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 <a href="https://www.latech.edu/research/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Louisiana Tech University</a> (LA, USA). Lindsey is a first-generation college graduate who originally trained as a high school teacher before moving into STEM.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Contents: ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meet Lindsey: 00:47–05:27●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The difference a Dean can make: 05:28–08:47●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Supporting your faculty to support your higher-education students: 08:48–15:40●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Facilitating connections in impactful mentorship: 15:41–23:05●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The power of personal relationships in your professional career: 23:06–32:38●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Championing openness and authenticity in leadership: 32:39–36:32●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Providing holistic support to help people help their community: 36:33–40:09●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How we can support our children to encourage future success: 40:10–46:55

STEM Tea | Humans first, professionals second

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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/who-we-are/mission-vision-and-values/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach at Vanderbilt University</a>&nbsp;(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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cseo/programs/middle-school-programs/day-of-discovery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Day of Discovery Program</a>, an initiative for middle school students to participate in a research-based STEM curriculum one school day per week. Content:<ul><li>Introductions: 00:00–02:39</li><li>More about the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach and their Day of Discovery initiative: 02:40–05:27</li><li>Why should we care about this initiative? 05:28–07:45</li><li>How do your science classes differ from standard classes? 07:46–09:34</li><li>How does this program support and inspire students? Plus, personal motivations for instructing this program: 09:35–12:46</li><li>Expanding the horizon of career prospects, belonging and scientific exploration: 12:47–18:15</li><li>Navigating STEM careers, from mentors to research: 18:16–22:36</li><li>A lesson in leadership: 22:37–24:15</li><li>How can we improve education for all? 24:16–29:52</li><li>How can scientists and teachers work together to improve STEM education? 29:53–32:27</li><li>Closing thoughts: 32:28–36:27</li></ul>

STEM Tea | Investing in our students

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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biotechniques.com/lab-design-machinery/where-culture-meets-science-enriching-the-research-experience/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">championed low-cost approaches to basic neuroscience research</a>&nbsp;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:<ul><li>Meet Ulises and what drives his research 00:55–23:41</li><li>Why encouraging professional–personal balance can support diverse recruitment 23:42–43:00</li><li>What makes a mentor 43:01–55:38</li><li>Closing 55:39–56:46</li></ul>

STEM Tea | Being visible as an act of service

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://dms.hms.harvard.edu/people/brielle-ferguson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brielle Ferguson</a>, Assistant Professor in Genetics and Neurology at Harvard (MA, USA), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neuroscience.umn.edu/faculty/current-faculty/c-d/angeline-dukes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Angeline J. Dukes</a>, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://blackinneuro.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Black in Neuro</a>&nbsp;and what unmet needs remain. Contents:<ul><li>Meet Brielle Ferguson 01:00–02:04</li><li>Meet Angeline J. Dukes 02:05–03:14</li><li>Welcoming – and retaining – under-represented groups on campus 03:15–07:47</li><li>Prioritizing yourself to push for progress 07:48–12:56</li><li>The power of visibility in enabling authenticity 12:57–18:57</li><li>Why mentorship is a must, and the mentors who made a difference for Brielle and Angeline 18:58–27:08</li><li>The genesis and goals of Black in Neuro 27:09–34:28</li><li>Building community and addressing funding disparity 34:29–39:15</li></ul>

STEM Tea | Founding Black in Neuro

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/bio/?pid=luis-leyva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Luis A. Leyva</a>, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education &amp; STEM Higher Education in the Peabody College of Education &amp; Human Development at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Luis is the Director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/prismlab/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Power, Resistance &amp; Identity in STEM Education (PRISM) Research Lab</a>. 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:<ul><li>Meet Luis 00:41–02:54</li><li>The evolving definition of ‘STEM’ and variation of disciplinary cultures in the sciences 02:55–04:48</li><li>Expanding opportunities for historically marginalized groups in STEM through pedagogy 04:49–07:35</li><li>A glimpse into pedagogy in postsecondary calculus for STEM educational equity 07:36-12:25</li><li>Sustaining professional energy by nurturing aspects of personal life 12:26–16:30</li><li>The leadership challenges of making space for multiple voices whilst maintaining a collective vision 16:31–22:04</li><li>Passion for amplifying and validating experiences of intersectionality to foster a sense of belonging in STEM 22:05–25:25</li><li>Learning and growing alongside research mentees in equity-minded advising 25:26–29:54</li><li>Being out as a form of resistance, especially in STEM environments 29:55–33:13</li><li>Mentorship: paying it forward, facilitating connections and embracing equity 33:14–39:16</li><li>Closing 39:17–40:37</li></ul> Relevant publications:<ul><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584251367037" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Racially-affirming community in instructional servingness for Latin* students’ gateway mathematics classroom participation</a></li><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2024.2389015" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The rights of undergraduate queer and trans* students of color as STEM majors</a></li><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00221546.2021.1879586" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“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</a></li></ul>

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 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:<ul><li>Meet Haysetta 00:55–04:36</li><li>Spotting, seizing and maximizing opportunities 04:37–08:27</li><li>Generating evidence on the positive impacts of improving work–life balance 08:28–13:12</li><li>Preparing students at HBCUs for their next steps through Project Strengthen 13:13–24:37</li><li>The impact and remaining need for HBCUs 24:38–31:41</li><li>Engaging students and their families to secure the Black STEM pipeline 31:42–35:59</li><li>Being led by student needs when developing programs 36:00–40:03</li><li>Building a strong, sustainable and effective mentor–mentee relationship 40:04–47:07</li><li>What the future holds for STEM, I–O psychology and Project Strengthen 47:08–58:09</li></ul>

STEM Tea | Strengthening HBCUs

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:<ul><li>Meet Corey 00:56–05:50</li><li>Understanding and securing a MSL role 05:51–09:11</li><li>The differences between MSL and academic roles 09:12–12:36</li><li>Dealing with uncertainty in an industry role 12:37–16:25</li><li>Mentoring Black students at different institutions 16:26–19:19</li><li>Black in Physiology as a place of sanctuary and mentorship 19:20–26:22</li><li>The impact of winning awards 26:23–28:49</li><li>Encouraging collaboration 28:50–32:29</li><li>Corey’s life outside of work 32:30–33:53</li><li>Reversing the downward trajectory of diversity in higher education 33:54–40:42</li><li>Championing increased clinical trial diversity 40:43–44:24</li></ul> To learn more about Black in Physiology, listen to our podcast with founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biotechniques.com/podcasts/stem-tea-impact-and-sustainability-in-mentorship/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Clintoria Williams</a>.

STEM Tea | Working together for better science and better opportunities

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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wright.edu/university-research" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wright State University</a>&nbsp;(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:<ul><li>Meet Clintoria Williams and her research: 0:00–2:02</li><li>Promoting equity and inclusion in your space: 2:03–5:35</li><li>Getting the most out of mentoring for both mentors and mentees: 5:36–9:10</li><li>Balancing professional and personal commitments: 9:11–14:50</li><li>The birth and growth of Black in Physiology: 14:51–21:40</li><li>Championing Generation Now and preparing Generation Next: 21:41–26:16</li><li>Taking time to celebrate your strengths and turn weaknesses into opportunities: 26:17–28:43</li><li>Leading with the ‘why’ in research and communication: 28:44–31:08</li><li>Her journey towards being a mentor and a leader: 31:09–35:34</li><li>The power of bringing your true self everywhere you go: 35:35–38:00</li><li>Highlights from the most recent Black in Physiology Week and what’s to come in the future: 38:01–42:59</li><li>What’s next for Clintoria and her team of Zinc-sperts? 43:00–46:33</li><li>Clintoria’s advice for her younger self: 46:34–47:46</li><li>Wine recommendations to stay fearless from Clintoria and AJ: 47:47–49:50</li></ul>

STEM Tea | Impact and sustainability in mentorship

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, host AJ Hinton is joined by Alberto “Beto” Vasquez, Director of STEM Engagement &amp; Community Relations for the Center for Research in Education &amp; Teaching Excellence (<a href="https://create.ucsd.edu/about/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CREATE</a>) at&nbsp;<a href="https://ucsd.edu/research-innovation/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of California, San Diego</a>&nbsp;(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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcKr3RAtF_A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘different normals’</a>. Contents:<ul><li>Meet Beto: 0:38–04:33</li><li>What is the CREATE Program? 04:34–9:33</li><li>Planning the programs and supporting communities with different normals: 9:34–14:14</li><li>The impact of holistic applications in uncovering hidden STEM talent: 14:15–21:38</li><li>Balancing work and family to remain authentic to yourself: 21:39–27:52</li><li>Building your ecosystem through mutual support: 27:53–35:36</li><li>Evolving a narrow view of mentorship towards true equity: 35:37–48:27</li><li>Beto’s advice for service, mentorship and leadership: 48:28–57:32</li></ul>

STEM Tea | Supporting underserved communities through STEM mentorship

Get the tea on the latest in mentoring and DEAI initiatives in STEM

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.

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Antentor Hinton Jr