a new research center created specifically to recruit, educate, and bring awareness to black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). The founders, Mr. Javonte Maynor (CEO), Ms. Ebony Owens (CBO), and Ms. Marchelle Albritton (COO) are dynamic individuals in their own right. They also bring years of diverse experience in clinical trial research and healthcare administration to IMCRC. The company aims to p...
Black Panther: Pull Up To The Bench
March 28, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBIn today’s episode, we’re joined by the multitalented and resilient Dr. Dominique Stephens. Listen as he shares his journey in science. The path to his current post doc at the University of Texas, in Austin wasn’t an easy one for sure, but the lessons learned through the challenges faced in academia provided a unique lens that strengthened his resolve to succeed in science. These experiences translate to his mentorship to young Black and Brown scientists to show them that science can be thei...
As I Am: Amplify and Innovate
March 14, 2022 15:52 - 1 hour - 122 MBIn this week’s episode we are joined by the kind and talented, Alexis Mobley. Alexis is a PhD candidate in the Neuroscience and Immunology programs at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She is also co-founder and president of Black in Immuno whose mission is to amplify, celebrate, and support Black voices in immunology. Listen to Alexis discuss her journey through science, which has been full of happy accidents and doors opening...
Ctrl: STEMinists who lift as they climb
February 13, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBIn this week’s episode we are joined by the funny and multi-faceted co-founders of Let’s Get STEMulated, LLC, Ms. Brittany Bush and Ms. Sha’Kayla Nunez. These talented scientists are PhD candidates at Morehouse School of Medicine and have a research focus in neuroscience and cancer biology, respectively. Tune in as we learn about their “not-so-straight-forward-journey through-science” and how those lived experiences inspired them to create an organization whose purpose is, in part, to provid...
Magna Carta…Holy Grail: Reaping and Sowing
February 01, 2022 00:15 - 46 minutes - 88.1 MBIn this week’s episode, we break down the January 2022’s Nature Career Corner’s article entitled, “Owning, not doing: my transition from master’s to PhD student”. We discuss our own experiences in applying or trying to apply the tips the author notes for success during the PhD process. Everyone’s journey through the PhD process is different but there are several tried-and-true tips that may set you up for success. We encourage you to read the article as well as check out this insightful epis...
The Sidewinder: So, I happen be a Scientist
January 23, 2022 05:00 - 58 minutes - 105 MBIn this week's episode, the artistic and dexterous Ralph White III sits down with us as our very first guest for Season 2. Ralph showcases his energetic and dynamic personality with him throughout the eposide. We quickly learnt that we share a lot in common with Ralph. He is currently a 5th year PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota Medical School. There, his research focus involves evaluating synergy between kinase inhibitors and the standard of care therapeutics against castration-r...
DAMN: New Year, New Season!
January 16, 2022 16:17 - 31 minutes - 60.1 MBHappy New Year! We’re excited to bring you Season 2 of For The Culture Podcast. In this week’s episode, we recall the last few weeks of 2021 and look forward to what we look forward to (both personally and professionally) in 2022. We discuss the importance of measurable goal setting. Pacing yourself is essential, especially if you want to achieve your academic goals as a student. We also provide a sneak peak to some exciting guests and topics we have in store this season. Stay tuned! Thanks...
Midnight Marauders: It Was All A Dream
December 17, 2021 03:22 - 54 minutes - 103 MBIt's the SEASON FINALE Ya'll!!! In this episode, we recap season highlights, including recounting some of our favorite episodes, behind the seasons prep, and lessons learned from producing a whole 20 episode podcast from scratch. We did that and we thank YOU, our listeners for your continued support. We have much in store for 2022. We've been receiving your feedback and welcome more as we grow our audience. In season 2 we will strive to dig deeper to pull out the real stories and tackle real...
Mastermind: Lawrence McKinney
December 05, 2021 17:50 - 50 minutes - 95.7 MBIn this week’s episode, we’re joined by one of our very own co-hosts, Lawrence McKinney. He’s currently finishing his PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine and is a native of Rivera Beach, FL. We chose this opportunity share a little bit more about our team and our journey on this road of science to date. Lawrence discusses everything from how his Thanksgiving break was to networking, future goals, and the obstacles he’s overcome to get here today. We were able to get a ...
Aquemini: Kofi Khamit-Kush
November 20, 2021 06:00 - 53 minutes - 98.2 MBIn this week’s episode, we continue learning more about the hosts of For The Culture Podcast. Specifically, we take a deeper dive in their current work in science as well as future aspirations. Up next, Mr. Kofi Kyenku Khamit-Kush. He details his unique journey in STEM as a current PhD student, and alumnus of both Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine. Kofi shares his growth as a scientist and lessons learned along the way. He also elaborates on the connection between Science a...
Supa Dupa Fly: From Good to Great
November 14, 2021 05:00 - 52 minutes - 97.6 MBThis week, we’re joined by the talented and driven Principal Research Scientist, Ms. Vivian Smith. Vivian vividly recounts her journey in STEM and shares how it led her to a career in biosafety and security. Determination, favor, and opportunity are among the things that led Vivian to work for the not-for profit organization, Battelle. This opportunity allows her to partner with nations across the world to safeguard our interest here in the United States. Vivian reminds young scientists that...
In My Mind: Ian Saunders
November 07, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBIn this week’s episode, we learn more about the hosts of For The Culture Podcast. Specifically, we take a deeper dive in their current work in science as well as future aspirations. Up first, Dr. Ian Saunders. He details the unique experience of preparing, defending his dissertation, and graduating during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ian shares his unique perspective on being his own advocate, making necessary sacrifices, and transitioning into an industry post-doctoral program. ...
Finding Forever: Passion+Potential=Purpose
October 31, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBIn this week’s episode, the multifaceted Dr. Marlon Fuller pays us a visit. He’s a pharmacist, entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist, and father of four with years of experience in the hospital, retail, and pharmaceutical industries. Marlon is currently works as a Senior Medical Science Liaison at Biogen. We had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics from the tapping into your network to taking a “buckshot” approach to job searching. Dr. Fuller reminds us to not get caught up in c...
Blessed: Biomedical Engineering and Beyond
October 24, 2021 04:00 - 55 minutes - 51 MBIn this weeks episode, we’re joined by the amazingly talented Mr. Brandon Applewhite. Brandon is a first generation American, born to parents from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, respectively. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering from the University of South Florida, where he was also a member of the Honors College. Brandon is currently a fourth year PhD candidate in biomedical engineering at the University of Miami. His research u...
Nothing Less: The NIH Addresses Structural Racism
October 17, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 71.1 MBIn this episode, we discuss the National Institutes of Health (NIH) new initiative name UNITE. This initiative is intended to identify and address structural racism within the NIH-supported and the greater scientific community. Addressing discrimination and problems of racism within the NIH is crucial to providing equitable opportunity and funding for scientists and research that impact the health and well-being of all Americans. We broadly discuss the impact that initiative can have in addr...
Black On Both Sides: From Bench To Bedside
October 10, 2021 13:19 - 57 minutes - 105 MBIn today’s episode, we’re joined by the motivated and driven Ronson Washington, MSCR. Ronson is a native of Alabama who received is undergrad degree at Alabama A&M and his master’s in clinical research at Morehouse School of Medicine. Ronson shares with us how his work experience and love for working in the lab informed his passion for working in clinical research today. He describes what a day in the life of a Clinical Research Associate is and discusses how his transition from academia to i...
Fearless: Put The Pipette Down!
October 03, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBIn this episode, we’re joined by the wonderful and brilliant, Dr. Takerra “TK” Stephenson. This multi-talented Scientific Affairs Manager, Content Developer, and alumni of Morehouse School of Medicine is a big fan of the show! She calls the podcast her “Scientific Breakfast Club”. Pretty cool, huh? From Georgia Southern University to the National Institutes of Health and beyond, TK shares how her personal experiences guided her to pursue a career in science. Listen as she gives her take on t...
I Am...: Being Your Authentic Self
September 26, 2021 04:00 - 41 minutes - 75.9 MBIn today’s episode, we take on the huge question of whether you can or should bring your full authentic self to work. Work could be your academic institution, your lab, or any job you currently have. We share some of our thoughts on the matter from our lived experiences. We also lend some potential solutions on how to best address lack of diversity, improve work culture, and allowing space for others to feel comfortable and heard in the work setting. What you do you think? Can you bring your...
A Seat At The Table: A Curious Case of Science + Policy
September 19, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 100 MBIn today’s episode, our guest is Jasmine George, PhD candidate at Morehouse School of Medicine and RISE fellow studying the mechanisms of renal lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity in obese and type 2 diabetic mice. She shares with us how she got the curiosity bug early in life and how it has led to her current passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion around science policy and communication. Listen as Jasmine lends some helpful advice on how we all can affect change and combat misinformatio...
Doctor's Advocate: So you call me Doc?
September 12, 2021 04:00 - 52 minutes - 99.4 MBIn today’s episode, we’re joined by a dear friend and colleague, Dr. Patrick Carriere. He’s a student physician attending Wake Forest School of Medicine. Listen as he discusses his story of being a “non-traditional” student and how being intentional, yet adaptable, led him to complete a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and soon a Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Carriere shares advice and lessons learned about preparation meeting opportunities. He encourages others to bet on themselves, do what brin...
The Blueprint 2: What's in a Mentor(pt.2)?
September 05, 2021 04:00 - 16 minutes - 26.3 MBIn part two of our mentorship episode, we continue our conversation on mentorship, we start to look in the mirror. No matter the stage you are in science, you have knowledge to impart on someone who is coming up behind you. So, are you a mentor? Most of us are familiar with upward mentorship, but what about lateral mentorship? We can learn a lot from our peers and support each other throughout our careers in science. Remember, all great leaders have mentors. Great mentors help us achieve per...
The Blueprint: What's in a Mentor(pt.1)?
September 05, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 52.7 MBIn part one of our mentorship series, we define mentorship. How does one identify a mentor? What are qualities of a good mentor? These are just some of the questions we talk though in this episode. A good mentor can be pivotal in helping you reach the professional and personal milestones we set for ourselves. Don’t go through this journey on your own. Seek out mentorship along the way. Take the first step, set up an informational interview and just ask. Let’s get the conversation going! Res...
Get In Where You Fit In: Academia vs Indusry
August 29, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 45.3 MBIn today’s episode we discuss some of the thoughts PhDs consider when thinking about the next phase of life, post-graduation. There are many options available to recent graduates because they all have many transferrable skills. Its incumbent on the individual to seek out these opportunities. This can come in the form of reaching out to your institutions career development office or seek out people who are doing what you see you doing in the future. This process can be overwhelming. We do our...
Black Star: Passion, Preparation & Purpose
August 22, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 84.2 MBIn today’s episode, we’re joined by our inaugural guest, Dr. Chris Chambliss. He’s a 2021 PhD and master’s in clinical research graduate from Morehouse School of Medicine. His area of research is in Sickle Cell Disease research. Tune in hear Chris highlight how his personal experiences and academic profession merge and serve as the fuel he uses make strides and leave a lasting impact in his field. For Dr. Chambliss, preparation and passion have elevated his purpose to eradicate Sickle Cell Di...
Nothing Was The Same: Time Management & Finding Your Rhythm
August 15, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 76.5 MBIn today’s episode, we discuss the importance of time management and having work-life-balance. Is it even possible? Tune in to learn some tips on how to home in on staying focused during your grad school journey. Take time for yourself. You’re no good to yourself or your team if you’re not at your best mentally. The struggle is inevitable. Just know that strength and growth are on the other side of struggle. That’s where you’ll find your rhythm and success in grad school. You got this! Reso...
The Big Picture: A Beautiful Process
August 08, 2021 12:00 - 40 minutes - 70.2 MBIn today's episode, we dive deeper into the process of getting into graduate school. Sharing successes, failures and even a few battle scars bring so much insight into the experinces of early career and future grad student. Sacrifice leads to success, so stay focusd on the big picture, believe in yourself, and trust the process.
My Life: How Did We Get Here?
August 01, 2021 12:00 - 36 minutes - 66 MBIt's our inagural episode! Tune in as we give you an inside look into our journey to become research scientists. Hear about how we got to where we are today and listen to some of the lessons and gems learned along the way.
For The Culture Introduction
July 26, 2021 13:12 - 45 seconds - 1.44 MBThis podcast is an unfiltered conversation about the lived experiences of grad students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. This podcast provides a platform for students and early-career professionals to discuss their development as individuals, scientists, and community leaders in order to inspire the next generation of scientists. We do it for the culture!