Big Sisters in STEM

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!’

Creators & Guests

Host
Jasmine Luby Barrow
It feels weird seeing 'host' next to my name! Or, do I mean frightening? I am also the producer, writer, and artist behind the logo for Big Sisters in STEM, and a Coordinator at The University of Manchester. When I'm not talking about education, you can also find me being a huge nerd for all things gender and mythology - most notably, writing short stories and making a mess with my paints!
Producer
Alice Stevens
As one of five girls, I am a big, middle and younger sister all at once! With a background in journalism, beyond producing this podcast I’ll also be running our BSIS Instagram to promote these wonderful people and their stories as far and wide as possible!
Editor
Kory Stout
I am a proud member of the Big Sister's in STEM team. I've worked at The University of Manchester for a decade and I am constantly in awe and inspired by the women who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Science and Engineering.
Editor
Nick Parker
I’ve been helping with audio recording and mixing for Big Sisters. It’s been fascinating to hear these all stories of growth and resilience, woven together into a truly supportive community.

What is Big Sisters in STEM?

As women and marginalised voices, we’re told just being in the room is a great achievement – so why doesn’t it always feel great? From imposter syndrome to the feminine urge to over-burden ourselves, it takes guts to take up space in field that wasn’t made with you in mind.

Join us for six episodes as we sit down every week with scientists, students, and sisters at all stages of their journey in STEM – you’re not the only girl in this classroom!