STEM Tea

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Welcome to the STEM Tea podcast! This series dives into the conversations shaping the future of science — blending social, societal and scientific perspectives in STEM. Episodes explore everything from building healthy and productive research environments, to the strategies scientists use to communicate their work, expand outreach to the broader community, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines. Each week, Antentor Othrell Hinton Jr., Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA), invites a guest to 'spill the tea' on their journey in science. Together, they highlight the discoveries driving their fields forward, discuss how to create sustainable and supportive research practices and share mentoring approaches that train and inspire the next generation of scientists. Beyond the science itself, the podcast uncovers the human side of research — how investigators navigate challenges, build resilient careers and balance innovation with responsibility. With a rotating set of guest hosts adding their own perspectives, the series serves as both a resource and a reflection point for anyone committed to advancing science while shaping a stronger research culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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35 recent

November 13, 202547 min

STEM Tea | Humans first, professionals second

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Lindsey Keith-Vincent, Associate Dean for Research, Outreach and Innovation at Louisiana Tech University (LA, USA). Lindsey is a first-generation college graduate who originally trained as a high school teacher before moving into STEM. In this episode, Lindsey talks about where she learned her most valuable leadership lessons and why she considers her personal relationships to have transformed her career. She also shares her model for encouraging education at a young age and how she supports her faculty to help them perform at their best. Contents: ●     Meet Lindsey: 00:47–05:27●     The difference a Dean can make: 05:28–08:47●     Supporting your faculty to support your higher-education students: 08:48–15:40●     Facilitating connections in impactful mentorship: 15:41–23:05●     The power of personal relationships in your professional career: 23:06–32:38●     Championing openness and authenticity in leadership: 32:39–36:32●     Providing holistic support to help people help their community: 36:33–40:09●     How we can support our children to encourage future success: 40:10–46:55 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 202536 min

STEM Tea | Investing in our students

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by two science educators who are striving to instill a love of science and a sense of belonging within K–12 students through outreach initiatives and programs.Yelena Janumyan is a postdoctoral fellow at the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Since receiving her PhD, Yelena has taught science and math in schools; however, she is now turning her attention back to research.At the time of recording, Zachary Conley was also a postdoctoral fellow at the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach at Vanderbilt University. Before joining the Collaborative, he was working toward his PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the Baylor College of Medicine (TX, USA).At the Collaborative, Yelena and Zachary were co-instructors for the Day of Discovery Program, an initiative for middle school students to participate in a research-based STEM curriculum one school day per week.Content:Introductions: 00:00–02:39More about the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach and their Day of Discovery initiative: 02:40–05:27Why should we care about this initiative? 05:28–07:45How do your science classes differ from standard classes? 07:46–09:34How does this program support and inspire students? Plus, personal motivations for instructing this program: 09:35–12:46Expanding the horizon of career prospects, belonging and scientific exploration: 12:47–18:15Navigating STEM careers, from mentors to research: 18:16–22:36A lesson in leadership: 22:37–24:15How can we improve education for all? 24:16–29:52How can scientists and teachers work together to improve STEM education? 29:53–32:27Closing thoughts: 32:28–36:27 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 202556 min

STEM Tea | Being visible as an act of service

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Ulises Ricoy, who was the Director of Outreach Initiatives at the University of Arizona (AZ, USA) at the time of this recording. Ulises has championed low-cost approaches to basic neuroscience research as well as educated underrepresented groups in STEM academia.Ulises shares his journey to STEM, including how he developed his research and the value of diverse perspectives within that research. He also shares why not everyone is cut out to be a mentor and where to start with tackling representation in academia.Since the recording, Ulises has pursued other opportunities outside of academia.Contents:Meet Ulises and what drives his research 00:55–23:41Why encouraging professional–personal balance can support diverse recruitment 23:42–43:00What makes a mentor 43:01–55:38Closing 55:39–56:46 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 202540 min

STEM Tea | Founding Black in Neuro

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Brielle Ferguson, Assistant Professor in Genetics and Neurology at Harvard (MA, USA), and Angeline J. Dukes, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota (MN, USA). Brielle is a researcher studying the biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction and Angeline shares her time between teaching and leading DEI initiatives at the University of Minnesota.Brielle and Angeline share why visibility is so important in representation and the valuable lessons they’ve learned about being a mentee and a mentor. They also discuss their journey towards launching Black in Neuro and what unmet needs remain.Contents:Meet Brielle Ferguson 01:00–02:04Meet Angeline J. Dukes 02:05–03:14Welcoming – and retaining – under-represented groups on campus 03:15–07:47Prioritizing yourself to push for progress 07:48–12:56The power of visibility in enabling authenticity 12:57–18:57Why mentorship is a must, and the mentors who made a difference for Brielle and Angeline 18:58–27:08The genesis and goals of Black in Neuro 27:09–34:28Building community and addressing funding disparity 34:29–39:15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 202540 min

STEM Tea | Disrupting racism and cisheteropatriarchy through research, pedagogy and mentorship in STEM education

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Luis A. Leyva, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education & STEM Higher Education in the Peabody College of Education & Human Development at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Luis is the Director of the Power, Resistance & Identity in STEM Education (PRISM) Research Lab. He describes how his research examines equity through pedagogy to disrupt racism and cisheteropatriarchy for broadening opportunities among historically marginalized populations in STEM.Luis discusses why amplifying marginalized experiences as knowledge sources is vital to challenge the status quo in STEM pedagogy, in addition to his perspectives about leadership as a researcher. He also shares his experiences of being an openly queer man of color as a form of resistance and the ethos of his equity-minded mentorship in the academy.Contents:Meet Luis 00:41–02:54The evolving definition of ‘STEM’ and variation of disciplinary cultures in the sciences 02:55–04:48Expanding opportunities for historically marginalized groups in STEM through pedagogy 04:49–07:35A glimpse into pedagogy in postsecondary calculus for STEM educational equity 07:36-12:25Sustaining professional energy by nurturing aspects of personal life 12:26–16:30The leadership challenges of making space for multiple voices whilst maintaining a collective vision 16:31–22:04Passion for amplifying and validating experiences of intersectionality to foster a sense of belonging in STEM 22:05–25:25Learning and growing alongside research mentees in equity-minded advising 25:26–29:54Being out as a form of resistance, especially in STEM environments 29:55–33:13Mentorship: paying it forward, facilitating connections and embracing equity 33:14–39:16Closing 39:17–40:37Relevant publications:Racially-affirming community in instructional servingness for Latin* students’ gateway mathematics classroom participationThe rights of undergraduate queer and trans* students of color as STEM majors“It seems like they purposefully try to make as many kids drop”: An analysis of logics and mechanisms of racial-gendered inequality in introductory mathematics instruction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 20251 hr 0 min

STEM Tea | Strengthening HBCUs

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Haysetta Shuler, an academic consultant in industrial–organizational psychology (I–O psychology) and a DEI mentor. Haysetta is an experienced administrator at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and she is passionate about increasing the involvement of Black students in STEM.Haysetta discusses the value of I–O psychology and how students at HBCUs can be supported with hands-on experience, mentorship and network building. She also shares her tips for choosing a mentor or mentee and the value of saying less and listening more.Contents:Meet Haysetta 00:55–04:36Spotting, seizing and maximizing opportunities 04:37–08:27Generating evidence on the positive impacts of improving work–life balance 08:28–13:12Preparing students at HBCUs for their next steps through Project Strengthen 13:13–24:37The impact and remaining need for HBCUs 24:38–31:41Engaging students and their families to secure the Black STEM pipeline 31:42–35:59Being led by student needs when developing programs 36:00–40:03Building a strong, sustainable and effective mentor–mentee relationship 40:04–47:07What the future holds for STEM, I–O psychology and Project Strengthen 47:08–58:09 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 202545 min

STEM Tea | Working together for better science and better opportunities

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Corey Reynolds, a Regional Medical Scientific Director in industry. Corey’s background ranges from academics to industry consulting; he applies these varied experiences to mentoring the next generation of Black scientists.In this episode, Corey explains his current role as a medical science liaison (MSL) and how it varies from his experiences in academia. He also discusses the crucial need for more Black scientists in every stage of the scientific process, from student labs to clinical trials.Contents:Meet Corey 00:56–05:50Understanding and securing a MSL role 05:51–09:11The differences between MSL and academic roles 09:12–12:36Dealing with uncertainty in an industry role 12:37–16:25Mentoring Black students at different institutions 16:26–19:19Black in Physiology as a place of sanctuary and mentorship 19:20–26:22The impact of winning awards 26:23–28:49Encouraging collaboration 28:50–32:29Corey’s life outside of work 32:30–33:53Reversing the downward trajectory of diversity in higher education 33:54–40:42Championing increased clinical trial diversity 40:43–44:24To learn more about Black in Physiology, listen to our podcast with founder Clintoria Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 202549 min

STEM Tea | Impact and sustainability in mentorship

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Clintoria Williams, Principal Investigator in the Kidney PathoPhysiology Research Group at Wright State University (OH, USA). Clintoria is a physiologist who is passionate about ‘lifting while climbing’ and is a co-founder of Black in Physiology.In this episode, Clintoria shares her journey in mentorship, sharing her tips for balancing your professional and personal life, and turning every experience into an opportunity for learning. She also shares highlights from last year’s Black in Physiology Week, an online and community event that celebrates achievements, and provides resources and support.Contents:Meet Clintoria Williams and her research: 0:00–2:02Promoting equity and inclusion in your space: 2:03–5:35Getting the most out of mentoring for both mentors and mentees: 5:36–9:10Balancing professional and personal commitments: 9:11–14:50The birth and growth of Black in Physiology: 14:51–21:40Championing Generation Now and preparing Generation Next: 21:41–26:16Taking time to celebrate your strengths and turn weaknesses into opportunities: 26:17–28:43Leading with the ‘why’ in research and communication: 28:44–31:08Her journey towards being a mentor and a leader: 31:09–35:34The power of bringing your true self everywhere you go: 35:35–38:00Highlights from the most recent Black in Physiology Week and what’s to come in the future: 38:01–42:59What’s next for Clintoria and her team of Zinc-sperts? 43:00–46:33Clintoria’s advice for her younger self: 46:34–47:46Wine recommendations to stay fearless from Clintoria and AJ: 47:47–49:50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 24, 202557 min

STEM Tea | Supporting underserved communities through STEM mentorship

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Alberto “Beto” Vasquez, Director of STEM Engagement & Community Relations for the Center for Research in Education & Teaching Excellence (CREATE) at University of California, San Diego (CA, USA). Beto is a biologist, educator and community leader applying his colorful lived experience to support students from similar backgrounds and communities.At CREATE, he spearheads efforts to increase access, engagement and interest in STEM fields to communities throughout Southern California. In this episode, he offers advice for students to look beyond the mirror to find a mentor, how to advance passion and purpose by building strong relationships and why you should consider ‘different normals’.Contents:Meet Beto: 0:38–04:33What is the CREATE Program? 04:34–9:33Planning the programs and supporting communities with different normals: 9:34–14:14The impact of holistic applications in uncovering hidden STEM talent: 14:15–21:38Balancing work and family to remain authentic to yourself: 21:39–27:52Building your ecosystem through mutual support: 27:53–35:36Evolving a narrow view of mentorship towards true equity: 35:37–48:27Beto’s advice for service, mentorship and leadership: 48:28–57:32 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 3, 202450 min

STEM Tea | The experiences of an industry scientist

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, AJ Hinton is joined by Angela Pack – Senior Scientist at a pharmaceutical company in Rockville/Gaithersburg (MD, USA). Angela is an immunologist, who recently transitioned from infectious disease vaccine development to translational medicine and clinical trial data analysis. In this episode, Angela calls on her experience in academia and industry to discuss factors to consider when pursuing a scientific career in industry as well as career options for scientists who don’t want to be at the bench, highlighting the multitude of different roles that one can pursue.Contents:Meet Angela Pack: 00:00–02:25Starting with her PhD research: 02:25–04:57Expanding your skillset during your graduate education to prepare for a role in industry: 04:57–09:23What are hiring teams in industry looking for? 09:23–14:52A peek at the future of vaccinology: 14:52–18:33How to make yourself stand out as an industry applicant: 18:33–25:20CV-specific tips: 22:12–25:20What is Angela’s experience of work–life balance in industry? 25:20–30:32Finding opportunities to engage in mentoring and outreach: 30:32–36:52Progressing in industry: the roles that exist besides working at the bench: 36:52–40:19Moving companies to move vertically: 40:19–43:51Keep your LinkedIn up to date to attract recruiters: 43:51–45:32What does Angela do for fun? 45:32–48:51 Parting advice from Angela: don’t be afraid to reach out to industry professionals to learn more about their work: 48:51–50:55You can reach out to Angela on LinkedIn or X! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.