
Alan was all set on majoring in biology, but then he realized he liked writing about science more than doing research, so he left Hong Kong and went to study journalism in the U.S. After interning at NPR and WBEZ in Chicago, he has never wanted to work anywhere outside of public radio. He covers space and all other kinds of innovation. He enjoys comic books, LEGO, and dragon boating.
More from the Contributor
Princeton physics experiment aims to shed light on disruptive solar flares
The multimillion-dollar experiment that was years in the making comes as the federal government makes broad cuts to science elsewhere.
2 days ago
Listen 1:53The Trump administration cut millions of dollars in research funding. Private funders in the area are stepping in, but say they cannot completely fill the gap.
2 weeks ago
Listen 4:13Penn researchers worked on USAID contracts for years. Some are now out of a job
Researchers say losing USAID funding means less research that benefits the U.S. government, fewer opportunities for students, and a loss of trust in the U.S. overseas.
1 month ago
Listen 3:41An invasive tick is swarming southeastern Pa. Here’s what you need to know
Why researchers say the Asian longhorned tick is spreading so rapidly — and why it could pose a serious threat to human and animal health.
1 month ago
Listen 1:08Early career researchers at Penn want to form a union, which the university is challenging
Organizers say they want better job security, protections against being fired unfairly and salaries that keep up with the cost of living.
2 months ago
Listen 1:38The museum has had two tumultuous years. Now, the two historians newly in charge of this storied institution explain their vision for the future.
2 months ago
Listen 1:47The U.S. dropped millions of tons of bombs on Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Some remain, and could still explode.
2 months ago
Listen 11:50Earlier this month, the Trump administration suddenly terminated student status for more than 1,000 international college students.
2 months ago
Listen 1:24‘Peak algorithm’: Why some people are pushing back against machine curation
Have we reached peak algorithm-driven culture? Finding the balance between human and machine curation.
3 months ago
Listen 11:29Mütter Museum’s controversial executive director is gone; new CEO weighs in
Her leadership for the past 2.5 years has been polarizing, and led to controversies both internal and external.
3 months ago
Listen 1:25How a Disney World superfan made a career out of reviewing theme park food
AJ Wolfe’s life once revolved around planning her next trip to Disney World. She made it a career.
3 months ago
Listen 7:25Federal agencies notified state, city and local health departments last week of immediate cuts to U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services grants.
3 months ago
Listen 1:19