117 Margot Gerritsen: Thriving As A Multi-Dimensional Learner

In this episode of Aarna’s News, host Aarna Sahu sits down with Margot Gerritsen, a renowned computational scientist, engineer, and co-founder of Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide, to explore the power of curiosity, lifelong learning, and embracing multiple passions instead of limiting yourself to one subject. Margot shares her inspiring journey from earning a PhD in Computational Mathematics at Stanford to leading Stanford’s Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering, with research spanning energy sustainability, ocean modeling, data science, and even building a remote-controlled pterosaur for National Geographic. Together, Aarna and Margot discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, building connections in STEM, and why multipassionate learners bring innovation and resilience to science, technology, and beyond.