EP119: Meet ‘#MamaScientist’ Dr. Jessica DeHart

In The Margins

Diverse host David Pluviose welcomes special guest Dr. Jessica DeHart, associate professor in the School for Community and Global Health at Claremont Graduate University in California. DeHart, a self-described “mama scientist,” founded the nonprofit Living Your Truth Empowered, whose mission is to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for cancer survivors. The organization helps to provide after-treatment when cancer survivors are in remission.

In this episode, DeHart discusses the formation of her organization and the driving forces compelling her focus on cancer survivorship work. She shares the story of her personal trajectory through higher education, motherhood, and why it is critical for women in STEAM/STEM, academia, and the C-suite to understand that, through hard work and prioritization, they can excel in both their careers and family life. Tune in as DeHart and Pluviose share this fascinating discussion.

KEY POINTS:

• DeHart’s journey into higher education
• DeHart’s decision to help cancer survivors
• The importance of doing scientific research in diverse communities
• How DeHart transitions scholarship to advocacy work at CGU
• How #mamascientist works to encourage women to pursue STEAM/STEM careers

QUOTABLES:

“Everything has been driven by passion, but not just that, [it’s] almost a serendipitous journey. I'm adopted because my mom had ovarian cancer when she was young. My parents couldn't have children. So right off the bat, cancer kind of started my journey.” – Dr. Jessica DeHart

“The second reason I wanted to go to CGU is to teach and to show other women in science that you can do it. You can be a mom, and you can be a scientist at the same time.” – Dr. Jessica DeHart

GUEST RESOURCES:

Jessica DeHart Supports Cancer Survivors and Mama Scientists: https://www.cgu.edu/news/2023/05/jessica-dehart-supports-cancer-survivors-and-mama-scientists/

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