Big Sisters in STEM - Episode 1: ‘Little things’ matter, intersectionality, and changing the world

We begin our journey with two guests aligned in their passion of making a positive impact on our planet, Ciara (she/her) and Vanessa (they/them). Ciara bringing her experience as an Aerospace Systems Lecturer, and Vanessa theirs as an Earth and Environmental Science student. You may be surprised just how much their passions collide, but then again, isn’t bringing different perspectives together what innovating is all about?
Joining our Host, Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her), we talk about how the little things around us can make a big difference when it comes to inspiring the paths we take - be that staring up at the stars or having access to outside spaces to interact with nature. Beyond this we look at how everything is connected, and how intersectionality in both skillsets and backgrounds is vital to creative outcomes, and how there really is more than one way to be a great engineer or scientist.
Put your headphones on, get comfy, and join us as we sit down and share our stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh too. If you thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice, yes you do.
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Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem
Watch the episode on KZbin: • Big Sisters in STEM - ...
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About the guests
Ciara McGrath (she/her) is a lecturer in Aerospace Systems here at the University and specialises in space mission design and astrodynamics - with a big focus on sustainable spacecraft designs which can provide valuable data to us here on earth. The astronomical impact and possibilities which Ciara’s work opens hasn’t gone unnoticed, and we just had to mention that among her achievements she has previously been named IET’s Woman of the Year. As she joins us, we learn that space technology might not be as distant as we think, and how it holds the power to significantly improve lives here on earth.
Vanessa Thai (they/them) is a first year Earth and Environmental student at The University of Manchester, whose passion for an innovative, more creative approach to science earned them a sought-after scholarship here at Manchester, and much admiration from their peers. Our Host, Jasmine first met Vanessa when they took to the stage to deliver a speech in Vanessa’s first semester at university. Jasmine cannot talk highly ‘I was so inspired with how they spoke about the interconnectedness of the world, I remember getting chills!’
00:00 Intro
01:33 Passion vs Subject: what sparked the direction of STEM you took?
13:30 Diversity of specialisms and background?
27:03 There’s more than one way to be a great engineer or scientist
43:04 Advice from 5 years ago

[@avtshar]

33:35 What Ciara said about making space more accessible - not exclusive to NASA scientists - was so interesting! I completely agree with that sentiment. I’ll admit I don’t know much about space, but I really should learn more about our environment beyond our planet as well 🔭🪐🛰️