Black Women in Science Podcast
A podcast from The Black Women in Science Network about the professional and personal issues that matter to Black women. Episodes offer candid conversation on work, identity, science, and everyday life. The show creates space to discuss experiences and priorities relevant to Black women in their careers and beyond.
Episodes
54. Marine Ecology in The Gambia West Africa with Mrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy
Mrs Maiyai Taal Hocheimy is a qualified marine ecologist and a National Geographic Explorer based in The Gambia West Africa. She is the founder of the GREAT institute which is the first aquatic and coastal science research institute in The Gambia. On this episode, we discuss her love for the ocean and journey into studying marine science and understanding marine ecosystems. Critically, Maiyai shar
53. Hydrogeochemistry in the Okavango Delta with Dr Goabaone Ramatlapeng
Dr Goabaone Ramatlapeng who is a hydrogeochemist joins us on this episode. She is a National Geographic Wayfinder and Explorer and Research fellow at the University of Botswana, Okavango Research Institute. On this episode, we reflect on her journey into water chemistry which is rooted in her lived experience of water scarcity growing up in a village in Southern Botswana. As a Hydrogeochemist at N
52. Hearing Loss Research with Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams
Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams is a neuroscientist, currently doing her postdoctoral fellowship at the UCL Ear Institute. She shares her academic journey, including the navigating burnout and overwhelm, as well as the implications of an ADHD diagnosis and transitioning into a postdoc role. We discuss her research looking at the genetics of hearing and balance, where she seeks to understand why we as
51. Astrophysics with Dr Larissa Palethorpe
Dr Larissa Palethorpe joins us as an astrophysicist. She recently completed her PhD at the university of Edinburgh where she was characterising small exoplanets. On this episode, Larissa introduces us to exoplanets; what they are, how they are discovered, the implications of this research and even the consideration of aliens and technology on other planets. Larissa co-led the discovery of the exop
50. Being a Data Scientist with Mary Amanuel (Co-Founder of NHS Python Community)
Miss Mary Amanuel joins us as a Data scientist working at the NHS. On this episode, we discuss her journey into science where she accessed a degree apprenticeship as a data analyst and subsequently qualified as a data scientist. Mary explains the core differences between an apprenticeship and university education and emphasises the importance of providing equal opportunities for people from divers
49. Physics and Law? Patent Litigation with Kathryn Plummer
Miss Kathryn Plummer is patent litigator, but previously worked as a patent attorney. She has completed an MSc Physics and then completed a qualification in intellectual property law. On this episode, Kathryn introduces us to the little known field of patent litigation and how science is vital to this role. We discuss the intersection of physics and law, and her experience of working in corporate
48. Teaching Physics with Afiya Romain-Bains
Miss Afiya Romain-Bains is a physics teacher and physics education consultant. Afiya takes us through her journey of working in schools in London and teaching through COVID, to then moving and pursuing business in Kenya and living abroad in Brazil. She ultimately discovered her love for online teaching where she then started her own business of online tutoring A-level, GCSE and IGSCE physics. We d
47. Neuroimaging Research and Inclusion with Dr Yolanda Ohene
Dr Yolanda Ohene is a neuroimaging scientist, STEM communicator and director of The Blackett Lab Family, UK collective of Black physicists. She is a physicist by training, and holds a PhD in Medical Imaging from University College London. We discuss her experiences studying abroad in Paris and completing a fellowship in Berlin and how beneficial these opportunities have been in doing science elsew
46. Respiratory Health Inequities with Dr Sope Wolffs
Dr Sope Wolffs is a lecturer in Biomedical science at Cardiff University. With a diverse career background spanning basic and clinical research, trial management and teaching, she is driven by a commitment to people-centred research and inclusive science. On this episode, we discuss Sope’s career trajectory, namely how her personal experience of severe asthma as a child and later experiences engag
45. Improving Black Health Outcomes with Olympia Amoo
Olympia Amoo, senior research nurse for NIHR BioResource, joins us on this episode. She works on Improving Black Health Outcomes Study in London as part of the NiHR BioResource. She has over 10 years of nursing experience where she eventually qualified in paediatric nursing and struck interest in Sickle Cell Disease and other red cell diseases. Olympia shares with us her story of being diagnosed w
44. Artificial Intelligence & Dementia with Dr Sophie Martin
Dr Sophie Martin is a Research Fellow at University College London, having completed her PhD in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Medical Imaging in 2025 where her research explored the use of AI models for predicting dementia from brain scans. On this episode, we discuss Sophie’s experience of academia, progressing from bachelors to doctorate in one-go. She also tells us about dementia, the challe
43. Mercury: A Chemical of Concern with Dr Esohe Irabor
What are chemicals of concern and how do they disproportionately affect minoritised communities. On a previous episode with Simone (X) Braithwaite, we discussed the use of toxic chemicals in beauty and personal care products. Dr Esohe Irabor who is an APHL Public Health Laboratory Fellow with a PhD in Biology from Howard University. She completed doctoral research focused on the impact of psychoso
42. Beauty Justice - The Tea on Toxic Chemicals with Simone (X) Braithwaite
Just how safe are your cosmetics? Simone (X) Braithwaite works as an Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action in Newark, New Jersey. On this episode, Simone discusses one of her campaigns called Tea on Toxic Beauty. She introduces us to the concept of beauty justice, which looks at the disproportionate use of toxic chemicals in products marketed to black women and the subsequent adve
41. Neuroaesthetics Research with Dwaynica Greaves
Have you ever wondered whether arts and science can combined? Dwaynica Greaves, a PhD candidate at UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, joins us on this episode to show us how this is possible. Neuroaesthetics seeks to understand the complexities of human behaviour from another lens. Dwaynica’s doctoral thesis explores the effects of theatre training on actor’s sense of self. We discuss the im
40. Aerospace Engineering in Motor Sports with Laila Fadli Dokkali
Laila Fadli Dokkali works at Mercedes High Performance Powertrains as a Simulation Engineer for their Formula One Team. Her love for engines and races as a child, led her to pursuing a career in Motorsports where she gained an Aerospace Engineering degree. Laila tells us some of challenges she experienced as a Black autistic child in the education system growing up in Spain. She shares how gaining
39. Capturing Black Autistic Women's Experiences with Dr Shereen Everett
April is National autism Awareness Month. Yet, research on Black autistic people remains elusive even today. On this episode, Dr Shereen Everett, a recently qualified clinical psychologist, takes through her doctoral research project exploring Black autistic women’s experiences. Dr Everett shares her experience of getting onto the clinical psychology doctorate, including the challenges. She then e
38. The 2024 Episode Sum Up with Tomi Akingbade (Founder of BWiS)
2024 was a busy year for the podcast. Tomi Akingbade, BWiS Founder, and Tulela, Podcast Host, go through the stats for the fan favourites, recap some episodes and discuss their goals and hopes for the podcast in 2025. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedba
37. Cosmetic Science with Jaylene Kunaoye
Jaylene Kunaoye, a cosmetic scientist working in the compliance area of the industry where products are rigorously tested for effectiveness and safety. On this episode, she defines what cosmetics are, their function and how they are made. We discuss the increasing ant-chemical culture when it comes to products and how the consumers can give ingredients, like parabens and SLS, bad reps without unde
36. Aphids and Plant Immunity with Dr Jade Bleau
Dr Jade Bleau is a plant scientist looking at molecular interactions between plants and aphids. On this episode, she takes us through what aphids are, how they affect plant immune systems and, consequently, affect food crop plants. Dr Bleau tells us about the benefit of plants having genetic resistance to aphids versus relying on external measures like insecticides. She briefly explains the strict
35. How Racism Creates Health Disparities with Dr Layal Liverpool (Author of 'Systemic: How Racism Is Making Us Ill')
Working as an Oxford-trained virologist and science journalist, Dr Layal Liverpool exposes how racism pervades across healthcare and society in her first ever book. She posits that the systemic presence of racism drives racial health disparities globally. She explains how racism negatively influences medical methodologies, screening tools and medical practices, and how this, consequently, results
34. Finding Love as a Black Person with Michelle Jima (co-founder of MM Dating)
Michelle Jima is the CMO and co-founder of MM Dating, which is a dating and events tech app for Black people. Their mission is to build lasting relationships and connections within the Black community to foster a sense of togetherness. We talk about what dating is like in the UK and how other dating apps often lack specific insight into cultural nuances and experiences of the African and Caribbean
33. Clinical Psychology and Psychosexual Therapy with Dr Amani Zarroug
Dr Amani Zarroug is a Clinical Psychologist and Relationship and Psychosexual Therapist with over 20 years experience in this field. She tells us how she got into psychology and the relationship side of her role. We talk about whether psychology is a science o not, the meaning of ‘evidence based practice’ in therapeutic settings, different psychological models, the role of the brain in sexual inte
32. Data Analysis, Being in Industry and Pivoting with Juliana Eniraiyetan
Juliana Eniraiyetan, a data analyst at a pharmaceutical company, explains her interest in the data space, how she got involved, the impact of data driven decision making and the differences between data analysis and data science. Juliana takes through her career journey and shares how the importance of pivoting and adapting throughout your science career as well as the underrated importance of enh
31. Who is 'Black in Plant Science' with Dr Nicola Patron and Dr Mikhaela Neequaye
Dr Nicola Patron and Dr Mikhaela Neequaye are plant scientists. They explain what plant science is and how plants have a broad role in society from ecology to pharmaceuticals to cosmetics (like fragrances and creams) to agricultural crops. They each tell us how they got into plant science and their current research interests. Dr Patron looks at various engineering approaches, including synthetic b
30. Perspectives On the UK Agricultural Industry with Bushra Schuitemaker
Bushra Schuitemaker joins us once again for a deeper dive into her PhD looking at poultry welfare and agricultural sustainability. As a Black woman in the agricultural space, Bushra gives an overview of the industry: the complexity of sustainability in how it intersects with animal health/welfare, economic sustainability and biodiversity; The food insecurity problem in the UK; the long-debated que
29. Hair Analysis: Curls, Coils ands Kinks with Rachel Marcelin and Samantha Stewart
Is there a science to Black hair? Rachel Marcelin and Samantha Stewart, are two of three co-founders for CURLiD, an online trichology (hair science) platform that provides a hair analysis service and various resources and salon training. They explain how science can help us understand how our curly hair works; the different follicles and hair types it produces, different curly hair growth rates an
28. Maximising the Black Diner's Experience with Isabel Overton (Founder of 'inu')
Isabel Overton created inu, a restaurant discovery and reviewing platform birthed out a negative dining experience at restaurant in London. We talk about how racism can affect Black diners’ experiences at restaurants. Isabel gives us insight into her plans to make inu an app no-code, the role technology and data play in the development of inu, how to network, build a community around your vision a
27. Being Black in Astrogeophysics with Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson is an astrogeophysicist with an interest in planetary science and medicine within the field of aerospace medicine. On this episode, we take a deeper dive into her experiences as a Black woman within the field; enduring racism in Antartica, the importance of following your dreams, and her own future plans as she progresses in her career.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science
26. Introducing Astrogeophysics and Aerospace Medicine with Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson is an astrogeophysicist with an interest in planetary science and medicine within the field of aerospace medicine. On this episode, we talk about a range of her experiences and interests like using multidimensional diffusion MRI, the need to diversify astronaut pools and what it was like being one of the Black scientists in freezing Antartica.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Sc
25. What is BioSci Toolkit with Dr Chinedu Agwu
Dr Chinedu Agwu, a lecturer at Brunel university and founder of BioSci toolkit joins us today. Dr Agwu explains the importance of diversity in the bioscience field and why she created the BioSci toolkit. We talked about marketing your skill set to prospective employers and some tips to support your wellbeing in your science journey.
More information:
Check out our website.
Follow us on so
24. The Mission Behind BWIS Events with Juliana Eniraiyetan and Amen Eghosa-Aimufua
Juliana Eniraiyetan and Amen Eghosa-Aimufua, BWIS committee members, give insight into why the Black Women in Science Network host events, whyy they joined the events team, the mission behind them and how they hope to create events that serve and cater to all kinds of Black women.
More information:
Check out our website.
Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork
We want to hear your feedb
23. Black Girls Hike and the Great Outdoors with Bushra Schuitemaker
There’s an age old adage that Black people don’t do the outdoors; hiking, canoeing, skiing etc. Bushra Schuitemaker, a volunteer hike leader at Black Girls Hike UK, joins us today to challenge this narrative. Bushra explains the beauty of the great outdoors, how hiking facilitates social justice, and why Black women should definitely consider hiking for their physical and mental health as well as
22. The 2023 Episode Sum Up with Tomi Akingbade
What a year we've had! Tomi and Tulela review the episodes of 2023, chat through some of their most enjoyed episodes, look at the analytics of the podcast for the Top 5 most listened to episodes to-date and talk about the future of the podcast.
More information:
Check out our website.
Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork
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21. What is Science Communication with Adama Saccoh
Adama answers this key question on this episode. She is the founder of The Catalyst In Me which is a life science careers and science communication blog. Adama explains why the scicomm space can be so difficult to enter and advocates for transparency and a greater interest in society to care about what researchers do and making research more accessible. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science N
20. Crafting Race and Research with Dr Madina Wane
Madina is the brain behind some of beloved episodes about how race influences various scientific disciplines like genetics, technology, clinical research and much more. I explored with Madina her passion for this topic, how the use of race can be problematic, why we as scientists continue to persuade race-based ideas and the ways she hopes to reform immunology the space to be more conscious in its
19. Celebrating World Afro Day with Michelle De Leon
World Afro Day is a global annual celebration of Black hair and identity on 15th September. Michelle De Leon, the CEO and founder of World Afro Day, features on today's episode where we discussed the significance of hair in the Black community, the various hair movements throughout history, campaigning and advocacy against hair discrimination, and what it looks like to show up as your authenti
18. The Issue of Hair Discrimination with Jane Iwo
Despite the natural hair movement and empowerment of kinky coils hair, natural hair is still more likely to be perceived as 'unprofessional', 'unkempt', 'unpresentable' or 'undesirable'. Jane Iwo, a co-founder of the Halo Collective and Halo Code, talks about what hair discrimination is, how it manifests in schools and workplaces and the ways Black professionals can
17. The Phenomenon of Code-Switching with Monica Brown
What does it mean to 'sound professional'? What is code-switching? Does it help or hinder us as Black women? These are some of the questions I ask Monica Brown, a communications consultant and media engagement trainer. We discussed the contexts we may find ourselves having to code-switch, how we perceive ourselves as Black professionals and the 'White voice' we may adopt to fit int
16. Exploring PhD Fellowships with Dr Oumie Kuyateh and Dr Kudzai Nyamondo
What are PhD fellowships and should you do one? Oumie and Kudzai answer these questions for us on today’s episode. They are both PhD fellows at the Wellcome Sanger Institute for Genomics. They talk about their journey there, their current research projects and how Black women can thrive in the space of academia. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network
Speak to Oumie:
Twitter: @popgen_o
15. Patient Diversity in Clinical Trials with Marlayna Fitts
Why should clinical trials have racial diversity? This is a key question Marlayna Fitts answers for us on today’s episode. Marlayna is a Senior Clinical Research Associate and she explains the various stages of clinical trials and the need for transparency, patient education and collaboration to understand the impact of racism on Black communities’ health outcomes. Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Wom
14. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on African Women with Favour Borokini
Deepfake pornography, cyberbullying, anti-protest management and totalitarian surveillance. A more digital world calls for greater boundaries and more protection of human rights, i.e digital rights. Favour Borokini, a PhD candidate in AI research, talks about the impact of AI development on African women’s ability to access opportunities, have their experiences heard and understood, and challenges
13. The Impact of Racism on Technology with Dr Mavis Machirori
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are huge buzz words these days and for good reason. They are increasingly being used within research and by companies to make important decisions about our lives. Dr Mavis Machirori, a senior researcher in AI and healthcare, talks about the dangers of poorly designed AI systems and how the lack of diversity in the tech space means algorithms and ma
12. The Impact of Racism on Genetics with Sasha Henriques
Genetics represents the blueprint of all human behaviour. What happens when this is used to stereotype Black behaviour and their health outcomes? Sasha Henriques, a genetics counsellor, answers these questions and talk about the legacy of eugenics, race myths during COVID-19 and why Black people are more likely to be affected by certain genetic diseases like sickle cell disease.
Host: Tulela Pea,
11. Creating Space for Minority Groups with Vivien Kintu (AMS)
In October 2022, the Black Women in Science Network held Celebrating You with the support of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Vivien Kintu, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at the Academy of Medical Sciences, and her colleagues, were instrumental in the creating this space to celebrate Black Women in Science. We speak with her to hear about how AMS were able to create this space and how
10. The Season Sum Up (with Tomi Akingbade)
AND THAT’S A WRAP! Tomi and Tulela talk about the top three listened-to episodes and share their final thoughts on the season.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network
9. Black Mental Health (Part 2) with Melanie Dottin (Maya Centre)
Melanie Dottin, the clinical director at The Maya Centre in London, joins us today to give us greater insight into therapy, how it works, the barriers Black women face in terms of getting therapy and the importance of giving ourselves permission to choose healing for our souls.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network
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The Maya Centre – https://www.mayacentre.org.uk
Twitter: @mayacentre
8. Black Mental Health (Part 1) with Meg Zeenat Wamithi
Meg Zeenat Wamithi, an international mental health campaigner, joins us today to help us understand the difference between mental health and mental illness; the importance of collaboration and representation within the Black mental health space; and the challenges that exist when campaigning for mental wellbeing/health, particularly for young, Black women.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Scienc
7. Black Dental Health with Dr Toyin Aiyegbusi
Who knew there could be a dark side to dentistry? Dr Toyin Aiyegbusi, a qualified dentist of 7 years, highlights the issues the dentistry field is facing and explains the need for wider conversations about how our general health affects our whole mouth… not just our teeth.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network
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Referenced in Episode - Dr Toyin’s Instagram: @drtoyinsmiles
6. Black Hair Health with Dr Sharon Belmo
Curls, coils, braids, weaves, and wigs reflect the rich history of Black hair. Dr Sharon Belmo, a consultant dermatologist, explains the importance of understanding the characteristics of Black hair, how different signs of irritation act as early indicators of hair loss (i.e. alopecia), and how to groom Black hair in ways that reduce breakage and dryness.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science
5. Black Skin Health with Dr Mary Sommerlad
Our black skin is the canvas of our identity. Dr Mary Sommerlad, a consultant dermatologist, tells us about the importance of truly knowing our skin, identifying different skin conditions such as cancer, melasma, acne on dark skin, and finally, she guides us on seeking out medical assistance when our skin, scalp or nails are causing us significant emotional distress.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black W
4. Black Menstrual Health with Valerie McKen
Fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)… these are all conditions that disproportionately affect black women’s menstrual cycles. The medical lens hasn’t always been helpful but maybe the holistic lens can offer a different perspective. This is what Valerie McKen, a holistic reproductive health practitioner, has to say.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network
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Refere
3. Black Sexual Reproductive Health with Dr Annabel Sowemimo
There is more to sexual reproductive health than contraception and safe sex practices. Dr Annabel Sowemimo explains the wider context and why this matters for Black women’s sexual wellbeing and relationship choices.
*Content Warning: Rape is briefly mentioned in this portion of the discussion (07:12 – 07:30)*
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science Network
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Referenced in Episode:
Dr Annabel’s
2. Black Maternal Health with Dr Jenny Douglas & Lola Otiko
Black women are 5 times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth”. The 2019 statistic that rocked us all. Dr Jenny Douglas, a long-time maternal health advocate, and researcher, and Lola Otiko, a long-serving midwife, offer their perspectives on Black maternal health in the UK and how issues like structural racism continue to persist in healthcare.
Host: Tulela Pea, from Black Women Science
1. Listen, Trust & Believe with Tomi Akingbade
Black women deserve a healthy life. Period. Tomi and Tulela from Black Women in Science introduce the new podcast and upcoming season (Black Women’s Health) and why it matters to the network to have these discussions.
Host: Tulela Pea, from the Black Women in Science Network
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Resources to check out:
You’re Not Listening, What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy
Season 01: Trailer
The Black Women in Science Network is excited to launch its podcast with a season focused on a topic that greatly affects our community. They give you an insight into what is in store for a season packed with expert guests on various topics regarding Black women's health. Are you tuning in for Season 1?
Host: Tulela Pea, from the Black Women in Science Network
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