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Reyhaneh Maktoufi: Planet Nine

November 22, 2019

After getting hit by a car, Ph.D. student Reyhaneh Maktoufi must navigate the recovery and paperwork as an immigrant from Iran.

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In Health and Medicine Tags Reyhaneh Maktoufi, immigration, medicine, Iran, law, moving, injury, Season 9, Story Collider producer

Meltem Alemdar: This Most American of Stories

March 29, 2019

When social scientist Meltem Alemdar leaves her home in Turkey to pursue her education in the US, she struggles to find her identity.

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In Social Sciences Tags Meltem Alemdar, Season 9, immigration, moving, Turkey, social science, education, friendship

Parmvir Bahia: Warrior Princess

February 8, 2019

Parmvir Bahia struggles to appease her parents’ desires for an Indian son-in-law while also satisfying her own desires to be a scientist.

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In Neuroscience Tags Parmvir Bahia, neuroscience, family, career, mothers, culture, immigration, moving, love, dating, Season 9, India, Florida

Guizella Rocabado: I Will Leave No Stone Unturned

January 18, 2019

When Guizella Rocabado leaves her home in Bolivia to pursue her education in the United States, her plan hits an unexpected snag.

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In Science Education Tags Guizella Rocabado, immigration, SACNAS, education, moving, scientist origin story, Season 9

Evelyn Valdez-Ward: An Undocumented Scientist

August 31, 2018

When Evelyn Valdez-Ward discovers that she's undocumented, she fears her dreams of becoming a scientist are over.

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In Biology Tags Evelyn Valdez-Ward, plants, scientist origin story, undocumented, immigration

Sara Mazrouei: Putting a New Face to Scientists

April 20, 2018

Planetary geologist Sara Mazrouei misses out on a dream opportunity -- because of where she was born.

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In Astronomy, Earth Science, Geology Tags Sara Mazrouei, diversity in STEM, astronomy, planetary geology, career, immigration, internship

Abbas Mousa: Science, After the War

October 20, 2017

A young Iraqi computer scientist must adapt to survive war and its aftermath.

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In Technology Tags veteran, Abbas Mousa, Iraq, military, computer science, immigration, war

Janina Scarlet: My Superhero Origin Story

September 29, 2017

Chernobyl survivor Janina Scarlet flees the Soviet Union with her family as a child, only to find new challenges in America.

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In Health and Medicine, Social Sciences Tags Janina Scarlet, Chernobyl, Ukraine, immigration, radiation

Maryam Zaringhalam: My Parents' American Dream

September 29, 2017

Biologist Maryam Zaringhalam is visiting her family's home country of Iran when the travel ban goes into effect in January 2017.

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Tags immigration, family, Iran, Maryam Zaringhalam

Chiara Mariottini: Lost in Translation

November 18, 2016

Italian neuroscientist Chiara Mariottini struggles to fit in when she moves to New York City.

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In Neuroscience Tags Chiara Mariottini, immigration, Italy, career, colleagues, new york city, language

Paula Croxson: How Cold Is Too Cold?

September 2, 2016

Neuroscientist Paula Croxson is determined to finish her first open-water swimming race -- despite the dangers.

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In Health and Medicine Tags Paula Croxson, hypothermia, moving, immigration, new york city, swimming, neuroscience, Story Collider producer

Nneze Akwiwu: The First Female President Of Nigeria

April 22, 2016

A chance conversation gives Nneze Akwiwu a chance to study in the United States.

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In Biology Tags Nneze Akwiwu, immigration, moving, Nigeria, women in STEM, education, scientist origin story, career

Abhishek Shah: Waste Disposal

January 29, 2016

Abhishek Shah takes a simple job to pay for school--toxic waste disposal.

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In Engineering Tags Abhishek Shah, biomedical engineering, engineering, medicine, career, immigration, education, moving, scientist origin story

Kaća Bradonjić: The Nature Of Space And Time

January 15, 2016

Physicist Kaća Bradonjić's view of time is shaped by her experience as a war refugee.

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In Physics Tags Kaća Bradonjić, war, refugee, immigration, Yugoslavia, physics, Season 6

Teppei Katori: Becoming American

October 9, 2015

A Japanese particle physicist struggles to find his place (and learn English) in the American midwest.

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Tags Teppei Katori, japan, immigration, language, physics, season 5

Virendra Singh: Farm To School

June 12, 2015

Virendra Singh is responsible for carrying on his family's farm, but he begs his parents to be allowed to go to school.

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Tags Virendra Singh, education, immigration, engineering, career, scientist origin story, season 5

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UPcoming Shows

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New York, NY - Self Discovery
Jul 14
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New York, NY - Self Discovery
Jul 14, 2025
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Los Angeles, CA - Don't Panic
Jul 17
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Los Angeles, CA - Don't Panic
Jul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025

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