The DASL podcast is a project designed by Dr. Silvia Vicenzi to elevate the stories of underrepresented trainees at UCSD who have braved challenges and discrimination in their lives and careers. This platform aims to empower individuals by sharing their experiences and the strategies they used to navigate and overcome such obstacles. The objective is to provide insights and inspiration, with the anticipated outcome being a source of motivation and guidance for trainees facing similar challen ...
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Silvia Vicenzi Podcasts

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#17 - "The Crucial Role of Mentorship in Academia" - With Dr Dionna Williams
58:54
58:54
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58:54Send us a text In this episode of the DASL Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dionna Williams, Associate Professor at Emory University, whose research focuses on HIV research and the impact of substance use disorders on treatment outcomes. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Williams shares her journey of navigating academia and building a scient…
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#16 - "Carving One's Paths: The First Generation's Journey" - With Adriana Elaine Scott
57:14
57:14
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57:14Send us a text Adriana Elaine Scott, originally from Calexico, California, shares her powerful journey as a first-generation college student who carved her own path through higher education. From navigating the unwritten rules of academia without a roadmap to finding her purpose in supporting students who share similar struggles, Elaine opens up ab…
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#15 - "Creating Impact: From Science to Society with Treobytes" - With Ava Mason
50:15
50:15
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50:15Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ava Mason, executive director and founder of Treobytes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating career pathways in engineering and technology for students from fourth grade through high school. Ava shares her inspiring journey from studying biochemistry at Purdue University to working in b…
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# 14 - "Chronic Pains and Academic Gains: Caitlin's Tale" - With Dr. Caitlin Amit
44:09
44:09
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44:09Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Caitlin Amit, a postdoctoral researcher whose story exemplifies the power of self-advocacy, scientific curiosity, and personal resilience. Diagnosed with lupus only after years of medical dismissal and misdiagnosis, Caitlin opens up about navigating the isolating journey of living wit…
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#13 - "Navigating Academia and Motherhood" - With Dr. Cindy Barba
48:57
48:57
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48:57Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Cindy Barba, a scientist and mother whose journey is defined by resilience, determination, and the courage to carve her own path. Growing up in Southern California as the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Cindy shares the challenges of navigating higher education without finan…
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#12 - "Redesigning STEM, One Lesson at a Time" with Dr. Matthew Ellis
38:45
38:45
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38:45Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Matthew Ellis, a queer, dual-gender scientist and educator whose passion for inclusive, student-centered teaching is driving bold conversations about equity in academia. In this episode, Matthew calls for a much-needed shift in how universities value teaching—advocating for systemic …
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#11 - "Turning Obstacles into Opportunities in Research" with Sofia Howe
49:14
49:14
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49:14Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Sofia Howe, a former student-athlete turned scientist whose journey into STEM is rooted in resilience, mentorship, and a deep commitment to science outreach. Sofia shares how her experience balancing athletics and academics helped her develop the discipline and mental toughness needed to…
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#10 - "Beyond the Lab: Finding Balance in Science" Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez
31:48
31:48
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31:48Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez, a first-generation Mexican-American scientist who shares how the work ethic passed down from her immigrant parents shaped her approach to both life and academia. Monica reflects on the challenges of being a minority in STEM and how navigating systemic disadva…
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#9 - "Transcending Barriers to New Beginnings" with Dr. Christian Cazares
52:19
52:19
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52:19Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Christian Cazares, who shares his inspiring journey as an immigrant from Mexico, whose parents juggled multiple jobs to provide for their family, instilling in him a strong work ethic that would drive his academic and professional journey. Christian reflects on how scholarships were p…
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#8 - “When Science Meets Resistance: A Story of Strength and Purpose” with Dr. Arash Fassihi
32:08
32:08
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32:08Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Arash Fassihi, a project scientist in the Kleinfeld Laboratory at UC San Diego, where he investigates orofacial movements in rats and explores how the brainstem coordinates complex neural circuitry. In this episode, Dr. Fassihi shares his remarkable academic journey, spanning Iran, I…
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#7 - “I Didn’t Know the Way, So I Made One” with Dr. Marta Pratelli
42:41
42:41
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42:41Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Marta Pratelli, a project scientist in neurobiology at UCSD whose inspiring journey highlights the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate a non-linear path in science. Marta shares how an unexpected logistical issue prevented her from pursuing psychiatry, leading her to discov…
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#6 - “Starting Over Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It” with Dr. Ghodsieh Ghanbari
26:48
26:48
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26:48Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ghodsieh Ghanbari, who shares her inspiring story of resilience and determination as an Iranian immigrant navigating life and academia in the United States. Ghodsieh reflects on the challenges she faced during the 2017 U.S. travel ban, which forced her to wait in uncertainty despite …
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#5 - “Choosing Science, Finding Myself” with Dr. Chris Anderson
49:25
49:25
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49:25Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Christopher Anderson, a guest whose inspiring journey challenges the stereotypes often imposed on Black individuals, especially those from families with little exposure to science. Chris reflects on the internalized racism that can discourage Black individuals from pursuing scientific…
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#4 - “Trying, Failing, and Believing Anyway” with Dr. Neha Varshney
33:50
33:50
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33:50Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Neha Varshney, a remarkable scientist dedicated to fostering future talent in India. Neha shares her inspiring journey of becoming a mentor, and the profound impact mentorship can have on both the mentor and the mentee. She discusses her involvement in outreach programs for underpriv…
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#2 - “Leaving Home, Finding Purpose” with Dr. Ece Bayram
1:06:13
1:06:13
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1:06:13Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Ece Bayram, who shares her experiences as a foreigner navigating life and academia. Ece discusses the impact of imposter syndrome and offers insights into developing strong organizational skills and finding effective mentoring. Silvia and Ece also explore the challenges faced in medi…
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#3 - “It Wasn’t Always the Plan, But I Got Here” with Dr. Taniya Mitra
39:35
39:35
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39:35Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Taniya Mitra, who shares their inspiring journey of perseverance and resilience in the face of life's unexpected challenges. Taniya talks about the importance of finding your way and pursuing your goals with determination, even when life doesn't go as planned. She also discuss some p…
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#1 - "Navigating Paths: Academia, Industry, and Beyond" with Dr. Evan Boyle
38:12
38:12
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38:12Send us a text The podcast episode features an interview with Dr Evan Boyle, a postdoctoral scholar at UC San Diego. Evan discusses his work in RNA biology and his involvement in the Diversity and Science Lecture Series (DASL). He talks about how DASL was founded and his role in leading the organization. Silvia and Evan also discuss the challenges …
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