Color-coded Interview Themes

Themes across the interviews have been color-coded in the visualization below. Click on a color to toggle the visualization to show just that color. Hover over section to see text, and click to go to that portion of the interview.

Background
Education
Research
Challenges
Diversity
Culture
Accomplishment
Environment
Women in STEM
ISU Diversity
Career Advice
Representation
Mentorship
Motivations
Industry Experience
Networking
Technology
Publication



Dr. Jing Wang

Professor Jing Wang, an accomplished figure in the field of biomedical engineering, whose journey traverses continents and academic milestones. Having completed her Ph.D. outside the US, she embarked on a trajectory that led her to prestigious postdoctoral roles at Duke University and the University of Michigan before assuming the mantle of Assistant Professor at Iowa State University in 2022.

Dr. Qing Li

Professor Li, an accomplished academic in the field of electrical engineering and industrial engineering. Professor Li’s journey in STEM began in China, where she pursued her undergraduate studies in electrical engineering. Seeking further opportunities, she moved to the United States and earned her master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Rochester. However, her passion for statistics led her to switch her focus to a PhD in statistics at Virginia Tech.

Dr. Liu Lu

Dr. Lu Liu is an accomplished researcher in the field of civil engineering and environmental science. Originally from China, Lu’s journey in STEM began at the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science. Driven by a passion for sustainable engineering, she pursued a Ph.D. in civil engineering, culminating in her graduation in 2017. Following her academic pursuits, Lu’s expertise led her to work as a postdoctoral researcher at Rice University before embarking on her current role as a faculty member at Iowa State University since the fall of 2021.

Dr. Kaoru Ikuma

Dr. Kaoru Ikuma’s journey in academia is a testament to her unwavering determination and love for learning. Born in Japan, she spent a significant part of her childhood in the United States, igniting an early fascination with the diverse world around her. Pursuing her passion for biology and biochemistry, she obtained her undergraduate degrees before making a bold switch to environmental engineering, a field where she could merge her interests seamlessly.

Dr. Tracy Heath

Dr. Heath is an accomplished associate professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at Iowa State University. With an inspiring journey rooted in her Filipino heritage, she brings a unique perspective to her research and academic pursuits. In this interview, we explore Dr. Heath’s journey, research interests, and gain valuable insights on various topics.

Dr. Anwesha Sarkar

Professor Anwesha Sarkar is an esteemed physicist whose journey in STEM was ignited by a powerful influence – her mother, a math teacher, and an inspiring figure who dedicated herself to helping struggling students. Growing up in India, Anwesha’s fascination with physics never waned, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s in Physics at St. Xavier’s College, Master’s in Physics at IIT Madras, M.Phil. in Physics at the Institute of Physics in India, and PhD in Physics at Wayne State University.