We're excited to announce the launch of our new podcast, sh(e)=mc2, which celebrates the energy, light, and power created by women leaders in science.  The podcast is now available for listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart, and other platforms.

We share inspiring stories in our first season of sh(e) = mc2. We are connecting with amazing women who have risen to the tops of their fields and profession and are now motivating a younger generation to not shy away from the sciences, but rather feel empowered and confident to pursue a career in science.  The podcast is hosted by Maya Murshak, the CEO of Merit Laboratories, a woman-owned business specializing in scientific laboratory testing, and produced by Heidi Komar of BlueOpps.  

Season 1 guests of sh(e)=mc2 include:

Cheryl Murphy: Her passion for science has taken her around the world as an ecotoxicologist. In this episode of sh(e)=mc2 we meet Cheryl Murphy,  an ecotoxicologist who has traveled the world studying the effects of chemicals on wildlife. Cheryl’s career journey has opened many new doors as she pursues her passion for science. She shares the interesting path of her scientific career and offers her unique perspectives, including reducing barriers for diversity in science. Cheryl is a scientific researcher, professor, and director. Cheryl is the Director for the Center for PFAS Research and a professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University.  

Abigail Hendershott: "It's a Great Time to be in Science!" In this episode of sh(e)=mc2 we meet Abigail Hendershott of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Abigail leads the team tasked with cleaning-up Michigan’s largest PFAS site as Executive Director of MPART.  MPART is a multi-agency task force charged with investigating PFAS contamination, overseeing clean-up and other response activities aimed at protecting Michigan’s drinking water. Abigail shares her experience in leadership and the power of knowing your strengths and the importance of creating a team of who is not only skilled, but also happy.  

Kim Tucker-Billingslea: "My life has been built by flexibility... blessed are the flexible for they won't get bent out of shape." In this episode we meet Kim Tucker-Billingslea, Senior Environmental Project Engineer for General Motors. Kim has over 35 years of experience directing site remediation strategies for large complex sites. A Detroiter with a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Kim discusses the importance of having grit, being flexible, and the power of opening yourself up to new experiences. As a trailblazer in her profession, Kim shares her career path and experience with General Motors Corporation. She shares her story of overcoming stereotypes. 

Jill Tietjen, PE: "You have to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way…” In this episode we meet Jill Tietjen. Jill shares her insight and experience with overcoming obstacles. “What do you do when there’s an obstacle in your way?”  Author, international speaker, and electrical engineer, Jill Tietjen has spent more than 45 years in the electric utility business as a consultant and expert witness and is an advocate for women worldwide. She has authored or co-authored 12 books to date. Her latest award-winning book (Fulcrum, 2022), Over, Under, Around, and Through: How Hall of Famers Surmount Obstacles, has been called inspirational and uplifting.

Season 1 of sh(e)=mc2 is sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. 

We’re also looking for potential guests for Season 2. Do you know an amazing woman leader in science that would make a great guest on sh(e)=mc2? If so, please drop us a note.  We’d love to hear your suggestions.

Merit Laboratories is one of the nation’s leading environmental testing laboratories, analyzing soil, wastewater, groundwater, drinking water, and other sample matrices for a diverse range of analytical parameters.