My Bioengineering Origin Story | NOT MY THESIS #22

TL;DR

Voki shares her journey in bioengineering, discussing pop culture influences and the importance of cultural context in science.

Transcript

hi I'm Voki and before we get into this not my thesis video I actually wanted to do two things first is actually just kind of explain the series my channel has had a bit of a growth spurt over the past few weeks um thanks to some very like kind and generous shoutouts and so some of you may have subscribed to this channel for bookish content and may... Read More

Key Insights

• 👧 "III" is a student-run organization empowering girls from minority communities in STEM through mentorship and opportunities.
• 🖐️ Pop culture influences, like movies and books, played a significant role in shaping Voki's interest in bioengineering.
• 🪡 The evolving perceptions of bioengineering highlight the need for cultural context in scientific discussions.
• 👨‍🔬 Voki's journey from a chemistry major to bioengineering showcases the impact of research experiences on career choices.
• 🫵 The series "Not My Thesis" aims to engage viewers in discussions on mental health, diversity, and the challenges of grad school.
• 🧑‍🔬 Voki encourages conversations on fictional scientists and pop culture influences on perceptions of science.
• 🫥 Becky's exploration of bioengineering origins reflects on the blurred lines between engineering and basic biology research.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the "Not My Thesis" series by Voki?

The series aims to discuss various aspects of grad school and raise awareness on important topics like mental health and diversity in STEM.

Q: How does III, the student-run organization, support girls in STEM?

III connects high school students from minority communities with college student mentors, providing opportunities like research positions, internships, and scholarships in STEM fields.

Q: What influenced Voki's interest in bioengineering?

Pop culture, including movies like Spider-Man and books like Hex, played a major role in shaping Voki's perception of bioengineering from a young age.

Q: Why does Voki emphasize the importance of cultural context in science?

Voki believes that understanding pop culture influences helps to contextualize scientific discussions and consider the societal implications of scientific advancements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Voki introduces "Not My Thesis" series explaining her background as a Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering.

• She highlights the need for diversity in STEM, focusing on a student-run organization empowering girls in minority communities.

• Becky discusses her bioengineering origin story, exploring pop culture influences and the evolving perceptions of bioengineering.