Having a penpal can be a life-changing experience. You can connect with someone over shared and unique experiences, and learn about a life or environment different from your own. It can even give you the opportunity to broaden your perspective about the world and your place in it.

Jennifer Payne is a research scientist in the area of antimicrobial resistance and founder of STEMPals, an initiative that connects kids with STEM professionals. Join us as we chat about Jen's journey to microbiology, superbugs, and how having a penpal can create connection and change lives through a mutual love of Pokémon, being a Swifty, and STEM.

About Dr Jennifer Payne

Have you ever wondered how we can outsmart infections that resist even our most potent drugs? Dr Jennifer Payne delves into this challenge daily as a research scientist. Growing up in a small country town, she had no idea what a scientist was. Today, she’s tackling antimicrobial resistance, a global problem by unraveling the complex interactions between our immune system, microbes, and antimicrobials.

Jen’s groundbreaking work includes fellowships at Harvard University, where she used “infections on a chip” to observe the real-time battle between superbugs and our immune defenses. Passionate about STEM literacy for all, she founded a not-for-profit that runs STEMpals—a pen pal program inspired by her upbringing, ensuring the next generation can see who they can become. When not battling microbes, and inspiring the next STEM generation, Jen fosters greyhounds and has represented Australia in ultimate frisbee on the world stage.

Show Notes (link)

[00:01:16] The story of Little Jen.

[00:03:44] What did Michele want to be when she grew up?

[00:06:04] From microbes to immune systems.

[00:08:22] The diabolical beauty of golden staph and how to combat it.

[00:10:47] Putting golden staph up in neon lights.

[00:14:23] The complexity of drug research and development and getting solutions from bench to bedside.

[00:17:54] Perspectives on the value of medicines and the cost to keep them available.

[00:21:49] Jen and Michele: wearers of many hats.

[00:24:18] Keeping momentum and balance.

[00:28:28] All about STEMpals.

[00:32:01] The engagement, outcomes, and experience of being part of STEMpals.

[00:37:43] Getting a STEMpal.

[00:40:16] Cultivating positive STEM experiences and scientific literacy in 10-13 year olds for their futures.

[00:42:52] Who can be STEMpals and the breadth of scope of STEM.

[00:46:09] How the community can support STEMpals.

[00:47:12] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore?

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Hosted and produced by Michele Ong.

Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel.