The STEAM Success Blueprint
The STEAM Success Blueprint
D.J. Ferguson
The STEAM Success Blueprint deconstructs career acceleration strategies from the world's top science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics leaders. Host The New Chemist, interviews MIT legends, Ivy League chancellors, biotech pioneers, and leading research directors to extract actionable blueprints you won't find in textbooks. Previous guests included: Provost R. Beyah, Dr. R. Langer, Chan. G. May, Amb. S. Collie, G. Zuckerman, Dr. C. Hardy, K. Woumn, Dr. V. Miranda, Dr. J. Burrows, J. Desmond PhD, A. Utthayakumar MEM & more to discuss career blueprints.
The STEAM Success Blueprint: Why Not You? — Romeo Mays's Growth and Path to a Career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
In this episode of The STEAM Success Blueprint, host David Ferguson( a fourth-year pharmacy student) sits down with Romeo Mays, a fourth-year medical student at PCOM in Philadelphia applying to residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Romeo opens up about growing up in the Bay Area balancing competitive basketball with a science-driven environment shaped by nearby institutions like Stanford and Cal, choosing a Master's in Organizational Leadership over a direct path to medical school, and the imposter syndrome that he encountered. The conversation moves through what "intelligence" really means once memorization stops being enough, how one conversation with a friend turned into a medical-school content platform followed by thousands, and why Romeo believes the biggest thing holding people back is rarely ability , it's exposure. David also previews an early build of his own Bahamian-set chemistry textbook and gets Romeo's live, on-the-spot reaction to it.In this episode:Growing up in the Bay Area near Stanford and Cal, and how that environment shaped Romeo's dual pursuit of basketball and academic excellenceChoosing Dominican University of California for biology, and why chemistry and psychology became his minorsThe COVID-year decision to pursue a Master's in Organizational Leadership at the University of Redlands instead of heading straight to med schoolConfronting imposter syndrome in his first two years at PCOM, and redefining what "intelligence" actually meansThe third-year rotations — OB, family medicine, radiology, surgery — that reconnected him with his reason for pursuing medicineThe origin story of his content platform, @romeomaysjr, and the first-generation students it was built forHis current focus on sports medicine, adaptive sports, and pediatrics as he applies to PM&R residencyA live look at David's in-progress chemistry textbook and Romeo's real-time feedback on itWhy "comparison is the thief of joy" and "why not you?" have become two of Romeo's guiding principlesFollow & Subscribe:🎧 Follow us and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts: The STEAM Success Blueprint👉 Follow us, young leaders, on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ferguson-458b97aa/🔗 Connect with Romeo Mays on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romeo.mays.71 or Instagram @romeomaysjrGuest Biography: Romeo Mays, a great young leader, who is a fourth-year medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), currently applying to residency programs in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Raised in the Bay Area of Northern California, Romeo earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dominican University of California, with double minors in Chemistry and Psychology, while playing collegiate basketball throughout his undergraduate career. After an extra year of NCAA eligibility granted during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued playing basketball at the graduate level while earning his Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Redlands.A first-generation college graduate now finishing his medical training, Romeo's clinical interests include sports medicine, adaptive sports, and pediatrics, fields that let him draw on his own background as an athlete to help patients regain function, mobility, and confidence. He is also the creator of a widely followed medical school content platform (@romeomaysjr), where he documents his journey through the pre-med and medical school process to demystify it for students , particularly first-generation and underrepresented students , who don't typically have a canonical roadmap of their own to follow.Outside of medicine, Romeo recharges by hiking near water, playing pickleball, and staying active around his neighborhood , chasing the same discipline outdoors that carried him through his hardest semesters.Please note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest and I.
Sep 19
39 min
The Combined Interviews with Simar Bajaj ( MD Candidate, Harvard graduate, Marshall Scholar, and New York Times Fellow) and Dr. Emery Brown, MD, PhD- Anesthesiologist-Statistician ( Harvard/ MIT)
In this 2023 remixed podcast interview episode with Simar, a former Senior at Harvard University, now Harvard graduate and Stanford MD Candidate, we discuss Simar's achievements in science communication, his perseverance, and the hard work required to produce good work, science communication, and good journalism. Furthermore, Simar provides insights as he is a developing and achieving young leader in the science and journalism arenas. Definitely an episode worth listening to!Here are the links to his website and LinkedIn Page:1. Simar's website: https://www.simarbajaj.com/2. Simar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simar-bajaj/--In this episode, we discuss, Dr. Emery Brown's phenomenal career at Harvard University and MIT , his research and ,his journey to becoming a successful Physician-Scientist at Harvard University. Link to Dr. Brown's Biography: https://imes.mit.edu/people/faculty/brown-emery/--Disclaimer: Please note the views of this podcast represent those of my guests and I, and do not constitute medical or professional advice or consultation. Please see the relevant healthcare professionals for any needed advice.
Sep 16
1 hr 10 min
The STEAM Success Blueprint: Interview with Gabriel Galarza ( Technical Success Manager @ Amplitude | Community Builder @ Over The Top )
In this interview we discuss with Gabriel, his successful career thus far, and how to achieve those "5%" moments that complement to success, through networking and working hard. He is a former colleague of mine from GT, and a young leader in the making achieving things in the office and in the community. Definitely a good interview.Recorded in : 2022
Sep 5
34 min
A Conversation w/ David, Mr. Chadwin Hanna (UF) and Dr. Nassir Mokarram (Emory) on Cutting-Edge BME
🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎧 Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Nassir Mokarram, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Emory University, as we explore the cutting-edge world of bioengineering and neural regeneration. 🧠🔬 Listen now to discover how innovation is shaping the future of neurosurgery! 🎙️ #Neurosurgery #Bioengineering #PharmacyPodcast #STEMM #Innovation #NeuralRegeneration -- Note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I. -- Note: Purpose of these episodes- not at all, for advice or medical suggestions. These are aimed to provide support for peer pharmacists in training in educational and intellectually stimulating ways. Again, these are not at all for medical advice, or for medical suggestions. Please see your local state and board-certified physician, PA or NP, and pharmacist for medical advice and suggestions.
Aug 28
45 min
The New Chemist's Podcasting Group's-The Path to KOLs: Navigating STEM Careers in Intellectual Property with Christine Hollis, Chief Talent & Diversity Officer at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP
In this episode of The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group’s — The Path to KOLs, host David Ferguson sits down with Christine Hollis, Chief Talent & Diversity Officer at Marshall Gerstein. Christine has dedicated her career to guiding scientists and engineers into impactful roles within intellectual property law, bridging the worlds of innovation and legal protection.She shares insights on:Pathways for STEM talent to enter IP law as patent agents or technical specialists.The skills scientists bring to legal environments and innovation ecosystems.Strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion in science-driven law.The future of STEM-law collaboration in an era of AI, biotech, and medtech.Whether you’re a student, scientist, or innovator, Christine’s vision will broaden your perspective on how STEM expertise can shape industries beyond the lab.Disclaimer: These episodes do not constitute medical or professional advice. These are only for intellectual engagement. Please see your local and board-certified health professional for medical advice, consultation, and suggestions.Music by Viacheslav Starostin from Pixabay
Aug 28
27 min
The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group — The Path to KOLs: Accelerating First-in-Human in LATAM — Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess® w/ Chadwin Hanna, MD-PhD Student (UF) and David Ferguson (Host)
The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group — The Path to KOLs: Accelerating First-in-Human in LATAM — Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess® w/ Chadwin Hanna, MD-PhD Student (UF) and David Ferguson (Host)---On The Path to KOLs from The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group, hosts David Ferguson and Chadwin Hanna explore how Latin America is becoming a strategic engine for high-quality, cost-effective clinical research.Julio G. Martinez-Clark—Ambassador of IAOCR/GCSA Americas and CEO of bioaccess®—breaks down how aligning to global competence standards and smarter site activation can compress timelines for First-in-Human and Early Feasibility Studies without compromising quality. He shares lessons from pioneering trials, practical blueprints for building city-level clinical hubs, and pragmatic guidance for innovators entering LATAM markets. The conversation also touches on sustaining regional infrastructure, cross-border collaboration, and the mindset behind his long-running Global Trial Accelerators™ series.Guest: Julio G. Martinez-Clark, CEO, bioaccess®Hosts: David Ferguson, BS, MS, Pharm.D. Candidate; Chadwin Hanna, MD Candidate & PhD StudentPlease note: The views of this podcast reflect those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute medical advice, consultation and suggestions. Please see a board certified and state licensed medical professional.
Aug 28
58 min
The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group: The Path to KOLs — Interview with Dr. Michael A. Morris, MD, MS, DABR, DABNM, DCI — Co-Founder, United Theranostics
The New Chemist’s Podcasting Group: The Path to KOLs — Interview with Dr. Michael A. Morris, MD, MS, DABR, DABNM, DCI — Co-Founder, United Theranostics---🎙️ In this episode of The Path to KOLs, Dr. Michael A. Morris, MD, MS, DABR, DABNM, DCI—co-founder of United Theranostics—explains how his team is moving Pluvicto from single mega-centers into safe, consistent community clinics. We dig into the toughest regulatory and logistical hurdles, the playbook for dosing accuracy, imaging quality, and safety, and how clinics are designed for a compassionate, family-centered patient journey with real-world feedback loops.Dr. Morris also shares how United Theranostics trains local technologists, pharmacists, and nurses, mentors future KOLs, and maps a path to coverage across all 50 states. Looking ahead, we discuss what’s beyond Pluvicto—including actinium-225 PSMA approaches—and how telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI are improving patient selection, follow-up, and outcomes.About the guest: Dr. Morris is a physician-scientist in nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, and clinical informatics; Medical Director in Glen Burnie, MD; adjunct faculty at the University of Miami and University of Maryland; and a principal investigator on multiple FDA clinical trials in prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.Subscribe for actionable insights at the intersection of innovation, operations, and patient-centered care.Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from PixabayPlease note: The views of this podcast reflect those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute in any way medical advice or consultation. Please see a board and state certified medical professional for advice, consultation and suggestions.
Aug 28
45 min
Mastering Science Communication with Simar Bajaj, Multi-Award-Winning Science Journalist
[Re-Aired] Mastering Science Communication with Simar Bajaj, Multi-Award-Winning Science Journalist--In this remixed fireside chat from 2023, we sit down with Simar Bajaj then a Harvard undergraduate student and now: a Stanford medical student, Knight-Hennessy Scholar, Oxford Marshall Scholar, and Harvard University graduate. Join us as we discuss Simar's incredible achievements in science communication, the perseverance his field demands, and the sheer hard work behind producing top-tier journalism. As a current award-winning former New York Times reporter and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Simar shares invaluable insights from his experiences writing for major outlets like NPR, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post, as well as publishing first-author research in premier medical journals. This is truly a must-listen episode!Connect with Simar:Website: https://www.simarbajaj.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simar-bajaj/Disclaimer:The views expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guest(s). This episode is designed to provide educational and intellectually stimulating support for peer pharmacists in training. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or recommendations. For personalized medical guidance, please consult your local board-certified physician, PA, NP, or pharmacist.
Aug 24
1 hr
An Interview with A Mentor- Dr. Robert Langer, Sc.D. (MIT Institute Professor) on aspects of the Future of Diabetes Medicine Research
An Interview with A Mentor- Dr. Robert Langer, Sc.D. (MIT Institute Professor) on aspects of the Future of Diabetes Medicine Research======Diabetes therapy is entering a new phase. For decades, the central challenge was how to deliver insulin more safely, more intelligently, and more responsively. The research work by Dr. Langer has produced a generation of technologies aimed at making therapy more autonomous: glucose-responsive insulin systems, microneedle patches, implantable rescue devices, lipid nanoparticles, and mRNA-based approaches to protein replacement.At the same time, a separate revolution emerged from pharmacology. GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, and now triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonists have changed expectations for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. =====Music by ANDRII KORNIEV from Pixabay====Views of this interview reflect those of my guest and I. They don't constitute medical or professional advice. We disclaim any loss in any way.
Jul 31
10 min
Mentorship in Motion: Six Years of Learning with A Leading Chemical Engineer Dr. Robert Langer—Guiding Science from Lab to World (2020-2026)
Step into the minds of today's scientific pioneers and tomorrow's trailblazers. This exclusive compilation brings together established luminaries—like Institute Professor Robert Langer, Sc.D.—alongside brilliant rising stars and determined student pharmacist including MD-PhD student Chadwin Hanna and PharmD student- David Ferguson, respectively. We’ve woven together the most powerful moments from a series of interviews spanning 2020 to 2026. Set against a backdrop of pandemic breakthroughs, surging startups, and classroom innovation, Dr. Langer reveals how an unwavering commitment to real-world impact drives groundbreaking discoveries at the crossroads of bioengineering, academia, and industry.Views of this podcast represent those of my guests and I. These do not constitute medical or professional advice. We disclaim any loss in any way.
Jun 19
1 hr 23 min
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