Black Women in Science Podcast
The Black Women in Science Network
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A podcast from The Black Women in Science Network about the professional and personal issues that matter to Black women. Episodes offer candid conversation on work, identity, science, and everyday life. The show creates space to discuss experiences and priorities relevant to Black women in their careers and beyond.
Episodi
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54. Marine Ecology in The Gambia West Africa with Mrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy 07.09.2026 42minMrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy is a qualified marine ecologist and a National Geographic Explorer based in The Gambia West Africa. She is the founder of the GREAT institute which is the first aquatic and coastal science research institute in The Gambia. On this episode, we discuss her love for the ocean and journey into studying marine science and understanding marine ecosystems. Critically, Maiyai shares with us the pressing marine issues in The Gambia - namely, within 25 years, Banjo, the capital, is at risk of going underwater. We discuss the varying reasons for this and ongoing work and conservation projects that Maiyai has recently led to address this. This includes a project with a multidisciplinary team to map The Gambia River’s mangroves which is the nation’s primary defense against the encroaching Atlantic and a vital source of food security. Her work is part of the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, a multi-year series of expeditions exploring all five ocean basins. We highlight the impact of representation and diversity within marine science and some of the cultural and academic challenges Maiyai has faced in working in this field. We conclude with Maiyai’s personal mission and focus through the GREAT institute as she hopes to prepare and support the next generation of Gambian marine scientists who will define the future of their country’s coastline.Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Mrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy, on LinkedInwww.greatinstitute.org, Follow also on Facebook and Instagram @greatinstitutegambiaMore information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
53. Hydrogeochemistry in the Okavango Delta with Dr Goabaone Ramatlapeng 01.06.2026 1h 7minDr Goabaone Ramatlapeng who is a hydrogeochemist joins us on this episode. She is a National Geographic Wayfinder and Explorer and Research fellow at the University of Botswana, Okavango Research Institute. On this episode, we reflect on her journey into water chemistry which is rooted in her lived experience of water scarcity growing up in a village in Southern Botswana. As a Hydrogeochemist at NGOWP she is leading own initiative investigating how water quality changes across seasons and landscapes throughout the Okavango river basin which covers Angola, Namibia and Botswana. Goabaone shares with us how science can meaningfully integrate and recognise local indigenous knowledge to foster collaboration, demystify science and enable community empowerment in developing sustainable livelihoods. We discuss the importance of conservation and river protection in arid environments and its unique characteristics compared to coastal environments. Goabaone is also a receipient of various awards globally including the annual NG way finder award and 2026 Ramsar Convention Woman Changemaker in Wetland Protection. We discuss the value of recognition for Black female scientists and the pressing issue and impact of underrepresentation. Goabaone has great passion for advocacy and mentorship, and hopes to empower the next generation of african scientists to claim their seat at the table.Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Dr Goabaone J Ramatlapeng LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-goabaone-jaqueline-ramatlapeng-09730810a/ More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
52. Hearing Loss Research with Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams 18.05.2026 1h 3minDr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams is a neuroscientist, currently doing her postdoctoral fellowship at the UCL Ear Institute. She shares her academic journey, including the navigating burnout and overwhelm, as well as the implications of an ADHD diagnosis and transitioning into a postdoc role. We discuss her research looking at the genetics of hearing and balance, where she seeks to understand why we as mammals lose our hearing and balance as we age but birds (like chickens) don’t. Rachel is exploring hearing mechanisms in birds to understand how mammals might be able to regain their hearing ability. We discuss the prevalence of hearing loss and impairment, the importance of representation and raising awareness around hearing difficulties and the inclusion of the deaf community in research. Rachel is also a renowned science communicator, having won awards for Neuroscience communicator of 2025 and spoken at various settings, including science festivals, the BBC and more. We discuss the significance of making science communication engaging and fun. Rachel gives advice on where to look for science communication opportunities. Rachel’s journey inspires us to be willing to try and fail with hope that everything does indeed work out in the end. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-honeyghan-williams-88517190/ YouTube channel - Science and Sorcery (https://www.youtube.com/@scienceandsorcery) RNID - https://rnid.org.uk/ Crest Kits for Young People - https://www.crestawards.org/engage/kit-box/ More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
51. Astrophysics with Dr Larissa Palethorpe 30.03.2026 55minDr Larissa Palethorpe joins us as an astrophysicist. She recently completed her PhD at the university of Edinburgh where she was characterising small exoplanets. On this episode, Larissa introduces us to exoplanets; what they are, how they are discovered, the implications of this research and even the consideration of aliens and technology on other planets. Larissa co-led the discovery of the exoplanet - Gliese 12b - which is the nearest Earth-sized, temperate, transiting planet found to date! It’s been a buzzing discovery but Larissa explains the factors of habitability that still need to be understood. We also discuss her academic journey and the increasing schemes available to support people from underrepresented backgrounds to access research. She will be completing postdoctoral program in Bristol where she hopes to continue her research and grow in her passion for astronomy. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Dr Larissa Palethorpe LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissapalethorpe/ More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
50. Being a Data Scientist with Mary Amanuel (Co-Founder of NHS Python Community) 16.03.2026 1hMiss Mary Amanuel joins us as a Data scientist working at the NHS. On this episode, we discuss her journey into science where she accessed a degree apprenticeship as a data analyst and subsequently qualified as a data scientist. Mary explains the core differences between an apprenticeship and university education and emphasises the importance of providing equal opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. We discuss the barriers to accessing data science and the importance of representation. Mary describes data science as a field that drives impact and solves real-world problems. We talk through some projects Mary has been apart of including cancer risk prediction and supporting survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM). As one who values transparency and accessibility, Mary has co-founded the NHS Python community where she advocates for open-source programming. Mary shares advice on her to keep up with this fast-paced field and emphasises the importance of networking and mentoring. ***Please note: Mary is speaking in a personal capacity. All views expressed are her own and do not represent the organisations she works for or is affiliated with.Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Mary Amanuel LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-amanuel-b9b4621b4/ More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
49. Physics and Law? Patent Litigation with Kathryn Plummer 02.03.2026 42minMiss Kathryn Plummer is patent litigator, but previously worked as a patent attorney. She has completed an MSc Physics and then completed a qualification in intellectual property law. On this episode, Kathryn introduces us to the little known field of patent litigation and how science is vital to this role. We discuss the intersection of physics and law, and her experience of working in corporate settings. She tells us what the differences are between being a patent attorney and patent litigator and what her day to day involves. Kathryn shares the importance of pursuing her aspirations within work while remaining grounded amidst such a fast-paced environment. Kathryn highlights the lack of racial representation in her field and her involvement in outreach projects to improve access. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Kathryn Plummer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-plummer-83411517a/ More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
48. Teaching Physics with Afiya Romain-Bains 16.02.2026 40minMiss Afiya Romain-Bains is a physics teacher and physics education consultant. Afiya takes us through her journey of working in schools in London and teaching through COVID, to then moving and pursuing business in Kenya and living abroad in Brazil. She ultimately discovered her love for online teaching where she then started her own business of online tutoring A-level, GCSE and IGSCE physics. We discuss physics’ traditional reputation as being a majority White field and the importance racial representation in improving access to physics. Afiya tells us about challenges she faces as a teacher and solo entrepreneur whilst trying to foster resilience within young people and make physics accessible and engaging. Afiya’s story is one of innovation, adaptability and creativity where she is willing to try and fail, and hopes the listeners would be encouraged to do the same. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Afiya Romain-Bains LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/afiyaromain-bains/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@learnphysicswithafiyaInstagram & TikTok - @learnphysicswithafiya More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
47. Neuroimaging Research and Inclusion with Dr Yolanda Ohene 02.02.2026 52minDr Yolanda Ohene is a neuroimaging scientist, STEM communicator and director of The Blackett Lab Family, UK collective of Black physicists. She is a physicist by training, and holds a PhD in Medical Imaging from University College London. We discuss her experiences studying abroad in Paris and completing a fellowship in Berlin and how beneficial these opportunities have been in doing science elsewhere. Yolanda has spoken at various events, including science festivals and the BBC. She gives useful advice on developing public speaking skills and the importance of effective science communication. Yolanda shares her journey into neuroimaging and her specific interest in MRI techniques within dementia research. We explore the new developments in the neuroimaging field, the move towards precision medicine and her own work looking at the blood brain barrier and its role in early onset of cognitive decline. We finish with her work within the Blackett lab Family and provisions they’ve made to support students interested in or doing physics. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Dr Yolanda Ohene LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-ohene-05b199a0/ More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. -
46. Respiratory Health Inequities with Dr Sope Wolffs 27.10.2025 50minDr Sope Wolffs is a lecturer in Biomedical science at Cardiff University. With a diverse career background spanning basic and clinical research, trial management and teaching, she is driven by a commitment to people-centred research and inclusive science. On this episode, we discuss Sope’s career trajectory, namely how her personal experience of severe asthma as a child and later experiences engaging with patients with rare condition called IPF, led her to pursue to a PhD in respiratory physiology. Sope tells us about the Equal Breath Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) which seeks to address disparities in lung and respiratory health among Black communities. We discuss the issues of funding in the respiratory health space, limited societal awareness of these issues and the psychological impact of living with these conditions. Sope’s hope is that patient centred research will work towards the goal of helping people breath better. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Dr Sope Wolffs Discussed in episode:Equal Breath PSP Project website Children and Young People Survey (closes early December 2025) Adult Survey (closes early December 2025)More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
45. Improving Black Health Outcomes with Olympia Amoo 22.09.2025 53minOlympia Amoo, senior research nurse for NIHR BioResource, joins us on this episode. She works on Improving Black Health Outcomes Study in London as part of the NiHR BioResource. She has over 10 years of nursing experience where she eventually qualified in paediatric nursing and struck interest in Sickle Cell Disease and other red cell diseases. Olympia shares with us her story of being diagnosed with a rare condition (TTP) that would eventually shape her career journey into pursuing and advocating for patient centred research. We discuss what research nursing entails, why there continues to be a gap between healthcare and Black communities, the systemic nature of racism and ongoing work that is being done to improve health outcomes. Olympia shares with us what Improving Black Health Outcome study entails, some of the emerging findings from this study and how everyone, including healthy people, can get involved. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Ms Olympia Amoo NIHR BioResource Improving Black Health Outcomes StudyMore information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
44. Artificial Intelligence & Dementia with Dr Sophie Martin 01.09.2025 1hDr Sophie Martin is a Research Fellow at University College London, having completed her PhD in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Medical Imaging in 2025 where her research explored the use of AI models for predicting dementia from brain scans. On this episode, we discuss Sophie’s experience of academia, progressing from bachelors to doctorate in one-go. She also tells us about dementia, the challenges within dementia research and how AI can be used to resolve some of these difficulties. We discuss ongoing questions around AI use in healthcare such as patients safety and privacy concerns and recruitment biases. Outside of her research, Sophie is one of the founding directors of The Blackett Lab Family, a network dedicated to connecting, representing and inspiring the next generation of UK based Black physicists.Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Dr Sophie Martin Sophie's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophmrtn/ The Blackett Lab Family - https://theblackettlabfamily.com More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
43. Mercury: A Chemical of Concern with Dr Esohe Irabor 23.06.2025 1h 2minWhat are chemicals of concern and how do they disproportionately affect minoritised communities. On a previous episode with Simone (X) Braithwaite, we discussed the use of toxic chemicals in beauty and personal care products. Dr Esohe Irabor who is an APHL Public Health Laboratory Fellow with a PhD in Biology from Howard University. She completed doctoral research focused on the impact of psychosocial stress on cardiometabolic disease outcomes in African American communities. On this episode, Dr Irabor joins us in continuation of this discussion with a focus on mercury as a chemical of concern. Dr Irabor outlines what mercury is, its harmful effects and why its harms disproportionately affects Black and brown women. We discuss the ongoing challenges in stopping the use of and access to mercury, as well as the importance of racial representation and inclusivity in engaging affected communities in a factual yet sensitive manner. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Dr Esohe Irabor, contact her on LinkedIn Resources mentioned in episode: 1. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: https://www.safecosmetics.org 2. The Equity & Wellness Collaborative: https://www.equitywellness.org 3. EWG’s Skin Deep: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ 4. Black Women For Wellness: https://bwwla.org 5. WeAct for Environmental Justice: https://weact.org More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
42. Beauty Justice - The Tea on Toxic Chemicals with Simone (X) Braithwaite 09.06.2025 1h 3minJust how safe are your cosmetics? Simone (X) Braithwaite works as an Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action in Newark, New Jersey. On this episode, Simone discusses one of her campaigns called Tea on Toxic Beauty. She introduces us to the concept of beauty justice, which looks at the disproportionate use of toxic chemicals in products marketed to black women and the subsequent adverse health outcomes Black women face as a result. We talk about the ongoing challenges with changing cosmetic legislation and regulation, why companies appear reluctant to move towards non-toxic product formulations and the importance of storytelling to empower and redeem narratives in Black and brown communities. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Guest: Simone (X) Braithwaite Information mentioned in episode: Tea on Toxic Beauty (webpage)Tea on Toxic Beauty ResourcesNon-Toxic Black Beauty Product Database – Campaign for Safe CosmeticsRed List: Chemicals of Concern – Campaign for Safe CosmeticsRed List: Chemicals of Greater Concern to Black Women – Campaign for Safe CosmeticsSafer Beauty Bill Package – Breast Cancer Prevention PartnersEnvironmental Working Group Skin Deep DatabaseClearya: Nontoxic Shopping Made EasyRetailer Report Card – Toxic-Free FutureBoston University Hair Relaxer Study: https://www.bu.edu/ctsi/2023/10/12/first-large-study-of-hair-relaxers-among-black-women-finds-increased-risk-of-uterine-cancer/ Harvard School of Public Health: Uncovering the dangers of hair products marketed to Black women, girlsBWIS information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
41. Neuroaesthetics Research with Dwaynica Greaves 26.05.2025 1h 6minHave you ever wondered whether arts and science can combined? Dwaynica Greaves, a PhD candidate at UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, joins us on this episode to show us how this is possible. Neuroaesthetics seeks to understand the complexities of human behaviour from another lens. Dwaynica’s doctoral thesis explores the effects of theatre training on actor’s sense of self. We discuss the implications of neuroaesthetics research in the development of prosocial behaviours. Dwaynica also shares her experiences of being in academia, the challenges of funding and the great benefit of having supportive supervisors. She has also contributed a chapter to the Black PhD Experience. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Contact Dwaynica Greaves on her website! More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
40. Aerospace Engineering in Motor Sports with Laila Fadli Dokkali 12.05.2025 50minLaila Fadli Dokkali works at Mercedes High Performance Powertrains as a Simulation Engineer for their Formula One Team. Her love for engines and races as a child, led her to pursuing a career in Motorsports where she gained an Aerospace Engineering degree. Laila tells us some of challenges she experienced as a Black autistic child in the education system growing up in Spain. She shares how gaining supportive adjustments in university allowed her to flourish and excel in academics. Laila tells us about the lack of diversity and representation within Motorsports and how she is working to change this through being an D&EI advocate and her work at Motives. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Contact Laila Fadli Dokkali LinkedIn More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
39. Capturing Black Autistic Women's Experiences with Dr Shereen Everett 22.04.2025 1h 17minApril is National autism Awareness Month. Yet, research on Black autistic people remains elusive even today. On this episode, Dr Shereen Everett, a recently qualified clinical psychologist, takes through her doctoral research project exploring Black autistic women’s experiences. Dr Everett shares her experience of getting onto the clinical psychology doctorate, including the challenges. She then explains her research methodology and findings in-depth. Her research highlights the importance of representation and diversity in how society views and identifies autism in the Black community. Dr Everett looks forward to publishing her research to increase awareness and empower Black women to embrace their autistic identity. (Please note: this episode was recorded in October 2024 when Shereen was still completing her training)Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network **Clarification: At 50min 23s, Tulela makes a comment that “we do have a particular idea of what autism looks like, a little white boy throwing a tantrum”. To be clear, she was referring to how this is society’s stereotypical idea of what autism entails. Contact Shereen Everett:LinkedInMore information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
38. The 2024 Episode Sum Up with Tomi Akingbade (Founder of BWiS) 07.04.2025 29min2024 was a busy year for the podcast. Tomi Akingbade, BWiS Founder, and Tulela, Podcast Host, go through the stats for the fan favourites, recap some episodes and discuss their goals and hopes for the podcast in 2025. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
37. Cosmetic Science with Jaylene Kunaoye 07.10.2024 50minJaylene Kunaoye, a cosmetic scientist working in the compliance area of the industry where products are rigorously tested for effectiveness and safety. On this episode, she defines what cosmetics are, their function and how they are made. We discuss the increasing ant-chemical culture when it comes to products and how the consumers can give ingredients, like parabens and SLS, bad reps without understanding the chemical structures involved. Jaylene offers helpful insight into reading product labels and some beauty tips for Black women. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network Get in touch with Jaylene! YouTube Channel - Jaylenekunaoye Instagram - @jaykuns._ TikTok - @jaykuns More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
36. Aphids and Plant Immunity with Dr Jade Bleau 23.09.2024 42minDr Jade Bleau is a plant scientist looking at molecular interactions between plants and aphids. On this episode, she takes us through what aphids are, how they affect plant immune systems and, consequently, affect food crop plants. Dr Bleau tells us about the benefit of plants having genetic resistance to aphids versus relying on external measures like insecticides. She briefly explains the strict legislation around gene-edited and/or genetically modified foods. Dr Bleau ends with her volunteering work for Black Botanists Week and Black In Plant Science. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network ***Black in Plant Science Inaugural Conference (Tuesday, 22 October 2024) - Click here to sign up! Check out Black in Plant Science UK: blackinplantscience.org @blackinplantsci - X (formerly known as 'Twitter') @blackinplantsci - BlueSky @blackinplantscienceuk - LinkedIn [email protected] More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/ -
35. How Racism Creates Health Disparities with Dr Layal Liverpool (Author of 'Systemic: How Racism Is Making Us Ill') 08.07.2024 58minWorking as an Oxford-trained virologist and science journalist, Dr Layal Liverpool exposes how racism pervades across healthcare and society in her first ever book. She posits that the systemic presence of racism drives racial health disparities globally. She explains how racism negatively influences medical methodologies, screening tools and medical practices, and how this, consequently, results in poorer health outcomes for people of colour. We talk about some of the topics and research in her book, including mental healthcare access, environmental justice, missing data in research and the collective responsibility we all have to dismantle racism and foster health equity. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network To buy Dr Liverpool's book and find out more about her work, click here! More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/
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