In this episode of Periodically, hosts Manami and Charlie are joined by Dr Jenny Maunder, a physical chemistry-based lecturer at the University of Durham. As a senior demonstrator, Jenny provides a unique perspective on the impact of menstrual health on both students and staff. The trio discuss the importance of training for demonstrators, focusing on understanding menstruation and potential strategies for making menstrual health a less taboo topic.

(1:12) Introducing Jenny
(7:45) Navigating Menstruation and Career Pressures
(18:04) Having Open Conversations
(26:06) Balancing Lifestyle and Menstrual Health
(33:50) Creating a Supportive Academic Environment

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.