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
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 2:10N.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
First-time Philly college students honor the legacy of Octavius Catto
First-time students at Community College of Philadelphia honor civil rights activist Octavius Catto using a scholarship in his name to get an education.
2 years ago
Newer version of omicron variant spreads in the region. How worried should you be?
Early research from Denmark shows this type of the virus spreads more easily. But there are still a lot of questions.
2 years ago
Closing Brandywine Hospital, creating a Chester County ‘health care desert’
The county will lose yet another emergency room, the second in a month, and its only inpatient behavioral health facility on Monday.
2 years ago
Report: Former buyer asks judge to stop Jennersville and Brandywine hospital closures
Canyon Atlantic Partners LLC is asking a Chester County judge to put a pause on Tower Health’s closure of Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals.
2 years ago
New children’s hospital opens in King of Prussia
With the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center City location often 90% full, the new hospital in Montco is expected to add capacity as demand for beds increases.
2 years ago
How contact tracers keep up with the surge in COVID-19 cases
All those new positive cases means a shift in priorities, as CDC guidelines also have shifted.
2 years ago
Listen 1:48How backyard chickens blur the lines between farm animal and pet
In some cities, like Philadelphia, people run afoul of the law by keeping chickens. But back in the old days, it was the natural order of things.
2 years ago
Listen 11:03‘The family of Philadelphia’ came out to mourn 12 family members killed in Fairmount fire
Three sisters — Rosalee McDonald, Virginia Thomas, and Quinsha White — and nine of their children died in the blaze.
2 years ago
Philly hospitals ‘extremely stretched’ with COVID patients, but health officials see some hope
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still high in Philly overall, straining hospitals, city health officials said, but new positive cases are down slightly from last week.
2 years ago