‘Engineering a Legacy: Overcoming Expectations, Gender Roles, and Cancer’ - S2: Episode 3 with Juliana Pereira (Part 2)

International Student Stories brought to you by Study in the USA

Oct 14 2022 • 34 mins

Introduction

Juliana Pereira returns for Part 2 of a two-part interview. In this episode, Juliana talks about her career as a Geotechnical Engineer who’s carrying the weight of purpose for women in STEM — and that’s not even her greatest challenge. Juliana was diagnosed with uterine cancer just a few years ago, and her most daunting opponent has taught her that life waits for no one. Juliana’s never been one to accept her circumstances, however, and she’s determined to write a legacy that’ll stand the test of time.

Episode Summary

02:29 - Simon lays the foundation for the interview by providing background into what a Civil Engineer and Geotechnical Engineer are.
03:42 - Juliana speaks on how important it’s been switching to Engineering from Journalism and how she’s seen an impact from her change.
06:04 - Why have women in STEM had such little representation in the field?
09:37 - How will Purdue University’s Women in Engineering program shape the future of women in STEM?
11:38 - Juliana outlines the projects she’s worked on as a Geotechnical Engineer and her current project with Lunar Lava Tubes on the moon.
13:27 - How is Juliana ‘visiting the moon’ through her career?
14:19 - Still with many goals and ambitions, how did Juliana’s life change after being diagnosed with uterine cancer?
18:36 - Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Juliana’s drive to work never ceased — she did realize, however, that the world stops for no one.
21:02 - How has Juliana’s perspective on life changed after being diagnosed with cancer?
23:25 - Juliana speaks on how she’s pursuing her Ph.D. in order to become a professor while still staying rooted in her career.
26:05 - Simon and Juliana juggle ideas about merging her past television experiences with her current STEM career.
28:43 - How do the environmental challenges we face impact Juliana’s work, and how does her work help change the world for the better?
31:36 - Juliana shares a final piece of advice for students inspired by her story.