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Ordinarily Extraordinary - Conversations with women in STEMAuthor: Kathy Nelson
Were Kathy Kale Nelson and Linda LaTourelle co-hosts of Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM.Our mission is to amplify the voices of ordinary women doing extraordinary work in science, technology, engineering, and math.Were deeply committed to:Normalizing the presence of women in STEM by making their stories visibleBuilding community for women who may be the only ones like them in their workplaceEducating listeners about the wide variety of STEM careers and what they actually look likeEmpowering growth and retention by addressing the challenges behind the leaky pipelineFrom early-career professionals to experienced leaders in a wide variety of STEM fields, our guests share how they got started, how theyve grown, and what theyve learned along the way. This podcast is a space where women in STEM can be seen, heard, and supported because representation isnt just powerful, its essential. Language: en-us Genres: Science, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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144. Dr. Elizabeth Mendes (Elizabeth the Scientist); Pediatric Cancer Research; Molecular Biology.
Episode 144
Tuesday, 27 January, 2026
In this episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM, host Kathy Nelson sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Mendes, a newly minted PhD and postdoctoral researcher whose work focuses on rare and aggressive pediatric cancers.Dr. Mendes recently completed her PhD at Duke University, where she spent over five years researching rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood soft-tissue cancer. Her goal: identify new biological targets that could one day lead to better, more effective treatments for children. Kathy and Liz explore not only the science behind pediatric cancer research, but also the deeply human reasons that drive this work.What We Talk About in This EpisodeWhat pediatric sarcomas are—and why they’re so challenging to treatLiz breaks down complex cancer biology in an approachable way, explaining how sarcomas differ from more common cancers and why their ability to “change form” makes them particularly dangerous.A non-traditional path into scienceFrom archaeology and zoology to teaching middle school math and science, Liz shares how curiosity—and not a straight line—ultimately led her to molecular biology, cancer research, and a PhD.Choosing pediatric cancer researchLiz explains why she decided to focus on rare childhood cancers that receive less funding but have devastating outcomes—and how personal experiences with cancer shaped that decision.Science close to the patientWe discuss the importance (and rarity) of researchers interacting directly with patients, families, and clinicians—and how those experiences fundamentally change how science is done.Life after the PhD: postdocs, fellowships, and moving to the UKLiz shares what it’s like to finish a PhD, move countries, start a new research position, and navigate life and work during a major transition.Being your whole self in STEMFrom makeup and music to mental health and social media, Liz talks about rejecting outdated stereotypes of what scientists “should” look like—and why authenticity matters for the next generation.Representation, mentorship, and science communicationLiz reflects on why visibility matters, especially for women and first-generation students, and how platforms like social media can help make science more accessible and human.A Conversation About More Than ScienceThis episode goes beyond lab work and credentials. It’s a candid conversation about grief, resilience, identity, and the responsibility scientists carry—not just to discovery, but to people. Liz’s story is a powerful reminder that STEM careers don’t require fitting into a mold—and that compassion belongs in science.If you enjoyed this episode:Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow or subscribe so you never miss an episodeShare with a friend, colleague, or student who might need this storyHave thoughts, questions, or guest suggestions?Email us at ordinarilyextraordinarypod@gmail.com or leave a voicemail on our website.Support the show
