Welcome to Mind Over Molecules, where student researchers grow into future changemakers! Hosted by Julia Coppo, we’re breaking down barriers in research, building unstoppable mindsets, and diving headfirst into the emerging frontiers of biotechnology, immunotherapy, and the countless innovations in biomedical research that are shaping our future. From science fairs to cutting-edge gene editing techniques, you will receive practical advice, listen to inspiring interviews, and learn mind-blowing science—all in one place.
My Story as an Amateur Researcher: Science Fairs, Journal Publications, and Tears ;)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we get real. I reflect on the journey that led to the publication of my research paper in the Journal of High School Science. I also talk about my experience as a student in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, working closely with my mentor, Clara Figueras, through the demanding process of researching, writing, revising, and ultimately publishing a scientific manuscript. I discuss how the skills I developed during that experience inspired my independent com...
28 May 2026
Cells, Confidence, and Cambridge: A Conversation with Clara Figueras
In this episode of Mind Over Molecules, I sit down with Clara Figueras, a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge whose work focuses on cell signaling and kinase proteins. Together, we explore the science behind her research, what it is like to pursue a PhD at one of the world's leading universities, and the challenges that come with a career in STEM. Clara shares her experiences navigating imposter syndrome as a scientist and the lessons she has gained from working in research. We also...
22 May 2026
The Engineer's Journey: Spaceflight and STEM with Lehigh University Professor Terry Hart
In this episode of Mind Over Molecules, I sit down with Professor Terry J. Hart—a former United States Air Force pilot, NASA astronaut, and current professor of mechanical engineering at Lehigh University—for a conversation about exploration, engineering, and the future of humanity in space. Selected by NASA in 1978, Professor Hart flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger during mission STS-41C, where he helped deploy and repair satellites in orbit during one of the most ambitious eras of hum...
4 May 2026
The Biology Behind the Battle: Understanding Cancer
Cancer. It’s a word we all know, but few of us truly understand. Unlike viruses or bacteria, cancer doesn’t come from the outside; it’s a disease of self, where your own cells go rogue and break every rule of biology. In this episode, we dive deep into what cancer actually is, why it’s so hard to treat, and how it constantly evolves to outsmart our immune system and therapies. From the “brakes and gas pedals” of your DNA, to the hostile tumor microenvironment that protects cancer like a fortr...
6 Mar 2026
Inside Modern Medical Innovation: A Conversation with Stryker Associate Project Manager John Hess
In this episode of Mind Over Molecules, I sit down with John Hess, an Associate Project Manager at Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. Stryker develops innovative technologies used in hospitals and operating rooms around the world, from orthopedic implants and surgical equipment to robotics-assisted surgery and advanced patient care systems. But behind every device used in medicine is a massive team of engineers, researchers, and project managers working to bring...
27 Feb 2026
AlphaFold and the Blueprint of Life
For years, one major question haunted biology: how do proteins fold? These tiny molecular machines run every part of life, from memory to immunity, but their shapes were a mystery locked away in complexity. Then, almost overnight, artificial intelligence cracked the code. In this episode, we’ll explore how AI like AlphaFold solved the protein puzzle, why it matters for medicine, and how algorithms are now designing entirely new proteins that evolution never dreamed of. Enzymes that eat plasti...
27 Feb 2026
Through the Looking Glass: Mirror Life Explained
What if life had evolved backwards? In this episode, we explore the frontier of mirror life, a version of biology built from molecules that are the exact opposite of ours. From drugs that could last forever in the body, to organisms resistant to every virus on Earth, to the mind-bending question of why life chose left-handed molecules in the first place, mirror biology pushes the limits of science and imagination!
12 Feb 2026
Medicine’s Jell-O Revolution!!
Squishy, soft, and mostly made of water, hydrogels don’t sound like cutting-edge science, but beneath the jelly-like surface lies a powerful tool that’s changing medicine! In this episode, we uncover how hydrogels are being used to deliver drugs exactly where they’re needed, to rebuild damaged tissues, and even to model the hostile “neighborhood” of cancer in the lab. We learn about the science behind how hydrogels work, the challenges scientists face in making them stronger and smarter, and ...
27 Jul 2025
High school isn’t just about grades—it’s about growth, grit, and gaining clarity.
Everyone talks about your GPA, test scores, and college apps—and while all of these things are essential, there is not enough focus on you. Who you’re becoming. What you’re learning about yourself. And how to actually use high school as a launchpad for success instead of a pressure cooker. In this episode, we’re shifting the focus from perfection to progress. I’m sharing the mindset shifts, strategies, and personal reflections that helped me stop just surviving high school and start growing t...
11 Jul 2025
Welcome to Mind Over Molecules
Welcome to Mind Over Molecules! In this introductory episode, I’m going to be sharing with you what this podcast is all about — from introducing some of the topics we’ll be discussing, to my motivations for starting this podcast in the first place. Mind Over Molecules is for student scientists and curious minds who want to dive into research, improve their academic outlook, and explore innovations in biotechnology, medicine, and more. Whether you're a student, future researcher, or just some...
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