In the early 1980s, 11-year old Maya Murshak and her family emigrate from their home in Estonia. After several stops in Europe, Maya and her family eventually make their way to the United States. In this episode we turn the microphones around and meet Maya, the host of sh(e)=mc2 and CEO of Merit Laboratories.  Maya is interviewed by Heidi Komar, the podcast’s producer.

Maya shares her story, the family challenges, what her mother Violetta instilled in her which continues to drive her to this day, and more about her journey that led to earning an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University. Maya shares her motivation behind creating this podcast and her goal of reaching young women and inspiring them to choose a career in science. We also get a peek into what motivates Maya to continue the important work in the environmental laboratory business.  She dreams of the day where women will be equally represented and respected in the scientific community. sh(e)=mc2 is connecting with other women to continue spreading the light, energy and power of women.

sh(e)=mc2 is proud to be sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Agilent is a leader in life sciences advancing quality of life through people, products, planet, and prosperity. Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward advancing the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. Learn more at www.agilent.com.

sh(e)=mc2 is a new podcast that celebrates the light, energy, and power of women leaders in science. Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories is the host, Heidi Komar of BlueOpps, LLC is the executive producer, and Zoe Komar of Michigan State University is the audio engineer. To connect with our podcast or suggest a future guest, please visit our website.