STEM Tea | Beyond borders: building an international collaboration base

In this episode of STEM Tea, host AJ Hinton is joined by Annet Kirabo (left), an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University (TN, USA). Annet’s research focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying activation of the immune system in response to hypertensive stimuli including excess dietary salt, sympathetic nerve outflow and oxidative stress, and how this impacts cardiovascular disease.

Here, Annet discusses how her experiences growing up influence her work, how she sets up and maintains international collaborations and the importance of looking at someone’s potential rather than their track record. AJ and Annet also talk about how they both foster a growth mindset, competing with themselves rather than their peers.

Contents

• Introductions: 00:00–01:40
• Annet’s background and what inspired her to research cardiovascular disease: 01:40–03:45
• Annet’s research on inflammation and how it impacts cardiovascular disease: 03:45–06:15
• Picking and maintaining international collaborations: 06:15–10:55
• Looking at what people can do, rather than what they have done: 10:55–13:00
• Assessing the impact of collaborations: 13:00–17:10
• Communicating research to affected communities: 17:10–18:10
• Choosing mentors and taking opportunities: 18:10–27:05
• Being inclusive when choosing a mentor: 27:05–28:45
• Important lessons: teamwork, inclusivity and a growth mindset: 28:45–32:15
• Look to others for inspiration, not comparisons: 32:15–35:25
• Identifying pitfalls: 35:25–38:50
• Finding fun in everything: 38:50–43:00
• What’s the tea? 43:00–44:53