In Episode 6 of Across STEM with YSI Season 2, our conversation begins with something deceptively simple: the realization that your brain is always guessing.

Uzra Abid Ali joins Amirali Banani to talk about dreams, illusions, and the moments when perception quietly slips without us noticing. Drawing from her recent talk at STEM Quest 3.0, Inside Your Limit: The Neuroscience of Dreams & Illusions, Uzra explains how the brain isn’t a camera capturing reality as it is. It is a fierce prediction machine, constantly filling in gaps based on experiences and expectations.

She talks about dreams as one of the clearest examples of this. When external sensory input shuts off, the brain does not go quiet.

It becomes more creative.

Entire scenes, emotions, and narratives emerge out of nothing, without any real-world data feeding them. For Uzra, this isn’t just fascinating, it’s revealing. Dreams show what happens when perception is driven almost entirely from the inside out, which can unravel essential cues about consciousness.

She then discussed illusions, and not as tricks or party curiosities. Uzra describes illusions as moments where the brain’s shortcuts become visible. When an illusion fools us, which happens very often, it isn’t because our brain is broken—it’s because it’s trying to work efficiently, prioritizing speed and coherence over perfection or accuracy. This idea reshapes how we think about error and distortion in neuroscience.

Following this, Uzra reflects on how learning about the neuroscience of dreams and illusions has affected her personally. She admits that once you understand predictive processing, it becomes harder to take your own perceptions at face value. You begin to notice how easily the mind fills in details and how confidently it tells stories that feel real in the moment. It is a testament to how easily our brain at times can be tricked by the laws of physics, and thus how easily we can get tricked by our own brain into thinking that something it has made up is actually real.

A key takeaway from Uzra’s episode worth noting down: the focus is not to be placed on finding firm answers. It is on learning to pay attention to the moments when reality feels slightly unstable.

These are the moments that often reveal the most about how the mind actually works.

Watch Uzra’s STEM Quest 3.0 talk

Breaking into a field like neurotechnology can feel intimidating. It’s complex, technical, and often framed as something you’re only allowed to touch once you’ve reached a certain level.

In this episode of our new season of Across STEM with YSI, Amirali Banani sits down with Joshua Thomas Carter, a psychology undergraduate student (graduating later this year!) at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England and the Founder and President of the Surrey Neurotech Society, to talk about what it means to step into an incredibly exciting, emerging field when you don’t yet have all the answers.

Much of this episode stems from Joshua's recent talk at STEM Quest 3.0, Journey into Neurotechnology: Lessons and Advice, where he shared how he went from being deeply curious about the brain to working hands-on with neurostimulation for cognitive enhancement and building his university’s first-ever neurotech society. In this conversation, he expands on that incredible journey so far—one that is shaped far more by curiosity, persistence, and initiative than by certainty or a perfectly mapped-out plan.

Rather than treating neurotechnology as something distant or reserved for experts with years of experience, Joshua breaks it down as a field that’s still unraveling and evolving and is very much open to students willing to learn. He reflects on his first year in neurotech, from navigating unfamiliar research papers and technical language that needed Googling every few words to discovering opportunities that were closer than he ever expected. Along the way, he speaks candidly about the moments of doubt, the learning curves, and the realization that waiting to feel “ready” often means never starting at all.

A big part of Joshua’s story is about access. He challenges the idea that neurotech belongs only to engineers or long-established researchers, and talks about why students from a wide range of backgrounds have a tremendously important role to play. That belief is what pushed him to build a student neurotech community from scratch at his university, creating a space where interest could turn into collaboration, and where learning did not require permission. Along with this, we also explore the responsibility that comes with working on the brain itself (neuroethics!). Joshua speaks thoughtfully about ethics in neurotechnology, why moving fast isn’t always the right approach, and how conversations around philosophy and human impact are just as important as technical innovation.

At its core, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt drawn to a field but unsure how to begin. Joshua’s story is still unfolding, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It shows that meaningful STEM journeys do not ever start with certainty, even in a complex field like neurotechnology.

They start with asking questions, reaching out to people, learning from any resource at your disposal, and taking the first step forward without hesitation.

That’s what it is all about.

Skincare often gets dismissed as “just cosmetic”, overlooking the captivating science underlying it.

But what if it’s actually chemistry, microbiology, and equity all in action?

In this episode of season 2 of Across STEM with YSI, Amirali Banani speaks with Reindy Faith Sanon, a high school senior from New Jersey who is an aspiring dermatologist with huge dreams, and a 2025 Junior Fellow with the Harvard Undergraduate Microbiology Society. Following her STEM Quest 3.0 talk, From Molecules to Moisturizers: The Chemistry of Skincare and Inclusive Dermatology, Reindy unpacks why skin health is a rigorous scientific field and why inclusivity should be so foundational to modern dermatology.

Reindy reflects on how her early curiosity and a lot of hands-on experimentation shaped her interest in skincare science from a young age. She shares how navigating self-care and health during the COVID era deepened her commitment to medicine, and how misinformation on social media can deeply distort public understanding of science and healthcare—including the myth that skincare is just cosmetic.

The conversation also explores youth leadership in STEM and the incredibly important role of interdisciplinary learning, diving deep into how young scientists can challenge outdated assumptions in medicine. From busting the myth that skincare “isn’t real science” to advocating for equitable dermatological education and patient care, Reindy offers a powerful reminder that innovation in healthcare starts with curiosity, and a serious willingness to learn.

The episode also zooms out to examine how curiosity itself becomes a powerful tool for scientific growth. Reindy speaks about learning through trial, through reflection, and even through uncertainty, describing how asking “why” at an early stage can be just as valuable as having formal credentials. She reflects on how moments of confusion, of experimentation, and of self-directed learning shaped her confidence as a young scientist and why embracing uncertainty is essential in fields where knowledge is in a constant state of evolution.

This powerful perspective from Reindy reframes science not as a linear path, but as an iterative process that consistently changes.

In the third episode of Season 2 of Across STEM with YSI, we continue our conversations with the incredible speakers of STEM Quest 3.0, the biggest program we’ve ever hosted together with MedXplorer and STEM Up.

In this episode, Amirali Banani speaks with Sena Mekonnen, an honors environmental public health pre-med student and Morrill Scholar at The Ohio State University, as well as the co-founder and COO of FaceFrame, a health-tech startup developing AI-powered eyewear try-on solutions. Having recently spoken at STEM Quest 3.0, Sena brings a thoughtful perspective on what it truly means to reimagine healthcare through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Throughout the episode, Sena reflects on her multifaceted journey into medicine and public health—from early exposure to healthcare and personal experiences with environmental illness, to discovering how engineering, data science, policy, and design all shape health outcomes. She shares how exploring interests beyond a traditional pre-med path led her to environmental public health and entrepreneurship, and why systems-level thinking has fundamentally changed how she views patient care in America and globally.

Building on this, Sena discusses her work in nutrition research and health technology, highlighting how collaboration across disciplines leads to more meaningful, clinically relevant solutions. Drawing from her experiences in research labs and startup leadership, she speaks candidly about communication across diverse teams while navigating knowledge gaps and learning to lead without needing to know everything. While reflecting on her role as a Founder at FaceFrame, Sena offers insight into how entrepreneurship has shaped her understanding of healthcare innovation beyond what academia alone ever would.

Sena’s journey reminds us that the future of healthcare is not built in isolation. It is collaborative, it is interdisciplinary, it is deeply human.

Driven by intense curiosity and a willingness to look beyond traditional boundaries to solve the problems that matter most.

In the second episode of Season 2 of Across STEM with YSI, we continue our conversations with the speakers of STEM Quest 3.0, the biggest program we’ve ever hosted alongside MedXplorer and STEM Up, bringing together young innovators and changemakers in STEM from across the world.

In this episode, Amirali Banani sits down with Yasmin Tarfi, a biotechnology and data science student pursuing her master’s degree in Strasbourg, France, and a former technology intern at Roche in Switzerland. Fresh off her impactful talk at STEM Quest 3.0, Yasmin brings a powerful and deeply thoughtful perspective on what happens when data-driven research and global health equity intersect.

Throughout the episode, Yasmin reflects on her unconventional yet inspiring academic journey—from a double bachelor’s degree in economics and languages to finding her place at the intersection of genomics, data science, and healthcare with an unrelenting drive to learn. She shares how curiosity and purpose guided her transition into STEM, and how her passion for cancer research and public health led her to focus on one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the underrepresentation of genomic data from underserved populations in cancer research—also the bulk of her STEM Quest presentation.

Building onto this, Yasmin discusses her research on genomic diversity and oncology, highlighting how gaps in data directly impact diagnosis accuracy, treatment efficacy, and health outcomes—particularly in regions like North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing from her personal background and academic work, she speaks candidly about why inclusion in health research is not optional, but essential, and how profit-driven systems often leave entire populations behind.

While talking about her experience working at Roche, Yasmin provides a deeper look at the contrast between academia and industry. She reflects on what it means to work at a company that actually places patients at the center of innovation (unlike most companies in the industry), and how seeing her work translate into real-world impact shaped her vision for the future of science and healthcare.

Yasmin’s journey underscores a central message of this season: that the future of STEM lies not only in data and discovery, but in equity, representation, and the courage to ask hard questions.

A new year, a new season of Across STEM with YSI!!

In this second season of ASWYSI we’ll be interviewing the speakers of STEM Quest 3.0, the biggest program we’ve ever hosted along with MedXplorer and STEM Up which as of today—January 11, 2026—is still ongoing until next week!

Amirali opens up the conversation of a brand-new season of Across STEM with YSI with the brilliant Carol Warren Ornelas, a data science and industrial engineering student, neuroscience education leader, and creative entrepreneur from Mexico City. Fresh off her talk at STEM Quest 3.0, Carol brings a powerful perspective on what happens when data, neuroscience, creativity, and youth leadership intersect.

Throughout the episode, Carol reflects on her multifaceted journey so far through STEM, from rediscovering neuroscience through education initiatives like Brain Bee México where she now serves as National Director (the youngest ever!) to founding WarrenNexus Group, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping ideas grow. She shares how curiosity, rather than credentials, has shaped her path, and why young people don’t just learn science—they question it, connect it, and transform it in deeply creative ways driven by their unrivalled energy and curiosity.

The conversation deepens, exploring Carol’s growing interest in the intersection of computation and biology, particularly in biostatistics, genomic data, and predictive medicine, and how tremendous these fields could be for healthcare accessibility throughout Mexico and the broader Latin America region in places like Colombia and Venezuela. Along the way, she speaks candidly about the incredible leadership and responsibility that comes with building spaces for youth in STEM–especially in regions where opportunities are limited or unevenly distributed based on factors like gender or economic inequality.

In one segment, Carol challenges the idea that creativity and marketing/communication through social media are distractions from “serious” STEM work. Instead, she reframes them as essential tools for accessibility and impact…bridges that allow scientific ideas to travel beyond labs and into communities, some of which may not have been exposed much to science before.

Carol’s story is one of initiative, of resilience, of intention, and being a role model for youth in her country and beyond, reminding us that the future of STEM depends not just on discovery, but on how we invite curiosity and empower young voices early on.

Watch the first episode of our new season of ASWYSI and of 2026 to learn more about Carol and all the incredible things she’s doing for STEM in Mexico!

Follow and rate Across STEM with YSI on Spotify for more conversations with STEM Quest speakers and changemakers throughout 2026 <3

Our final ASWYSI episode of 2025!

In this episode of Across STEM with YSI, Abeer Iftikhar speaks with Aanyaa Garatikar, a young changemaker, science communicator, and the Founder of the Ballerina Project India. At just 13 years old, Aanyaa is already reshaping how we think about science education…blending creativity and compassion to explore how the human body, health, and society are deeply interconnected.

Throughout the conversation, Aanyaa shares how her journey into STEM began through something that might not come to mind at first when you think of STEM: ballet.

What started as a passion for movement gradually evolved into a fascination with the science behind how the body functions. As Aanyaa learned more about the physical demands placed on dancers, she became increasingly interested in topics such as injury prevention, mental health, and body image, especially among young people. These experiences ultimately inspired her to launch the Ballerina Project India, a platform that uses science and storytelling to challenge harmful norms in dance culture while promoting wellness and informed dialogue.

The 35-minute conversation also explores Aanyaa’s growing interest in biology beyond human health, including sustainability and bio-inspired innovation that can shape the future of planet Earth. She speaks about her curiosity surrounding mycelium, algae, and biodegradable materials, and how learning about these systems reshaped her understanding of environmental responsibility. Through projects like The Petri Dish, Aanyaa aims to make complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging, helping others see science not as something distant or intimidating, but as something deeply connected to everyday life.

Throughout the episode, Aanyaa also reflects on the importance of youth voices in science and the need to approach STEM with empathy and creativity with an emphasis on the value of interdisciplinary thinking. Her story is one of curiosity, of purpose, and how interdisciplinary thinking and community can drive meaningful change, reminding listeners that science is a lot more than just discovery.

Listen to episode 16 of Across STEM with YSI to learn more about Aanyaa’s incredible journey so far and all that she’s at such a young age.

Follow and rate Across STEM with YSI on Spotify for more inspiring episodes coming your way in 2026!

In this fifteenth episode of Across STEM with YSI, Amirali Banani sits down with Arian Ariaye, a University of Washington biology graduate, aspiring physician, neonatal neuroscience research assistant at UW Medicine, and a passionate advocate for equity, mentorship, and representation in medicine. Fluent in four languages and deeply involved in research and community service, Arian’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and staying grounded in humanity within highly competitive STEM spaces.

Having navigated the American education system as a first-generation student from underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, Arian reflects on the challenges of transitioning from community college to a large urban research university, overcoming language barriers, imposter syndrome, and isolation within a massive pool of students, learning how to build community in unfamiliar academic environments in the process. These experiences have ultimately shaped his philosophy of medicine—one rooted not only in scientific rigor, but in authentic human-human connection, dignity, and trust.

In this episode, Arian and Amirali explore his captivating journey into neonatal neuroscience, including two years of research focused on preterm birth along with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and brain development. Arian breaks down complex concepts like gyrification and early-life neural development, while emphasizing why neonatal brain health is critical for long-term cognitive-psychological and life outcomes. He also shares how hands-on experiences in the NICU and exposure to translational research reshaped his understanding of medicine as a deeply holistic field that bridges bench science, clinical care, authentic human connection and lived experience.

Beyond research, Arian discusses the power of multilingualism in healthcare—which, by speaking 4 languages, he’s no stranger to—explaining how language acts as a bridge for trust, empathy, and patient comfort that often opens doors to stories and vulnerabilities that would otherwise remain unheard. He also reflects on the importance of practical clinical skills, highlighting how true growth in medicine comes not just from textbooks, but from humility and applying what you learn in a clinical context to make a tangible difference.

Arian also offers thoughtful advice to younger students feeling pressure to “do it all,” encouraging them to remember their why, stay rooted in their values, and honor the people who help shape their journey. Looking ahead, he shares his aspirations to pursue medicine while remaining deeply engaged in research and advocacy, using his voice to uplift others and help build more compassionate, inclusive healthcare systems globally.

Inspiring barely captures Arian’s journey so far. From neonatal neuroscience research to community advocacy and mentorship, he represents a new generation of scientists and future physicians who believe that excellence in STEM must go hand in hand with empathy, collaboration, applying what you learn, and humanity.

Watch episode 15 of Across STEM with YSI to learn more about Arian’s powerful journey!

As always, make sure to follow and rate Across STEM with YSI on Spotify for more inspiring episodes coming your way 🙌🏼