In this episode we meet my dear friend, Dr. Deborah A. Kashy, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University (MSU).  Season 2 is dedicated to her memory honoring her lifetime commitment to inspiring young students to pursue their academic and career goals.

Most recently, Deborah was awarded the College of Social Science’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Teaching, Research, and Service. With nearly 25 years of service at Michigan State University, Dr. Kashy has established a record of remarkable achievements in scholarship, instruction, and mentorship, as well as exceptional service to both the University and the field of social psychology.   

Deborah shares her journey in the STEM field and how she became such an accomplished professor. Some highlights of her episode include: 

• How she pivoted in college, and briefly took a break from her studies, and discovered a renewed motivation for returning to school after a brief stint in the workplace..

• Being patient with yourself in your education path, and not  giving up on your dreams so quickly.

• How it’s very valuable for students to get experience outside of the college environment. Real life experience is useful in finding your passion.

• Her top pieces of advice include: Advocate for yourself, take advantage of and make opportunities happen. 

• Seeking feedback from your colleagues is valuable in helping you grow as a professional.

Dr. Kashy has authored over 140 publications, received over 32,000 citations, and earned multiple awards. Among her notable contributions is co-authoring a reference book on analyzing dyadic data, Dyadic Data Analysis, which has become the go-to resource for social scientists and has been cited over 7,000 times. In 2005 Dr. Kashy received the Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award from the College of Social Science at MSU.

She=mc2  is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.

In this episode, we meet Giulia Lanza who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Padova, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious schools in Italy. Giulia is a vacuum technology engineer at SLAC - The National Accelerator Laboratory in the Department of Energy run by Stanford University. SLAC is a federally-funded research and development center in Menlo Park, California.

Giulia shares her path, including:

• Being an avid reader and writer before discovering a talent for math in middle school.
• When she knew she had found the right position in her career.
• Learning that hard work is not everything and the the importance of understanding who is influencing your growth.
• Her dream to introduce young women to the diversity in engineering and the STEM fields and support them in their early career.

Giulia is also a champion for women and diversity in science, as the Co-Founder of the SAGE program (SCIENCE Accelerating Girls’ Engagement). SAGE is a summer camp/internship program for high school students. The SAGE Mission is to engage curious and passionate students, while empowering them to explore a wide range of possibilities for their future.

SAGE offers opportunities and support as students move along their academic and career paths. The student’s SAGE Journey starts with the SAGE Summer Camp, hosted by scientists, engineers, and staff from participating Department of Energy National Laboratories. It continues with SAGE live events, SAGE internships in National Laboratories all over the country, early job careers, and leadership opportunities. What a cool program! You can learn more about the SAGE program on their website and youtube channel, including updates on live events and information sessions.

she=mc2  is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.

In this episode we meet Mary Ensch, a Senior Staff Professional at Geosyntec Consultants. Mary received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. 

Mary is now using her passion for sustainability and the environment to jump start a career focused on environmental remediation and litigation for emerging contaminants.

Mary shares her journey in science and how she has become such an accomplished professional in her career. Including:

• How her natural curiosity as a child to solve problems, building, and her passion for the environment led her to the field of science.
• How her father’s passion and talent for repairing and reusing things, helped set the foundation for Mary to be a first-generation college student leading to a Ph.D. in a challenging major.
• The importance of having friends you can rely on to get you through the challenging times during your education.
• Finding an internship to help pay expenses through college while gaining experience.
• Be willing to try new things and don’t be afraid to make a change.

Mary has three first author publications and has been featured as a co-author on two others. In addition, she currently has one patent application on an electrode apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid. She recently was awarded a patent for an electrochemical method for sample pretreatment for metals determination (February 2023). Mary had the pleasure of presenting her research at numerous conferences in Canada, Germany, Italy, and the United States. 

She=mc2  is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.

In this episode we meet Mellisa Powers-Taylor, a science leader that wears many hats, including AIPG Michigan Section Past President, US EPA On-Scene Coordinator, and STEM Advocate and Geology Enthusiast. Mellisa shares her path in science and how she has become accomplished in her career. Including:

• How she discovered a surprising interest in geology during college.
• The importance of professional networking while in college and early in your career.
• The need for women to lift each other up and the power of being confident, kind, and empathetic in the workplace.
• Why you should not be afraid to look for an opportunity that is a better fit for you.
• The impact of staying relevant within your field and industry.

Mellisa Powers-Taylor is an Environmental Geologist with nearly ten years of professional experience working on contaminated site investigations and remediation programs.  She earned bachelor degrees in Environmental Science and Geology and a masters degree in Geology from Wayne State University. Mellisa was an Environmental Protection Specialist with the US Army and a Superfund Project Manager for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. She now works for the federal government implementing Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) programs. 

She=mc2  is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.

In this episode we meet Sarah Meyer, the Chief Operating Officer of Enspired Solutions, a women-owned, women-led remediation company focusing on eliminating forever chemicals. 

Sarah shares highlights about how she landed her dream job, including:

• Her pursuit of finding the right fit in the science field while attending college.
• How she knew it was time to move on in her career, and how it is so important to “Listen to your inner voice.”
• The value in having a strong mentor in your field.
• Being an advocate for yourself, even if you're the youngest person in the room.
• Her mom’s advice, that helped her make a pivotal decision in her career. 
• The importance of having interests outside of work and being around diverse people makes her better at work. 

Sarah is an environmental scientist with over 25 years of experience in research and consulting on solutions for contaminated waterways throughout the United States. She has a bachelors’ degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in marine science, and is a consummate optimist. She hails from the Upper Midwest, though she has lived, studied and worked on both coasts. During her career, Sarah has enjoyed collaborating with great people doing fulfilling work to improve human health and the environment; and she also recognizes that there were times in her career when she struggled in positions that didn’t bring out her best. All of these experiences brought her to where she is today.sh(e)=mc2 is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.

In the early 1980s, 11-year old Maya Murshak and her family emigrate from their home in Estonia. After several stops in Europe, Maya and her family eventually make their way to the United States. In this episode we turn the microphones around and meet Maya, the host of sh(e)=mc2 and CEO of Merit Laboratories.  Maya is interviewed by Heidi Komar, the podcast’s producer. 

Maya shares her story, the family challenges, what her mother Violetta instilled in her which continues to drive her to this day, and more about her journey that led to earning an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University. Maya shares her motivation behind creating this podcast and her goal of reaching young women and inspiring them to choose a career in science. We also get a peek into what motivates Maya to continue the important work in the environmental laboratory business.  She dreams of the day where women will be equally represented and respected in the scientific community. sh(e)=mc2 is connecting with other women to continue spreading the light, energy and power of women. 

sh(e)=mc2 is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.

Jill Tietjen, PE: "You have to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way…"

In this episode we meet Jill Tietjen. Jill shares her insight and experience with overcoming obstacles. “What do you do when there’s an obstacle in your way?”  Author, international speaker, and electrical engineer, Jill Tietjen has spent more than 45 years in the electric utility business as a consultant and expert witness and is an advocate for women worldwide. She has authored or co-authored 12 books to date. Her award-winning and bestselling books include, Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America and Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies. Her latest award-winning book (Fulcrum, 2022), Over, Under, Around, and Through: How Hall of Famers Surmount Obstacles, has been called inspirational and uplifting.

Jill was  one of the first ten women to graduate with a degree in Engineering from the University of Virginia. She graduated (Tau Beta Pi, Virginia Alpha) with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics (minor in Electrical Engineering) and received her M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. She is a registered professional engineer in Colorado. Connect with Jill through her website at jilltietjen.com/.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories, Inc. is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.

sh(e)=mc2 is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

In this episode we meet Kim Tucker-Billingslea, Senior Environmental Project Engineer for General Motors. Kim has over 35 years of experience directing site remediation strategies for large complex sites. A Detroiter with a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Kim discusses the importance of having grit, being flexible, and the power of opening yourself up to new experiences. As a trailblazer in her profession, Kim shares her career path and experience with General Motors Corporation. She shares her story overcoming stereotypes.

Kim graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Hazardous Waste Management. She was inducted into the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society and the David Mackenzie Honor Society (now Irvin D. Reid Honor Society). Kim maintains professional memberships in the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers; National Society of Black Engineers; Society of Women Engineers; WSU Women in Engineering Leadership Society; WSU Engineering Alumni Council; Michigan Environmental Laboratory Association.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories, Inc. is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our ⁠website⁠.

sh(e)=mc2 is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.