STEM Tea | Estevao, exercise and coaching as mentoring

Biochemistry Careers and Publishing

In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, AJ delves into the world of exercise science with Estevao Scudese, a Research Associate at the Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) investigating the intersection between molecular biology and exercise, where he also works as a physical trainer and coach.

Estevao discusses his path into the physical sciences and the current research landscape and outlook for this rapidly expanding field, detailing the biggest risks and key motivating moments throughout his career, before revealing the parallels between coaching and mentoring, and how he encourages people to take small steps at the beginning of their fitness journey. We also get a fascinating insight in the impact of space travel on muscle tissue and the “balloon and anchor” people that Estevao surrounds himself with to stay motivated.

Contents:

  • Introduction: 00:00-02:00
  • Estevao’s background and route into a career in physical sciences: 02:00-05:00
  • What is on the horizon for scientific research into and our approach to physical activity: 05:00-06:40
  • Estevao’s greatest career achievements so far and what is next: 06:40-08:30
  • Estevao’s current approach to research: 08:30-09:50
  • The biggest risks in his career and what are you most proud of? 09:50-12:00
  • Achieving work life balance: 12:00-13:20
  • Setting someone up on the path to fitness and the impacts on health: 13:20-17:40
  • Techniques to help address stress with exercise: 17:40-19:00
  • Molecular impacts of exercise: 19:00-20:15
  • Impacts of poor diet and low exercise levels on health: 20:15-22:15
  • Small steps to start a fitness journey and the challenges they may face: 22:15-25:10
  • Challenge for Estevao’s own exercise routine and staying motivated: 24:40-26:25
  • Key moments of serendipity in Estevao’s career: 26:25-27:30
  • The intersection of stress and acute health: 27:30-28:30
  • Coaching as mentoring and building leadership skills and setting goals: 28:30-31:40
  • Spending time outside of work and most motivating memories: 31:40-36:00
  • Personal goals for growth: 36:00-39:00
  • The current state of research infrastructure in Brazil: 39:00-41:40
  • Key research fields of Brazil: 41:40-43:30
  • Trust in science in Brazil: 43:30-45:15
  • Muscle development in space: 45:15-47:15
  • Outro: 47:15-48:45