Episode Highlights:

• What science writers actually do all day

• How freelancers land clients without constantly pitching themselves

• The hidden role science writers play in securing research funding

Timestamps:

0:30 - What is a Science Writer?

2:09 - What does a typical day look like?

12:37 - What do you enjoy?

15:27 - What do you dislike?

20:06 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

24:45 - What were your career milestones?

38:32 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

Christina Nunez is an independent writer and editor specializing in science. She got her start in newsrooms and eventually began covering energy and climate at National Geographic. In 2016, she launched her own business and went full-time freelance. Her clients include government agencies, media outlets, companies, and nonprofits.

• Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-nunez-writer-editor/

• Resources:

• • https://www.christinanunez.me/

• Extended Interview: ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

• Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

• Follow us on Instagram @sciencecareercoach

Episode Highlights:

• Why food science might be one of the most recession-proof STEM careers

• How to know if you chose the right career path

• What first-generation students aren’t told about choosing a major

Timestamps:

0:32 - What is a Food Scientist?

1:57 - What does a typical day look like?

9:09 - What do you enjoy?

12:40 - What do you dislike?

16:44 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

20:20 - What were your career milestones?

28:36 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

Ambitious and passionate food scientist with 11 years of diverse experience in product development. Passionate in creating and launching innovative, emerging, delicious food and beverage products that meet consumer's lifestyle choices, needs, and challenges. Highly skilled in developing new products that meet various dietary claims and restrictions while also ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory standards are met. Collaborative team member adept at working with cross-functional teams and external partners to launch new products, reduce costs, and improve existing commercialized products.

• Connect with Karen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thangkaren/

• Resources from our Guest

• • https://www.masterclass.com/classes/people-intelligence

  • My Food Job Rocks podcast by Adam Yee

• Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

• Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠
• Follow us on Instagram @sciencecareercoach

Episode Highlights:

• The shocking truth about the transition from academia to industry

• How she built her own startup in undergrad

• Navigating the hidden VISA gauntlet international STEM grads face in the US job market

Timestamps:

0:27 - What is an Electrical Engineer/Materials Scientist?

7:32 - What does a typical day look like?

9:58 - What do you enjoy?

15:57 - What do you dislike?

20:43 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

29:12 - What were your career milestones?

31:54 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

Renata Saha is a Senior Scientist focused on the development and translation of technologies for wearable and implantable medical devices. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where her research centered on neural interfaces, micromagnetic neurostimulation, and experimental neurotechnology.

Renata’s work sits at the intersection of materials science, medical device engineering, and translational research, with an emphasis on bridging early-stage innovation to scalable, manufacturable healthcare solutions. Her experience spans industry research and development, academic research, and collaboration with clinicians and startups. She is particularly interested in the future of neurotechnology, nano-enabled medical devices, and the practical challenges of translating cutting-edge research into real-world clinical impact.

• Connect with Renata on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-saha/

• Resources from our Guest

• • https://sites.usc.edu/carss/

  • https://cne.umn.edu/

  • https://open.spotify.com/show/7eJGUJczDkCqaoRtYEoZeQ

• Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

• Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

• Follow us on Instagram @sciencecareercoach