“I love this podcast because you never expect anyone to have as many random thoughts as you do, then proceed to scientifically investigate them. I appreciate that they do.”
Ala S, Planet Policy Pals podcast, 2021
We’re two sisters (like, genetically and everything) who love taking science to the masses. Our podcast is for those curious about how people, nature, and the world works, and want an engaging account all backed-up by science!
Anyone who is tired of sifting through untrustworthy information on the internet, or who is interested in science but can’t
access it, or can’t find the time, this podcast is for you. Want to have a laugh in the meantime? Fabulous!
A little more about us…
Dr Aleena Wojcieszek
Aleena has a PhD in clinical epidemiology. What on Earth is that you say? Well it’s all about understanding patterns and causes of health and disease in populations, and using evidence to make better decisions about patient care. In her PhD, Aleena studied how to improve care in pregnancies after stillbirth. Stillbirth is a devastating event for families, and it’s not as rare as you might think – even in high-income countries. Before her doctoral research, Aleena got a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree and her honours research looked at the psychological and social factors behind people’s reproductive decisions.
Aleena is passionate about applying high-quality evidence to EVERYTHING in life, and communicating research to professionals and the public. She now leads her own consulting business providing clinical epidemiology and research communication services about mothers’ and babies’ health. She is an honorary research fellow at The University of Queensland. In her spare time, you will usually find her out exercising, listening to grungy music, or watching (and critiquing) the latest sci-fi movie!
Despite what the top image may suggest, Aleena was an absolute terror to Janine as kids. Don’t let the smile and cute curls fool you…
Dr Janine Rix (nee Wojcieszek)
Janine has a PhD in evolutionary biology. Her PhD research investigated evolution in millipedes (this involved much staring at, and dissecting of, millipede genitalia, which isn’t weird at all right?). Before her doctoral work, Janine completed a Bachelor of Science in zoology and botany and her honours research investigated the behaviour and evolution of Satin Bowerbirds – she was desperate to know how and why an Australian bird had come to obsess over, steal, and hoard, excessive amounts of blue stuff!
Janine now works as a learning advisor and public speaker and her mission is to enhance learning, share knowledge, and foster everyone’s natural curiosity. In her spare time you will usually find her writing and curating her latest to-do list, hiking in nature, baking something sweet, or stuck in the middle of some sort of research rabbit hole…
As the top image suggests, Janine merely tolerated Aleena throughout childhood.
Sister Doctor Squared 