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
What can human bones, buried beneath a construction site, teach us about 18th century Philadelphia?
Scientists, archaeologists, and historians are documenting stories from those buried and uncovered at the former First Baptist Church cemetery site.
2 years ago
Listen 1:44
Museums aren’t getting as many animal specimens. Scientists say that’s bad
The decline in new specimens is especially noticeable in the study of mammals. One journal article called it a “perfect storm” for the field.
2 years ago
Listen 9:16
Delaware State Fair bans poultry exhibitors amid bird flu fears
The state Dept. of Agriculture said the ban is a precaution to prevent the spread of the serious avian flu spreading across the U.S. in recent months.
2 years ago
Biden appoints Philly’s Dr. Ala Stanford to lead regional Health and Human Services office
Stanford will take charge of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Region 3, covering Delaware, D.C, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
2 years ago
Handful of unvaxxed Philly police officers without exemption to be placed on leave, possibly fired
An arbitration panel in February decided that officers had to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or get a religious or medical exemption.
2 years ago
How backyard chicken owners are protecting their flocks from the deadly avian flu outbreak
Backyard chicken owners in Pennsylvania are taking extra precautions to protect their birds, which they see as pets, from getting infected from the deadly avian flu.
2 years ago
Listen 1:52
Doctors oppose bill that would let pharmacists continue to vaccinate children after pandemic
A bipartisan bill aims to permanently allow pharmacists and trained pharmacy staff members to vaccinate children. Pennsylvania Medical Society doctors oppose it.
2 years ago
Listen 1:53
City Council members call for wealth tax in Philadelphia
City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and local union leaders joined a virtual gathering on Tuesday in support of the bill.
2 years ago
How pharmacies and labs are scrambling to manage loss of federal COVID funds
Testing sites have had to turn people away now that they can’t bill the federal government. Vaccinators are bracing for a similar fate.
2 years ago
Listen 3:12
Veterans Affairs recommends closing Philadelphia and Coatesville hospitals
The two Pennsylvania hospitals would be among 35 shake-ups nationwide, according to the Veterans Affairs secretary’s Asset and Infrastructure Review report.
2 years ago
Documentary promises inside look at 2018 heist at Philly’s Insectarium
Back in 2018, thieves took around 7,000 spiders, roaches, and other animals. It seemed clear who did it, but the story is not so clear-cut.
2 years ago
Listen 2:10
N.J. veterans want better mental health services for ‘other-than-honorable’ discharges
New Jersey veterans joined state senators, medical experts, and former Governor Jim McGreevey, calling for benefits for vets with service related trauma.
2 years ago