Maria Denk (she/her) is a queer biophysical chemist and science communicator who works in the field of drug discovery. She completed her bachelor's degree at McMaster in Chemistry (with co-op) and graduated in 2021. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in various placements, including academic labs studying polymer decoration and industrial labs studying the starting matter for pharmaceuticals. Since graduating, she has been working for a small contract research organization near Montreal. Outside her work, she volunteers as a Grants Manager and Editor with Science for Everyone - a Canadian not-for-profit. Outside of everything science, she is an avid home cook, piano player and public transit enthusiast. You can follow her on Twitter @Maria_Denk.

In this episode, we discuss Maria’s journey to where she is today, how to navigate the world as a queer scientist, how to effectively use LinkedIn, the power of science communication, and what a public transit enthusiast is. Have fun listening!

🗒️ Show Notes

• https://500queerscientists.com
• https://diversifychemistry.com
• https://www.scienceforeveryone.ca
• @sciforeveryone
• @scipourtous
• Maria’s Twitter: @maria_denk
• Maria’s Instagram: @denkindonuts

🎙 About the Podcast - STEMFellows is a podcast that aims to empower the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) innovators. Join Shubh Patel, a Schulich Leader scholar and a STEM Fellowship member, to spark big ideas with prominent STEM leaders.

🎧 Listen for free on your favourite Podcast platform - search "STEMFellows" on your podcast app, or click these links

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stemfellows/id1584305508
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💁🏽 Who is the host? Shubh Patel is a Schulich Leader scholar and biomedical science student studying in Calgary, AB. He also conducts research focusing on preventing and treating diabetes and various heart diseases.

• Shubh's Twitter - https://twitter.com/shubhkpatel/
• Shubh's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shubhkpatel/
• Shubh's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhkpatel/
• Shubh’s YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjO69rqPPTOlJ-uSHKnYpQ/featured

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