In this episode of How to Be WiSE, we sit down with Danica Johnson and Diana Orsini, two researchers working at the forefront of psychedelic science and mental health. From ketamine to psilocybin, they share how these emerging therapies are reshaping our understanding of the brain and offering new hope for treating conditions like depression.

We dive into their journeys into research, the realities of working in a highly regulated and evolving field, and the powerful (and sometimes surprising) impact these treatments can have on patients. They also open up about the challenges behind the scenes; from ethical considerations to emotional resilience, and share advice for students interested in neuroscience and research.

If you’re curious about the future of mental health treatment or considering a path in research, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, we sit down with Asia Fee: cosmetic chemist, science communicator, entrepreneur, and founder of Alchemist Asia. Asia shares her journey into the world of cosmetic chemistry, from experimenting with lipstick formulations in high school to building a platform that combines beauty, science, and education.

We talk about what cosmetic chemists actually do, the STEM behind skincare formulation, and how to think critically about popular skincare claims and trends online. Asia also opens up about her experience as a woman in STEM, the misconceptions surrounding beauty-related science careers, and why communication, business, and interdisciplinary learning are so important for students entering the field.

To wrap up, Asia gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her experience on Beast Games and reflects on how her scientific mindset shaped the way she approached competition, risk, and teamwork.

This episode is one you don't want to miss. It is such an empowering conversation on science, beauty, entrepreneurship, and navigating your own path in STEM.

Asia's Instagram: @Asiafee

Enjoy!

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with Angelique Matias, a first-year medical student at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Angelique shares how her early experiences in healthcare sparked her interest in medicine, how volunteering and research shaped her journey, and what ultimately confirmed that this path was right for her. Together, we discuss:

• Discovering your “why” for medicine

• MCAT preparation strategies and common misconceptions

• Navigating the Canadian medical school application process

• What surprised her most about starting med school

• Staying balanced and grounded in a high-pressure field

• What she wishes she could tell her pre-med self

If you’re considering medicine, feeling unsure about your next steps, or simply curious about what medical school is really like, this episode offers honest and first-hand insight and practical advice from someone who’s recently been through it.

Thanks for tuning in, and as always, stay WiSE ✨