Big Sisters in STEM
Big Sisters in STEM
4.8from 16 ratings
- 15
- Episodes
- 16
- Ratings
- 2024
- First episode
About Big Sisters in STEM
Who gets to decide where you belong? Which subjects to study, what university to go to, or how to choose your path? It should be you - and only you - but the reality can be more complicated than that. The University of Manchester’s Number One Podcast has returned with an elevated sense-of-self and a new line up of experts, ready to bring topical issues into the hot seat. From ADHD, confidence and fan-girling, to self-growth, 'getting it wrong' and being a better trans ally - we're not afraid to get deep into these (sometimes uncomfortable) conversations. This season looks a little different, with Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her) joined by Co-Producer Alice Stevens (she/her) - together inviting a total of eleven phenomenal guests from across the STEM sphere to share their experiences, advice, and take the mic. Platforming the voices of women and marginalised groups of all ages and walks of life, you'll hear from university students, researchers, and industry experts as we discuss everything from choosing your A-Levels to fighting the entrenched class system.
- Publisher
- Big Sisters in STEM
- Category
- science · society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 4 Mar 2024
- Latest episode
- 10 Dec 2025
Latest episodes
15 episodes in the feed.
10 Dec 2025
Equal opportunity, intersectionality and where DOES physics meet philosophy?
“Equal opportunity, intersectionality and where DOES physics meet philosophy?" In conversation with UoM VC Prof Duncan Ivison – a bonus episode Following a season filled with big questions, we’re BACK - and this time we’re taking them straight to the top. In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Professor Duncan Ivison (he/him), Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, to explore what equal opportunity, centering human experience, and intersectionality really mean for the future of STEM and beyond. We are also joined by Season Two Big Sister and exceptionally gifted Physics Student, Esther Ngongala (she/her). Listen as Esther and Duncan quickly find common ground across her world of Physics and his in Philosophy, and we find ourselves asking: is identifying the right question as illuminating as finding the answer? So, grab a coffee and settle in for an episode where STEM meets the Humanities, and where we’re reminded that together we may be stronger than ever. About our guests Since joining the University in August 2024, Duncan has become a beloved face on campus, and a friend to students and staff alike. Raised in Montreal, and previously serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor at The University of Sydney, Duncan’s own educational background is within political philosophy and theory. He has written extensively on postcolonialism, liberalism, and indigenous rights - and yes, we did prepare for this episode by reading his paper ‘Why Globalise the Curriculum?’ If you’re a Season Two listener, you will recognise Esther Ndongala from Episode 4, where she shared her journey into studying Physics at Manchester. From a summer spent in research labs through the Nuffield Scheme to becoming a Cowrie Scholar, Esther not only excels in understanding complex science and its impact, but she has a gift for communicating it. Now in her second year, we can’t wait to see where her path leads next.
16 Jun 2025
Becoming a leader, choosing engineering, and taking a break
Amrit Dhillon discusses her election as a student representative for the University of Manchester's Faculty of Science and Engineering, advocating for student interests and promoting inclusivity in STEM, in this interview.
16 Jun 2025
Rocks ARE Cool, physics is a team sport, and art is essential in STEM
Geologist Natalie Farrell and physics student Esther Ndongala share their experiences in STEM, discussing rock deformation, physics research, and the importance of art, in this interview episode.
16 Jun 2025
State school, hard work, and going for GOLD
Catherine Sayer and Aram Ameen discuss achieving ambitious goals through hard work and determination, while also addressing the challenges faced by working-class students in STEM, in an interview.
2 Apr 2025
Being a fangirl, ADHD, and carving your own spaces
What better way to start season two than with a sprinkle of inspiration? From chasing your dreams, to recognising your strengths, we are joined by two guests who have actually already met. Jari (she/her) was plucked out of a queue at a career event by Tam (she/her) who recognised what it felt like to feel drowned out by louder voices. Tam actually has a picture of this moment on her LinkedIn profile! Today your hosts Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her) and Alice Stevens (she/her) reunite the two to talk about what it means to refuse to shrink yourself and how to amplify the things that make your skillset unique at school, university, in your careers, and at home. It can't go without saying how delighted we are to be joined by Tammana Haque (she/her), Lead Data Scientist at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and University of Manchester (UoM) alum. You could call Tam a master of manifestation, as this is the same person who fangirled over Jaguar as a little girl online. From a young age, she has also always loved Maths (together with her twin sister!) and is passionate about the subject of Maths as one of the best pathways to data science. At JLR, Tam has also set up a 'Women in AI' network and she has recently welcomed her first child, Lana. It is also a total joy to welcome to the show, Jari (she/her) - third year Mechatronics student, winner of UoM Hackathon 2024, and multi-passionate advocate for making de-stigmatising neurodivergence. Specifically, we explore Jari's experiences in STEM leading to, and since her, ADHD diagnosis, and both the challenges and huge strengths in that brings. From appreciation of the arts to pattern recognition - we leave no stone unturned! So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.
2 Apr 2025
Confidence, exams, and finding your path
When you hear someone say "...and then I ate my words", you know it's going to be a good episode. Joining our hosts Jasmine (she/her) and Alice (she/her) are Modinat and Ashika, cha [x] about the gift of confidence - a sprinkle of which can be the difference between a B and an A*, it turns out. There's also discourse on getting the energy right - finding that delicate balance between work/home, and who fills your cup - as well as how our guests found their path into this wacky and wonderful industry. That's the good, the bad, and the ugly. We're joined by Modinat (she/her), a first year PhD student in Inorganic Chemistry and the baby of her research peers! She really cares about making her craft (making mirrors sounds pretty much like magic) accessible for others on a global scale with her social media, as well through conversations at the kitchen table with her family. We're lucky enough to have not one, but two fundamental science girlies with us! Ashika (she/her) is a Physics alumni and expert STEM tutor for high-school students all around the world. Aside from getting them the best grades, she is a BIG advocate for emboldening students with critical thinking and a lasting confidence to store in their life-long 'toolkit'. So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.
2 Apr 2025
Self-growth, allyship, and learning to ask questions
What if you could change things? Break barriers, earn a PhD, be more confident? The good news is, you can. Today we're joined by Researcher Claire Brown (she/her) from The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, who looks closely at social housing being built in the UK, using climate scenarios to see how our infrastructure might perform in 2050 or even 2080. Claire is also co-chair of the IEMA North West Steering Group, a mum of two, and brings her PhD to an impressive resume built on over 15 years industry experience. Also a working on her PhD after dipping her toe into industry waters at Cambridge Business Park, we are lucky to have Elle Franks (she/her). Elle's research area is all about improving our telescopes and radio signals from space. Alongside her busy schedule studying and teaching, Elle is an advocate for authentic LGBTQI+ representation and role models, recently filming for the BBC debunking the 'dangers' of EMF blockers. Joining our hosts Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her) and Alice Stevens (she/her), we talk about everything from 'being a little nosey' to returning to education as a mature student. Site-work, empowerment, finding the right fit on your journey... expect golden advice from the best. So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.
14 Feb 2025
Big Sisters in STEM S2: Teaser
Host Jasmine introduces the new season of Big Sisters in STEM, highlighting upcoming discussions with STEM experts on topics ranging from ADHD to awards, in this season teaser.
1 May 2024
Making an impact, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to conform
It’s our final episode of season one, and we’re going out with a bang! Delving into the dimension of supercars and laundry detergents designed for NASA, Jasmine (she/her) is joined by University of Manchester alumni Ella Podmore MBE (she/her) and Chemical Engineering student Shree Kumaresan (she/her). Challenging the expectation that women in engineering must have been raised with a spanner in their hand, Ella argues that it’s actually a brave choice to remain a “girl’s girl” in a masculine space. Together, we talk about subverting expectations and how it’s okay if you haven’t got imposter syndrome all figured out yet… after all, who does? As Shree prepares to enter her industrial placement this Summer, she opens up on how it feels to be intimidated by the idea of entering new spaces, but also excited. It’s all about embracing our evolution – in our education, career, and ourselves! So for the final time this season, 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. ____ Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cd6_IlETQ2A · About the guests Where do we begin when it comes to introducing Ella Podmore MBE (she/her)? Previous IET Woman Engineer of the Year, Senior Materials Engineer at McLaren, MBE holder, and of course, Manchester alum (!) – Ella is virtually famous back here on the campus she once studied at. Today we talk about the cutting-edge work Ella is working on not only as an Engineer, but also in engaging with the wider community and nurturing upcoming young voices in the field too. As we traverse imposter syndrome, being a ‘girl’s girl’ in a traditionally masculine field, and finding your voice, we come to know Ella as both an inspiration and a truly supportive voice. Be it winning writing competitions, learning new languages, or approaching STEM a little differently, Shree Kumaresan (she/her) believes in taking a holistic approach to solving real-world problems. A Chemical Engineering student keen to get started on her fast-approaching industrial placement, it feels like we’ve caught her at an exciting turning point. Jasmine says: ‘It’s immediately clear Shree is driven by a desire to innovate and invent, and she is already doing those things - through combining the problem-solving of maths with the science of chemistry!’
24 Apr 2024
Speaking up, the climate crisis, and being on the crest of a wave
Speaking out about the things that matter, matters. This week Jasmine is diving into the deep end with Professor of Climate Science and Energy, Alice Larkin (she/her), and Ishita Somwanshi (she/her) a first year Materials Science and Engineering student. When you find yourself riding the crest of a wave, Alice argues it’s important to bring others along with you. Be it in climate science or creating equal opportunities, Alice and Ishita both agree that we can’t change the world by ourselves – it takes a village! From decoding gendered language to reducing shipping emissions, this episode is filled with both newsworthy topics and unexpected directions. Join us to learn why it’s so important to speak up for our peers, even when they’re not in the room, and why it’s okay if your journey into STEM hasn’t been a straight line because together, our differences make us stronger. As Alice would say, ‘It isn’t about individuals, it’s about the collective’. So 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. ____ Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7EsaXJ4hJDw About the guests Where do we begin introducing Professor Alice Larkin (she/her)? Currently a Professor in Climate Science and Energy Policy at The Tyndall Centre, and previously Head of Engineering here at The University of Manchester, Alice has committed her career to making positive change. Be it through advocating for holistic sustainability solutions, or personally changing recruitment methods to use less gendered language, Alice goes above and beyond to create a better future for others. A true changemaker, we couldn’t be more honoured to have her join the Big Sisters community. As a first year Materials Science and Engineering student at The University of Manchester, Ishita Somwanshi (she/her) might be in her discovery phase, but she’s learning fast. Attracted to Materials in her pursuit to study something interdisciplinary, Ishita is keen to make a big impact and already investigating the sectors responsible for heavy fossil fuel usage, and how her skillset could help to create solutions for these. A scholarship holder with a natural ability for professional public speaking, Jasmine knew she wanted Ishita on the show as soon as they met: ‘Ishita has this ability to look at the big picture and quickly find puzzle pieces within it, which she could fill – watch this space!’.
17 Apr 2024
Role models, unlocking creativity, and shedding stereotypes
From Star Wars to Avatar... you can find pieces of Dr Zahra Montazeri (she/her) and her work throughout some of your favourite films. Today she explains not only how she employs science to create such magical results, but how important it is to believe in your abilities on your journey. From Iran to Turkey, and from California to the UK – Zahra knows talent, hard work, and self-belief can take you anywhere and everywhere. No one knows this better than Cagla Velidedeoglu (she/her) – a final year Civil Engineering student whose journey has already taken her from Turkey to the UK. Driven by adapting our built environment for a changing world, she is motivated by helping socities become more resilient to climate change temperatures and conditions. Our host, Jasmine, described Cagla as ‘one of the most self-motivated, together, and inspiring students I have ever met’. From animated films to futureproof cityscapes, we believe creativity comes in all shapes and sizes and no topic is off the table today. Role models, the feminine urge to over-burden we, nurturing curiosity, rejecting stereotypes – we can’t wait to share this one with you. So 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. ____ Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aTglnAVpBxY ____ About the guests Not only is Zahra Montazeri (she/her) a beloved lecturer in Computer Science here at The University of Manchester, but you can also find her name in the credits for Star Wars! A true advocate for just how creative STEM can be, Zahra’s career speaks for itself – having worked for industry leaders including Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. Now, she continues to push boundaries as she develops computer graphics from an academic perspective, recently winning the Best Paper Award for her modelling work, as used in Avatar: Way of Water. You might also recognise her voice today, from her appearance on BBC Radio on International Women’s Day! Cagla (she/her) is a final year Civil Engineering student who will undoubtedly go on to make an impact. Whilst studying here at Manchester, Cagla has consistently sought-out ways to adapt our cities, roads, and built world for the environmental effects of climate change. Beyond this, she works outside of her subject, representing the University at events and online, to share just how important civil engineering work is going to be as we rebuild and design our planet for a changed future. One of the first students she met when joining the University, there aren’t many people our host, Jasmine, talks more highly of: ‘Cagla’s love for her subject is infectious, and important. I wish everyone could have a Cagla by their side at University.’
9 Apr 2024
Burn out, defying expectations, and curing cancer
‘If you’re a creative person that can write well, then science is for you!’ Professor Emma Crosbie On today’s episode, we’re talking about defying expectations and looking out for yourself while you do. From letting go of the things which no longer serve you, to refusing to let other people hinder your aspirations – in the end, to support others you must learn to support yourself first. You may think things look and sound a little busier than normal, and that’s because they are! This week, Jasmine is joined by three guests, each at different stages of their journey in with their own valuable insight to share. Meet Professor of Gynaecological Oncology and Clinical Academic Emma (she/her), fourth year Medicine Student Humna (she/her), and final year Biotechnology Student Dorsa (she/her). 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. ____ Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpJ4ISSChse3L3q6c74USF6ecU3L79vzu ____ · About the guests Professor Emma Crosbie (she/her) is a Clinical Academic in Gynaecological Oncology at The University of Manchester – meaning she splits her time between helping patients in hospital and working on the research which could change everything. Her especial focus is the screening, prevention, and early diagnosis of gynaecological cancers, as well as developing new treatments for those with established disease. A certified master at spinning plates and breaking through new barriers, in addition to her incredible career, Emma can speak as a Mum of three children and how yes, it is very much possible to do both. Humna Amar (she/her) is in her fourth year studying Medicine here at the University and loves her subject most when helping people on-site in hospital. Currently amid what is often called ‘the toughest year’ of her course, she chooses to look at things differently – with several extracurricular activities to make sure her weeks feel balanced and rewarding. Our host, Jasmine, says ‘Humna looks at the world with a wisdom so far beyond her years. And, sidenote, as a big sister myself, her words about her older sister had me blinking back tears.’ Dorsa Moezzi (she/her) is a final year Biotechnology student here at the University, and truly embraces the process of learning and growing. Sharing this joy with others is a passion for Dorsa, who has taken on the responsibility of a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Scheme) Coordinator – continually working to support others as they adjust to university life and study. As she approaches her final months of her undergraduate, Dorsa looks back fondly and forward with wonder and excitement – a transitional moment and rite of passage for so many of us. In her own words, ‘Life goes on and change happens organically.’
3 Apr 2024
Coding IS fun, sustainable fashion, and being the main character
Shouldn’t we all be the main character in our own lives? This week Jasmine talks sustainability and finding support systems with two guests – Fashion Business and Technology Lecturer Charlene Gallery (she/her), and final year Computer Science Student Eman Ahsan (she/her). From 3D modelling the shoes on your feet, to using technology to mitigate the need for waste in clothes sampling, Charlene advocates that STEM and the Arts are stronger together. As two worlds collide, Eman shares her own perspective on the rapidly developing tech world and looks out at the possibilities ahead. Expect serious discussions about modern world, sprinkled with belly laughs and ‘aha!’ moments! 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. ____ Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpJ4ISSChse3L3q6c74USF6ecU3L79vzu ____ About the guests Charlene Gallery (she/her) is a lecturer in Fashion Business and Technology at The University of Manchester, and one of the many responsibilities she has taken on is that of Employability Tutor to her students: ‘You know, I always advocate for students to get industry experience’. This makes perfect sense, as Charlene’s own incredible portfolio goes far beyond working in Higher Education – she has also worked in the Fashion Industry with brands including Ralph Lauren, Inditex, and more. Today, Charlene shares why it’s so important to gain our own experiences, but also the role of supportive spaces, and how STEM is actually much bigger than you might think. Eman Ahsan (she/her) is a final year Computer Science student here at the University, with a passion for problem-solving, coding, and applying computer science in broad and exciting ways. As part of her degree, Eman has also completed a year in industry, which sparks conversation today – the tracking technology she used in a manufacturing application also cropping up in the Fashion Industry. Eman has long been an inspiration to our Host, Jasmine, as for years she has gone out of her way to talk to and support others considering Higher Education.
27 Mar 2024
‘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. ____ Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem (https://www.instagram.com/bigsistersinstem) Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KRGD7GBhVUM ____ 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!’
4 Mar 2024
Big Sisters in STEM: Teaser
Coming soon...
Who has been a guest on Big Sisters in STEM
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
- Amrit Dhillon
- Natalie Farrell
- Esther Ndongala
- Catherine Sayer
- Aram Ameen
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Spotify
- 4.8 / 5
- 16 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 10
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 71
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