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Dr. Elizabeth Catania is a neuroscience researcher, assistant professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies and Director of Independent Studies at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Catania earned her BA in Neuroscience from the University of Delaware, where she originally started as an English major, and earned her PhD in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. She also did a post-doctoral fellowship at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has researched how brain circuitry relates to social-emotional well-being. She currently teaches courses on nervous system development and endocrinology.
In this MINI episode, Dr. Catania talks about her research, being a woman in science today, and her career path.
Highlights of the episode:
*Susan introduces the Science Fair podcast, its mission, and the mini-episode/full-episode format [0:03];
*High school intern Lucy Pohl introduces today’s guest, Dr. Elizabeth Catania of Vanderbilt University, and summarizes her background in neuroscience and education [~0:55];
*Lucy asks Dr. Catania about how her passion for science originated and how she became interested in neuroscience [~1:45];
*Dr. Catania describes her early interests in the humanities and starting college as an English major [2:23];
*How an introductory neuroscience course—taken largely by chance—sparked Dr. Catania’s love of neuroscience and led her to change majors late in college [~4:04];
*Lucy asks Dr. Catania to explain what the nervous system is for listeners who may be unfamiliar with it [~4:30];
*What the nervous system is and how the brain, spinal cord, and nerves allow organisms to sense and respond to the world [4:47];
*Lucy asks about Dr. Catania’s research on the evolution of the nervous system [~5:40];
*Introduction to comparative neurobiology and how studying different animals helps scientists understand nervous system structure and function [6:49];
*Lucy asks about Dr. Catania’s experiences as a woman in STEM and how the field has changed over time [~7:30];
*Progress and remaining challenges for women in science, including leadership and representation, and moments of pride as a mentor [9:03];
*Advice for middle and high school students about following interests, changing paths, and not fearing academic detours [~9:15];
*Lucy asks about current neuroscience research Dr. Catania finds especially exciting [~10:50];
*Brain organoids: growing “mini-brains” from human cells and how they may transform neuroscience research and personalized medicine [11:17];
*Lucy reflects on the conversation and thanks Dr. Catania for sharing her story and insights [~13:05];
*Closing remarks, listener feedback information, sponsorship details, and acknowledgments of the Science Fare intern team [13:40]