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
A ‘heist’ that never happened? Inside years of strife at the Philadelphia Insectarium
After dealing with the aftermath of a supposed “heist,” the museum's recent financial troubles and internal strife are fueling further problems, including ongoing lawsuits.
2 years ago
Listen 5:20Philadelphia bidding for new federal research agency headquarters
Joining places like Chicago, Boston, and Texas, Philadelphia is vying for the chance to house the headquarters of a new federal health research agency.
2 years ago
Is trying to recycle plastic a waste? Meet the scientists working to find new solutions
We can design and make amazing things with plastic; it’s much harder to un-make them.
2 years ago
Listen 10:24Climate change means some coastal groundwater may soon be too salty to drink. What can cities do?
Desalination is a solution for cities on the coast that are running out of freshwater sources—but the process can turn out to be more than cities bargained for.
2 years ago
Listen 13:41Mayor Kenney announces Philadelphia’s 3 new community schools, funded by the soda tax
Three Philadelphia schools have been added to the city’s Community Schools Program, a hallmark of Mayor Jim Kenney’s education plan. There are now 20 in Philadelphia.
2 years ago
Philadelphia Nursing Home to close in October
Philadelphia Nursing Home will close by the end of the year because of financial troubles, city officials said on Tuesday.
2 years ago
How video games could help you keep your emotions in check
Scientists are interested in video games as a potential tool to teach players how to get a handle on their emotions.
2 years ago
Listen 8:58Senior living, hotel to replace St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Main Line Health plans to redevelop a 73-acre seminary in Wynnewood to build a health and wellness campus over the next 10 to 12 years.
2 years ago
Parks on Tap returns to Philly parks for the summer season
Parks on Tap, a series of pop-up beer gardens that go across the city, is back this summer. Part of the sales benefit city parks.
2 years ago
Local parents are depending on out-of-state networks to find baby formula
One New Jersey mother, whose son has a rare food allergy, has been relying on formula supplies from other families.
2 years ago
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.
3 years ago
Listen 1:44Museums 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.
3 years ago
Listen 9:16