Biology professor launches reproductive science podcast through interdisciplinary collaboration with alumni and students

Under the direction of Laura Sirot, professor of biology at The College of Wooster, an interdisciplinary team of students and alumni have launched I Came for Science, a podcast exploring topics related to the science of sex and reproduction in accessible ways. Aiming to build appreciation and understanding of the science of sex and reproduction as well as trust amongst identity groups historically marginalized in the sciences, the podcast was conceptualized as a collaboration between Sirot and biology alumna Natalia Riusech ’14. Sirot and Riusech are joined by Sam Carmel ’25 and Isabel Espinosa ’23 who assist the team with research and production.

Sirot, whose work focuses on understanding animal behavior and reproductive biology, had been seeking ways to communicate her research area to a wider audience. This desire was reinforced by the spread of scientific misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in conversations surrounding reproductive biology topics like abortion and transgender youth.

“Even before the Dobbs decision about Roe v. Wade, there was a lot of misinformation about human reproduction,” Sirot said. “I’d hear our legislators making statements that were factually inaccurate about gender, sex, sexual assault, and pregnancy. It really bothered me, and it became important for me to stand up for science, to stand up as a biologist.”

Natalia Riusech ’14 and Laura Sirot, professor of biology, develop episodes for I Came for Science, a new podcast focused on the science of sex.

After reconnecting with Riusech, currently working in communications at NASA, the two discussed creating a platform to explore and communicate “all things sex, reproduction, and inclusion in STEM.” Having struggled during her own path through STEM, Sirot notes that science has not always been welcoming to all. “In addition to being a pun on reproductive biology, the title of the podcast reflects this. That we weren’t always made to feel welcome in science, but we persisted anyway” Sirot explained.

Working with the intergenerational and interdisciplinary group of Wooster students and alumni has been “just wonderful,” Sirot said, continuing, “we wanted a team of people from various disciplines with different lived experiences.”

For Riusech, collaborating with her former professor helped fulfill a dream she had always had.  “Laura was the first person to teach me how to write about science and now my career is in science communication, and we’re making a podcast together. If that isn’t a full circle moment, I don’t know what is.”

The team was completed by Carmel, a junior studying biochemistry and molecular biology, and recent graduate Espinosa who majored in communication and global media & digital studies. In addition to the podcast, I Came For Science plans to develop materials to communicate about reproductive science including a website, informative TikTok videos, and threads on X. The team hopes to offer materials in both English and Spanish.

“It’s important I Came for Science explores ‘taboo’ topics because of their interconnectedness to many social issues affecting disadvantaged communities. It’s easy to think of reproductive science as just that, the science of reproduction, but upon further examination it’s clear that some communities and populations are not always given the same access to information that others are,” Carmel said. “My time at Wooster has shown me the importance of where information is sourced and how it’s provided. It’s really quite uplifting to be part of a project that aims to provide safe and accurate information for those who may not have had that option in the past.”

The first episode of I Came for Science, “Let’s Talk About Pubic Hair” debuted on Feb. 14. The episode discussed the evolutionary history of pubic hair and removal practices and dispelled myths about grooming and STIs; Sirot and Riusech were joined by Wooster aesthetician Adelia Thompson and Maria Gallo, epidemiologist at The Ohio State University. The second episode, released on Feb. 28 is the story of another Wooster alumnus’ decision to take the HIV preventative PrEP; according to Sirot, it is “a story of how the science of sex can save lives.” In upcoming episodes, Sirot and Riusech will explore topics including science behind rape kit testing and the evolution of the female orgasm.

Listeners can find the podcast on Instagram and X under the handle @ICameForScience, as well as on streaming services Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Castbox.

Featured photo:  Sam Carmel ’25, Laura Sirot, professor of biology and Isabel Espinosa ’23 in the recording
studio working on I Came for Science.

Posted in News on March 6, 2024.