I am joined by my good friend and Bryophyte legend in the making Kristen Hillegas. In this episode Kristen and I discuss her interest in herbalism, bryophytes, finding her path after graduation, getting experience in her field, what motivated her to pursue a PhD, her inspirations for doing a PhD instead of a masters, finding grad school programs, the grad school application process, and the importance of queer representation in academia. 

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Today I am joined by the hilarious Reece Hunter. In this episode we lean into the "semi" of The Semi-Professional Academic Podcast where Reece and I discuss undergrad experiences, what it was like growing up in rural communities, pursuing higher education, importance of queer representation, importance of having supportive mentors, being gay in STEM,  path of pursuing vet school, finding the right vet school, doing a grad program in a new culture 2000 miles from home, and the importance of trusting yourself. 

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A message of thanks to you all for supporting the show and celebrating the podcast's 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! Thank you all so much! 

Due to record errors I originally believed this episode was lost. In it's loss I filmed a new episode with Sydney Claypoole and silently mourned the loss. Upon the discovery of  finding this gem I was elated but decided to keep in the vault. However, given the fact its the podcast's 1 year anniversary, I figured you all deserve something special. So in my first episode I am releasing from from the vault I am joined by my undergrad bestie, my ride or die, and fellow member of  Unhinged University Sydney Claypoole. In our most unhinged episode yet we talk about Sydneys journey through undergrad, how we became friends, and how she got interested in medicine.  

P.S. Shoutout to all those who remember "THE VAN" IYKYK

P.P.S. Sorry about 14:42-15:06 (watch your headphones lol)

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Chemistry PhD student and Organic Chemistry legend in the making Caroline Millard is this week's special guest. In this episode we talk about how Caroline graduated in the pandemic, what motivated her to pursue graduate school, moving to a new city, combating impostor syndrome, the importance of having a supportive mentor, and so much more! You DO NOT want to miss this! 

In this episode Jesse tells us about his journey through undergrad, why its important to know if you’re ready to pursue a degree, doing a postdoc position online, coming to the US from Canada, his experience in the application process, teaching at an R1 institution, his gratitude to his partner who has supported his endeavors in academia, and the importance of being kind. 

Today I am joined by the wonderful Madeline Lucas. In this episode we discuss Madeline's path to college, what motivated her to transfer, her journey through finding her way in the medical field, and so much more!

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Happy Mid-Season Premiere! Today I am joined by the one and only Tim Cunningham! Tim is a former professor who is currently pursuing a career in industry. In this episode we discuss his path to chemistry,  the road to grad school, becoming a professor, teaching during the pandemic, becoming a father during the pandemic, and why he ultimately stepping away from academia to pursue a career in industry. 

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Happy Mid-Season Finale!!! Today I am joined by the wonderful Nick Schmitt. In this episode we discuss Nick’s journey through undergrad, switching majors from Biology to Psychology, transferring his Junior year, his career pivots, how he met his husband, our mutual admiration of Taylor Swift, how he got interested in data analytics, and the importance of building community. 

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Today I am joined by the college athlete turned med student Katie Perry. We discuss Katie's private school upbringing, being a student in STEM, being a college athlete, the realities of impostor syndrome, importance of finding a mentor whose mentorship style matches what you need, and so much more. 

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Today I am joined by the outstanding Olivia Waldridge. Tune in as we discuss her Floridian origin, her journey to her undergrad institution, the importance of having a supportive mentor in grad school, the reality of battling impostor syndrome, the validation in publications, and the fulfillment you get once you allow yourself to switch your interests. 

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Today I am joined by the hilarious, talented, and passionate Alexis VandenBerg. In this episode we talk about Alexis’ journey through undergrad, our friendship, how she found her masters program, her current job, her thoughts on her future her interests in field work, and her feelings on gizzard shad. 

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The best people in life are free and this week’s guest is no exception. Today I am joined by my childhood bestie Skyler Coomer Leightner. On this week’s episode we discuss our friendship, healthy competition, the importance of learning the art of not caring, how Skye had to navigate being a first year teacher in the pandemic, how she’s pursuing her masters while working full-time, and how she is learning to do things for herself and not for others. 

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Today I am joined by the wonderful and talented Cyla Walls. Today Cyla and I discuss her pre-health journey in undergrad, how she switched her major, how she found an accelerated nursing program, the importance of taking care of yourself, finding an outlet for fun away from work and school, and to not place limits on yourself. 

There's no bonus points for color coding your notes in this episode! Today I am joined by the exceptional Ben Payton. He tells us about his life, his journey to undergrad, how he found his area of study in Chemistry, the struggles with impostor syndrome, and so much more. Have you checked on your bathroom couch?? IYKYK

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Today I am joined by medical student and fellow Swiftie Steven Li. We discuss Taylor Swift (of course), Steven's adventures in undergrad,  graduating in the pandemic,  his journey to medical school and the endurance needed, and his feelings for this school year!

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This week I am joined by the wonderful Dr.  Shaun Edmonds. Tune in as we discuss Shaun's academic journey, his lessons learned through studying abroad, his work in the understanding of body image in the queer community, being openly queer in the workplace, being openly queer in academia and so much more!

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Today I am joined by my fellow grad school baddie Dahlia Martinez. In this episode Dahlia tells us about growing up playing water polo, her Pre-Med journey, how she pivoted to biology and environmental science, her journey through grad school, and how she has found that standing up for yourself makes people respect you more. 

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In this episode I am joined by the pivoting queen Jaelyn Millon. We discuss her experience growing up around the world, learning to be more confident in herself, being honest with her queerness, choosing happiness, and the value in pivoting to what will make you happy. 

Today I am joined by the amazing and recently graduated Doctor Olivia Ellson. Tune in as we discuss her journey through undergrad, what motivated her to pursue physical therapy, why she chose to do an accelerated program, and so much more! 

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