In this episode of Periodically, hosts Manami and Charlie are joined by Dr Jenny Maunder, a physical chemistry-based lecturer at the University of Durham. As a senior demonstrator, Jenny provides a unique perspective on the impact of menstrual health on both students and staff. The trio discuss the importance of training for demonstrators, focusing on understanding menstruation and potential strategies for making menstrual health a less taboo topic.

(1:12) Introducing Jenny
(7:45) Navigating Menstruation and Career Pressures
(18:04) Having Open Conversations
(26:06) Balancing Lifestyle and Menstrual Health
(33:50) Creating a Supportive Academic Environment

About the hosts:

Charlie: Hi, I’m Charlie and I am a postgraduate student in inorganic chemistry. I am really passionate about EDI work within chemistry and when the project was proposed looking into the impact of periods in chemistry, I was really excited to be involved!

Manami: Hi, I’m Manami and I’m a third-year undergraduate student at Oxford. I am really passionate about this project because my period has affected my degree and I would like others in this situation to not feel alone!

We'd like to thank the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Fund, the University of Oxford Chemistry Department, and the EPSRC-funded OxICFM CDT for supporting the podcast.

In this episode of Periodically, hosts Josie and Felicity are joined by Kelly Britton, a DPhil student in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Oxford, and Dr Sarah Rawe, a lecturer in chemistry at the Technological University Dublin.

Listen as they discuss the realities of experiencing perimenopause while also dealing with the pressures of academia and personal life. They also discuss their symptoms, the impact on their lives, and the importance of having open conversations about these issues.

(1:45) Balancing Academia and Parenthood
(7:10) Miscarriage and Mental Health
(16:23) Navigating Perimenopause
(33:47) Breaking Generational Taboos

About the hosts:

Josie: Hi, I’m Josie and I’m a third-year at Exeter. This podcast has been such a great experience! I have loved meeting people who are just as passionate about raising awareness of the issues that arise from having periods whilst studying. I think this podcast is a great step in the right direction for reducing the stigma around periods.

Felicity: Hi, I’m Felicity and I’m a third-year chemist studying at Lady Margaret Hall. I’ve always found the taboo surrounding periods really frustrating, so I have loved having open conversations about the impact of our periods and learning about all our different experiences!

We'd like to thank the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Fund, the University of Oxford Chemistry Department, and the EPSRC-funded OxICFM CDT for supporting the podcast.

In this episode of Periodically, hosts Sofia and Lottie are joined by Chiara Cocco, a postdoctoral research associate at the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Caucus at Heriot-Watt University, to discuss the research that's being undertaken by initiatives like the EDI Caucus to investigate the impact of menstrual health in research and innovation.

Listen to the episode for more on the impact of menstrual health on work, the need for supportive policies, the importance of open dialogue, and how workplaces can adapt to better accommodate those who menstruate.

(1:28) What is the EDI Caucus?
(7:35) The response to the EDI
(24:04) Menstruation and Fieldwork
(29:34) The discourse surrounding "Period Leave"

About the hosts:

Sofia: My name is Sofia and I'm a fourth-year Chemistry student at Oxford. I am also the co-founder of The Oxford Period, a campaign for access to free period products across the University.

Lottie: Hiya, I am Lottie and I am in my fourth-year. I have really enjoyed working on this podcast, especially as I am interested in how we better support students with their studies in chemistry once they arrive at university here.

We'd like to thank the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Fund, the University of Oxford Chemistry Department, and the EPSRC-funded OxICFM CDT for supporting the podcast.