Episode Highlights:

• Innovative devices that reduced the need for lifelong medication

• Working with and managing stakeholder expectations

• Why saying “yes” early in your career can accelerate career clarity

Timestamps:

0:36 - What is a Clinical Research Director?

5:39 - What does a typical day look like?

15:35 - What do you enjoy?

27:52 - What do you dislike?

42:06 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

45:02 - What were your career milestones?

50:06 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

Stephanie Monza (she/her) is a Clinical Research Director with over 15 years of experience leading global clinical trials from early feasibility through pivotal and post-market phases. With a background in sleep diagnostics and pediatric respiratory care, she began her career at the intersection of clinical need and research innovation. Her career has included a decade in industry and key milestones such as presenting pediatric-focused IDE protocols to the FDA. Stephanie is known for her collaborative leadership style, cross-functional team development, and commitment to designing trials that advance medical science and improve patient outcomes.

• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemonza/

• Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching

Episode Highlights:

• Navigating school as a non-traditional student

• The best and worst parts of working the night shift

• The critical role MLS professionals play in a hospital ER

Timestamps:

0:19 - What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

5:26 - What does a typical day look like?

9:42 - What do you enjoy?

12:42 - What do you dislike?

15:05 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

23:04 - What were your career milestones?

27:39 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

Haley Gooch is a board-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist working night shifts in blood banking at a level one trauma center in Kansas City. After earning a degree in criminal justice, she returned to school as a non-traditional student and discovered her passion for clinical lab work through microbiology. Haley now advocates for greater public awareness of the vital, behind-the-scenes role of MLS professionals and is committed to bridging communication gaps within hospital systems.

• Connect with Haley on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/goochhb

• Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

• Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

Episode Highlights:

• How to turn your love for writing and drawing into a science career

• Why you should read those random university emails

• Why scientists shouldn’t stop at publishing in journals

Timestamps:

0:55 - What is a Science Communicator?

7:42 - What does a typical day look like?

13:16 - What do you enjoy?

25:33 - What do you dislike?

37:08 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

43:35 - What were your career milestones?

45:08 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

Aarati Asundi is the founder of Sykom, a science communication startup that bridges the gap between scientists and the public through accessible, engaging media. She’s also the co-host of the Smart Tea podcast, where she explores the lives and legacies of scientific innovators throughout history. With a passion for transforming complex ideas into clear, creative stories, Aarati brings science to life through illustration, writing, and visual storytelling. Whether she’s building explainer videos for biotech companies or coaching researchers on how to communicate their work, her mission is simple: make science make sense—for everyone.

• Connect with Aarati on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarati-asundi/

• Aarati’s Website - https://www.sykommer.com/

• Aarati’s Podcast - https://www.smartteapodcast.com/

• Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

• Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

• Follow us on Instagram @sciencecareercoach