Ep 154 Ask The Erins (Again!)

Career Shifts

Erin Welsh and Erin Updyke share their unexpected career transformations, highlighting pivotal moments that led them to podcasting. Initially, Erin Welsh pursued a postdoc in Finland but found the academic cycle unfulfilling, prompting her to quit and focus on the podcast full-time 1. Erin Updyke, originally in medical school, realized the podcast's potential as a career when balancing her studies became overwhelming 1. She reflects on her initial ambition to become a shark biologist, a path she never anticipated diverging from 2.

It's like finding that thing that I connect with and I am able to feel fulfilled about has been an incredible experience.

--- Erin Welsh

Their decision to embrace podcasting has profoundly changed their lives, offering fulfillment and unexpected career satisfaction.

   

Academic Influences

The Erins reflect on key academic experiences that shaped their professional journeys. Erin Welsh initially aimed for nursing but switched to biology after a captivating microbiology class, eventually leading her to epidemiology and science communication 3. Erin Updyke's fascination with science began early, with a pivotal class on parasite ecology steering her towards public health and epidemiology 4. Both hosts share their enduring passion for science, rooted in childhood interests and academic discoveries.

I was definitely, like, a science nerd from the beginning. Went into undergrad wanting to do aquatic biology, marine biology.

--- Erin Updyke

These experiences underscore their commitment to science communication and their podcast's mission to make science accessible and engaging.