Closing the Gap

"Science isn’t just a career path—it’s a way to build a better world together." - Charlotte Rosario  Charlotte Rosario, a high school student and researcher from San Mateo, California, joins us on Closing the Gap to discuss her groundbreaking study on the intersection of gender identity, brain structure, and mental health in transgender youth. Charlotte shares her personal journey that led her to this research, the implications of her findings for mental health care, and the importance of allyship in research. This young scientist is also an athlete, playing varsity soccer, as well as an artist specializing in photography.  Charlotte is also a natural leader, heading her school's Existential Philosophy Interdisciplinary Conversations club. Episode Resources: Learn more about Charlotte’s work on her LinkedIn. Charlotte’s Society for Science profile Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025 Finalists Get involved with the Society for Science Show webpage: Closing the Gap - Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub

In 2025, Laasya found herself a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, a STEM competition for high school seniors in the United States. After being inspired to help people affected by the devastation caused by food insecurity while on family trips to India, Laasya developed a drone system, centered around equity, to help farmers detect early stages of crop disease.    "I see a future where my pursuits in these fields will further bridge the gap between advocacy and STEM, a synergy that our world desperately needs," said Laasya.    In addition to being a student, getting involved with the student and local governments,  and leading the way as captain of her school’s science fair club, Laasya is also the founder of The Ceres Organization. The Ceres Organization aims to use technology, science, and advocacy to address real-world challenges, particularly in the realm of food insecurity.   Read the full interview on the episode page - https://www.midvalleystem.org/2025/05/13/technology-and-food-security-laasya-acharya/   Episode Resources: Learn more about Laasya's work on her website. Laasya's Society for Science profile Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025 Finalists Get involved with the Society for Science

Calcifer Phillips (they/them), a student and research assistant at Northern Illinois University in Chicago, joins us on Closing the Gap to discuss their experience as a nonbinary individual pursuing a Ph.D. in physics. Resources for Women and Gender Minorities in Physics: CU*IP (formally CUWIP): Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities In Physics; a conference for physicists to grow their networks, present research, and learn about the status of inclusivity in the field of physics. Lee Teng internship: Lee Teng was a renowned accelerator physicist; this internship helps undergraduates get started in the field. US Particle Accelerator School (USPAS): A two-week program featuring intensive coursework. This opportunity is mainly available to graduate students and people working in the field. A prerequisite of getting a job in the accelerator physics field. Chicagoland Accelerator Student Traineeship (CAST): Offers funding opportunities for graduate students going into accelerator/beam physics at either Northern Illinois University or Illinois Institute of Technology.  The International Society of Nonbinary Scientists: An organization providing community and resources for nonbinary people navigating the educational and career pathways in the science fields.   Articles: https://www.aps.org/publications/reports/lgbt-climate-in-physics https://www.aps.org/apsnews/2022/10/mixed-progress-women-marginalized

Dr. Dominga Sanchez’s journey into structural engineering wasn’t a traditional one. As a first-generation college student, proudly from Zapotec roots, mother of two, she balanced family life with the intense demands of an undergraduate engineering program at UC San Diego. From early on, she understood that engineering wasn’t just about equations and technical skills—it was about perseverance. Learn more about Dr. dominga Sanchez's experience - Engineering is Not for the Faint of Heart - Closing the Gap Podcast - Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub   Episode Resources:  SHPE – Oregon State University’s chapter of SHPE works to empower the Hispanic community to reach their fullest potential and create lasting impact through STEM careers and education.  Society of Women Engineers (SWE) – SWE has been advocating for gender equity in engineering and technology since 1950. With a global network of over 40,000 members, SWE provides professional development, mentorship, and advocacy to support women in STEM.  SACNAS – The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science is dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in STEM, from college students to professionals.  AISES – American Indian Science and Engineering Society, better known as AISES, has been working towards increased representation of Indigenous Americans in STEM since 1977.

Math confidence is a critical issue in education, especially for female and gender minority students, who are more likely to opt out of advanced math courses—and, by extension, STEM career paths—due to self-doubt in their abilities. How can we help kids feel more confident tackling numbers and equations? That is our launching point for this episode. We’re joined by Jamila Souffrant, author and host of the Journey to Launch podcast, to explore how personal finance can empower young learners to build math confidence through real-world applications, though the conversation evolves into so much more. Tune in as we talk about using money as an entry-point for teaching our kids about personal values, how to make informed decisions, as well as setting and executing goals.   Learn more at: Financial Confidence, Math Confidence: A Winning Combo - Closing the Gap Podcast - Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub

Internal Family Systems expert (IFS), Dr. Robin Barre, is back for a follow-up episode. In this episode, we will apply what we learned in part 1, "Unlocking Potential: Validation and Self-Energy for Student Success," and talk about how to develop self-energy, demonstrate good emotional regulation skills to adolescents, and combat the fear of failure. Listen to Dr. Robin Barre's first visit to Closing the Gap - https://www.midvalleystem.org/2024/09/24/unlocking-potential-closing-the-gap-podcast/ Explore the whole Closing the Gap Podcast library - https://www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/ Visit Dr. Robin Barre's blog, The Shiftless Wanderer, to dive deeper into IFS. https://theshiftlesswanderer.com/blog/

Nova West (They/Them) is a pioneer and up-and-coming filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist. Nova's career has been working in the oceanography/marine sciences industry as an expedition documentarian and an independent filmmaker focusing on LGBTQIA representation in science and marine science advocacy topics through beautifully compelling imagery that is sure to inspire. In this episode, Kacey and Nova talk about careers blending arts and science as well as how showing up authentically can sometimes be the best inclusive representation of the LGBTQIA community in STEM spaces.   Learn more about Closing the Gap at our website  https://www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/

Dr. Robin Barre is a psychotherapist and depth psychologist specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Robin has built a career working with adolescents, young people ages 11-20 starting her journey as a high school educator. In her prolific blog, The Shiftless Wanderer, Robin covers topics of common issues and conflicts caregivers, mentors, and educators often face when stewarding adolescence into adulthood. In this episode of Closing the Gap, Robin touches on learning and validating students' parts and fostering a safe space for students to develop their self-energy; shepherding students' success in school, STEM, and into rewarding careers. Together we will explore the concept of trauma and how childhood traumas play into the way they interact with the world as teens and adults.   Learn more at https://www.midvalleystem.org/2024/09/24/unlocking-potential-closing-the-gap-podcast/   #STEM #IFS

Welcome new and returning listeners to the season 5 premiere of the women and gender minorities in STEM podcast, Closing the Gap! Take a moment. Do you know what feminism is? If so, what does feminism mean to you? From your point of view, what is the Feminist movement about? What role does feminism play in your life? In this episode, Lauren Visconti, a women’s studies and anthropology instructor at Linn-Benton Community College corrects the misconceptions of what feminism is and is not, as well as touches on what equity and inclusivity can look like in the classroom and workplace. Resources: The Need for Feminism in 2024 - Closing the Gap Podcast - Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub (midvalleystem.org)

Charity Bowers (she/her) is a second-year welding student at Linn-Benton Community College. Charity started the program directly out of high school, a proud Harrisburg High School alumni. In this episode, Charity talks about how the skilled trades industry and culture are evolving as well as her experience stepping outside of her comfort zone to attend college.    Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by Bosnow

Happy Earth Day Closing the Gap listeners!   Joining us in the studio today is Gabrielle McNally, Director of Women for the Land, a sector of American Farmland Trust.  Gabrielle will be discussing the resources that American Farmland Trust has to offer, as well as why you should support your local farms. We will wrap up our chat by talking about the wide variety of careers in agriculture, and some of the pros and cons of the industry.     Thanks for tuning in. To learn more about us visit www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/   Music by Bosnow

"It's not about perfection, it's about perseverance," says Kristi Lebkowsky, STEM educator at Henley High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Henley High School provides a career technical education experience for their students that is producing high rates of students entering college and high-paying positions in the workforce post-graduation due to the high caliber of employability skills Henely students are developing during their high school career.  Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by Bosnow

In this episode, we talk about creating community, collaborating for diversity, and growing where you are planted. Sprinkled throughout listeners can hear insights as to what it is like to own a small business, both the positives and negatives.   Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org.    Music by Bosnow.

Professional in the field of semiconductors, Sarala Paliwal, joins us today on Closing the Gap. Listen along as we define what a semiconductor is, discuss the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry, and how taking a holistic approach to your education will set you up for success.    To learn more about Closing the Gap visit us at https://www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/   Music by Bosnow

Hey listeners, welcome back to Closing the Gap. This episode is special because it is Closing the Gap's first collaboration episode! Kacey sits down with hosts, Natalie Wang and Rachael Cleveland, of Women in Science PDX's podcast, W.I.S.terhood, to talk about their experience working in STEM communications.   Learn about more Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub offerings at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by: Bosnow

Alice Welch (she/they) is a graduate student in biology instructor at Oregon State University. Currently, Alice is doing some exciting work with a recently opened research lab observing the predator response in certain species of birds.   Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap   Music by Bosnow

Melissa Koke is the fourth-generation business leader at Koke New Century Companies (QSL Print Communications, Instaprint & TechnaPrint). In this episode, Kacey and Melissa talk about what it takes to grow into a leadership position in a manufacturing company and how to respectfully, but firmly advocate for yourself in the workplace.    Learn more about the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub at, www.midvalleystem.org.   Music by Bosnow

Tree breeding specialist, Sara Lipow, is a scientist working for Roseburg Forest Products in Oregon. Her main duties include tasks that help the next generation of douglas fir trees planted in western Oregon better withstand the effects of climate change.    Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap   Music by: Bosnow

Woodworker, educator, and Co-Owner of Highland Woodshop in Corvallis, Katherine Edmonds is a person who has worn many hats in her winding and eclectic career.  Join us in listening to this episode of Closing the Gap.   Learn more at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by: Bosnow

Did you know there are over 280 craft breweries in Oregon? That's a lot of beer! Craft brewing is a booming industry in the Pacific Northwest with a job market that is looking for workers. If your students are interested in hands-on, physical careers but also what a position where they can be creative, a job in a craft brewery may be for them.   Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org   #STEM #Beer #craftbrewing   music by: Bosnow

Welcome back listeners, STEMinists, and friends to the Season 4 premiere of Closing the Gap.   This first episode has us back on Zoom as we are talking with a Research Scientist from UC Boulder and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Margaret Landis (she/her).  Join us as we learn about pursuing a career in scientific research and how the word ‘scientist’ is inherently feminine.    Music by: Bosnow

“School gives you a complete understanding and encourages you to build the mechanical skills needed to be successful,” said Francis Tice, instructional assistant with LBCC’s Heavy Equipment Diesel program.    Join us for our latest installment (and last episode of season 3) of our Women in STEAM podcast, Closing the Gap. Our guest speaker, Francis Tice, talks about the struggles of getting her foot in the door as a technician in the automotive and HED industries and eventually landing a dream job.   Learn more about Francis here: https://www.midvalleystem.org/2023/05/10/francis-tice-closing-the-gap/     We will be back in the fall with season 4 of Closing the Gap. In the meantime catch up on our previous episodes. https://open.spotify.com/show/7xGDhO4HpnuJmDFNePYQkt?si=5972d51b119b4ca1    Until next time, keep progressing.    #STEMOregon #willamettevalley #mechanic #automotive #diesel

On this episode of Closing the Gap we have Claire Coxen and Kate Williams from the OSU student organization GEEO. GEEO or Girls' Empowerment, Engineering, and Outreach works with students and classrooms in the Benton County area to help demystify and empower students to pursue a STEM-rich education.  Join us and find out what they've been up to.   Get in touch with GEEO Email: [email protected] Instagram: @geeo_club Visit the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub at www.midvalleystem.org.

Welcome back to Closing the Gap!    Tune in today; we are talking to a bilingual translator, Patricia Martinez. Patricia was an architect and designer in her birth country, Peru. She switched careers after moving to the United States, becoming a Spanish translator. Patricia has been a huge help to us at Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub as we've been translating our website, newsletters, and social media.     Patricia gives great insights into what it's like being a parent to a student in a country where you are new to the language and why high-quality translations are not only inclusive, they are necessary.    Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org    music by Bosnow - provided by Uppbeat.

Is a STEAM-rich education relevant to you in your career path?  Listen to this episode with Deb Mumm-Hill, Director of Oregon STEM, and consider putting more focus on STEM topics in your education and professional development.    Deb explains what the STEM Hub network in Oregon addresses and accomplishes, as well as how STEM skills are growing in importance as our society advances and evolves with technology.     To learn more about Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub, the STEM hub serving Linn and Benton counties in Oregon, visit our website at www.midvalleystem.org.   We are also on Twitter and TikTok @MidValleySTEM and Instagram @mvstemcte. You can also find the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub on LinkedIn.

What standards of social responsibility are corporations held to? On our latest episode of our Women in STEM podcast, Closing the Gap, Demetriah Webster joins us to talk about corporate social responsibility standards. That’s not all though, Demetriah is a trained engineer who had a career in aerospace before taking on her latest role. We’ll get into how getting a solid STEAM education can build skills that can be applied to many different career fields. Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org Music by Bosnow

Have you ever wondered why the experience of an internship is so important to career development? If you have, listen to this episode. Yuliya Dennis, the Executive Director of MECOP, joins us on the show to talk about exactly why people should participate in internships. There are many benefits to working as an intern; maybe the most valuable is that students can really maximize their time in college when getting the experience that will help them make educated decisions on how to proceed with their career development.   Visit us online at : www.midvalleystem.org.   Music by: Bosnow

The Willamette Valley is home to dozens of small organic farms. These farms feed the local communities by selling the beautiful fruits and vegetables they grow at the beloved farmer's markets, co-ops, and restaurants in the area. Tune in as we chat with Eden Olsen, farmer and owner of Lucky Crow Farm in Monmouth. Eden tells us exactly why it’s important to support local organic growers: and it’s not just about local economic stimulation.   Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by Bosnow

Are you ready for a fresh episode of Closing the Gap?    Today we have OSU graduate Carolina Guillen, on the podcast. Carolina immigrated with her family to the United States from Mexico as a teen. We will talk about her experience growing up in Albany, Oregon, and receiving her bioengineering degree at Oregon State University.   Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by: Bosnow  (via Uppbeat.com)

What is the importance of a good education?    Join us as we talk to Dr. Ramycia McGhee, a literature professor at LBCC and an educator with Oak Creek Correctional Facility, as we find out how education and continued learning can make a difference in a young person’s life.   You can find the entire Closing the Gap Library on our website: www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/.   Music by: Bosnow

Crystal Vue joins us on the show. Crystal is an OSU graduate and bioengineer working in the pharmaceutical industry. Join us as we find out what makes this engineer tick!   Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by: Bosnow

Are you curious about how automation robots work? Join us as we talk to Breanna Allen, an automation engineer, whose job it is to maintain automation robots and systems. As an automation engineer at Precision Castparts Corporation, Breanna keeps automation systems operating with maximum efficiency.    Listen to this episode and find out what it’s like to be an automation engineer!   Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org   Music by: Bosnow

Thanks for tuning in for this episode of Closing the Gap. Today on the show we are talking to, physicist, Amber Barber.    Visit us at: www.midvalleystem.org   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/street-knowledge

We are kicking off our third season of the show with, Missy Smith, Associate Athletic Director at Oregon Episcopal School, and the organizer of the Oregon Girls Sports Leadership Summit. Join us as we talk about bringing the spirit of leadership onto the court and into the classroom!   Visit us at: www.midvalleystem.org   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/street-knowledge

This month on Closing the Gap, we have Audrey Anderson. Audrey is a culinary arts instructor at LBCC, a business owner, as well as a firefighter trainee. Join us as we discuss Audrey’s expertise in time management and pursuing multiple careers!    Audrey’s episode will be the last episode of the summer, but we will be back with all-new episodes of Closing the Gap in September. While you’re waiting, feel free to binge our back catalog where we have 17 great episodes waiting to edutain you!   Check us out at www.midvalleystem.org   ----------------------------------------------------- Music by, Blood Red Sun

June brings a new episode of Closing the Gap. This month, we have West Albany High School’s Tori Thorp, Oregon’s 2022 Student Journalist of the Year, with us one last time before she heads off to college! Tori interviews Marley Parker, a science communicator who does photojournalism on science expeditions while traveling to the far reaches of the planet. Visit us at midvalleystem.org.  Check out what Marley is up to, mlparkermedia.com.   Music by Blood Red Sun.

Join us for this special episode of Closing the Gap. This month on the show, we are speaking with Alaina Percival, co-founder, and CEO of Women Who Code. Alaina discusses the importance of diversifying in the tech industry, why women should pursue careers in tech, and what types of resources Women Who Code has to offer women looking to start a career in the tech industry.  This is an important discussion you will not want to miss!   Visit us at MidValleySTEM.org   Music by: Blood Red Sun

Professor of Forest Management and Policy, Mindy Crandall, joins us on Closing the Gap today.  Join us as we talk about her experience in school, where her career had led her to this point, and gain some insight into some of the challenges she has faced when it comes to pursuing education and careers in forestry.    Visit us at www.MidValleySTEM.org     music by: Blood Red Sun

In this episode of Closing the Gap, we talk to Oceanography Ph.D. student, Jennifer Wong-Ala.  Jennifer was born and raised in Hawai'i and moved to Oregon to pursue her master's degree and Ph.D., join us as we discuss what that cultural transition was like, and her experience pursuing an education at OSU. Jennifer also gives us some great book recommendations.    Music: Fish on Land  Blood Red Sun

Advocate for access, education, representation of Indigenous Americans in tech, Robin Maxkii, joins us on Closing the Gap today.  Join us as we talk about her experience in school, where her career had led her to this point, and gain some insight into some of the challenges Indigenous Americans face when it comes to pursuing education and careers in tech.    Visit us at www.MidValleySTEM.org   Theme song by Blood Red Sun

On this episode of Closing the Gap, we are joined by Dr. Lisa Avery the President of Linn-Benton Community College. Join us as we discuss why pursuing post-secondary education is important and the role community colleges play in the areas they serve.    Visit us at midvalleystem.org   Music by Blood Red Sun

In this episode we learn whats it's like to run a makerspace.  Join us as we speak with Ashley Merback, Co-Owner of Highland Woodshop in Corvallis, Oregon. Along the way, we find a connection between learning self-sufficiency skills and the benefits it has on one's mental health.    Find us at MidValleySTEM.org Music by: Blood Red Sun

On this episode of Closing the Gap, we speak with Ommidala Pattawong, a chemistry instructor at Linn-Benton Community College. Join us as we talk about following your dreams and Ommidala's experience growing up in Thailand to pursuing and Ph.D. and career in the United States.    To learn more about women working in STEM and skilled trades visit our website, midvalleystem.org.    Music: Fish on Land by Blood Red Sun

On this episode of Closing the Gap, we talk to Devon Chase. Devon is Chef and Co-owner of Saint Perpetua Patio in Yachats, Oregon. We discuss their career and opting for on-the-job training over culinary school and much more. Join us for this fun episode about one person's experience in the foodservice industry.    To learn more about women working in STEM and skilled trades visit our website, midvalleystem.org.    Music: Fish on Land by Blood Red Sun

On this episode of Closing the Gap we talk to a postdoctoral fellow in the microbiology department at Oregon State University, Veronika Kivenson. West Albany High school journalism student, Tori Thorp is back and asks Veronika about her educational path to earning her degree.    Music by: Blood Red Sun

In this episode, we talk to construction worker Courtney Conklin. Courtney is an Equipment Operator at Knife River. We will discuss her experience in the industry and her educational path to becoming a certified Equipment Operator.    To learn more about women working in STEM and skilled trades visit our website, midvalleystem.org.    Music: Fish on Land by Blood Red Sun

Bicycle mechanic and owner of Gladys Bikes in Portland, Oregon, Cassie Hidalgo shares with us her journey down the mechanic and business owner career path. We touch on the joys and hardships of participating in this industry and how she got to where she is now.

This is the June edition of Closing the Gap with special guest Savannah Herrell. Savannah is an electrician here in our community and she is here to talk about her personal experience as a woman in the trades.     To learn more about us and to download the poster for this episode visit our website, midvalleystem.org.

Join us for our 2nd live show! We will be chatting with Sisi Virasak, our Closing the Gap featured role model for May. Sisi is a member of the Computer Science faculty at Linn-Benton Community College. Learn more at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap.

The Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub created "Closing the Gap" to highlight professional women from our region who are working in STEM & Trades fields. This way, girls can see local women who are working in these careers and can consider these careers for themselves. This podcast features an interview with Ashley D'Antonio. Ashley is a recreation ecologist and professor at Oregon State University.  Learn more at www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap.