‘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.

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Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KRGD7GBhVUM

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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!’

Creators and Guests

Host

Alice Stevens

As one of five girls, I am a big, middle and younger sister all at once! My professional background is in journalism, so I love storytelling and spotlighting issues that really matter. Being Co-Host, Marketing Lead and Creative Strategist on this podcast is such a joy. Nothing beats when I hear that Big Sisters brings people comfort and community!

Host

Jasmine Luby Barrow

Big sister by name, big sister by nature! I'm the creator of the Big Sisters in STEM brand, and now fill my time as Co-Host, Producer, Designer, and Campaign Strategist. When I'm not talking about education you can find me painting and writing my novel 👩‍🎨

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’m the resident Big Sisters sound guy, and also help to manage the delivery of the project. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help to establish this community of positive, supportive people, working to help lift each other up.

What is 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.