In this episode of Periodically, hosts Manami and Charlie are joined by Dr. Jenny Burnham, a chemistry teaching specialist at the University of Sheffield, about the challenges women face in balancing their reproductive health and a career in academia.

The conversation offers a candid look at the realities of menstrual health, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and part-time work. Jenny speaks openly about her personal experiences with reproductive health, from the difficulties of trying for a baby to the impact of menopause on her career.

Want to learn more? Check out the RSC Breaking Barriers Report here.

(3:10) The impact of menstrual health
(5:42) Pregnancy in academia
(12:08) Addressing the leaky pipeline in chemistry academia
(19:29) Part-time work and career progression
(28:03) Adjustments for a truly equitable workplace

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.