
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
Emptier grocery shelves help cultivate a growing interest in home gardening
Many people have become interested in growing their own vegetables during this pandemic, to try and feed themselves and those around them.
5 years ago
Listen 1:22Gov. Wolf updates list of ‘life sustaining’ businesses; Montco asks for mask donations
The masks being sought by Montgomery County would go toward first responders and hospitals as needed.
5 years ago
Grocery store worries: Low supply, high demand, deep anxiety
Lines around stores, people buying $300 worth of food and other items at a time, cleaned-out shelves … welcome to pandemic shopping.
5 years ago
The psychological toll of living in quarantine or isolation
More people are living this way because of the new coronavirus. What does that look like, and what does it do to someone's mental state?
5 years ago
Listen 8:44Online-only college classes pose some distinct challenges for instructors
Teachers around the country had a short window to move to a different way of presenting course material. Internet access is just part of the struggle.
5 years ago
‘It’s a nightmare:’ International students forced to leave campus due to coronavirus
Many universities asked students to leave campus housing to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. But what if students can’t afford it?
5 years ago
Listen 2:09Lost income for some, 12-hour days for others: How coronavirus response affects workers
Canceled events and empty rooms bring work to a hard stop at hotels and arenas. But a sudden demand for extra cleaning means long days elsewhere.
5 years ago
Bucks County confirms first cases of coronavirus, Pa. total stands at 16
In an advisory, the county said the two people live together and had attended an out-of-state gathering recently.
5 years ago
Philly conventions canceled because of coronavirus could have big economic impact
A hotel trade association in the city says nothing has hit the hospitality sector this hard, this abruptly, since the 9/11 attacks.
5 years ago
Philly announces its first COVID-19 case, Pa. total now stands at 12
Patients who test positive locally are referred to as “presumptive” until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirm the test results.
5 years ago
Can algorithms help judges make fair decisions?
Is taking away the human factor the key to more just rulings?
5 years ago
Listen 11:45Trump administration wants time limits on student visas
There is no set time limit for how long students who come to the U.S. for college can stay. The Trump administration says that is a problem.
5 years ago
Listen 1:30