Xiaoyun Pan

2025-04-17

The Debate Behind Microsoft's Quantum Breakthrough, and Why You Haven’t Heard of It

Tech media loves a flashy breakthrough story, especially when it comes to next-gen tech like Microsoft's quantum chip. But what happens when the science behind the breakthrough doesn't fully hold up? Why we haven't heard about it.

Academia Observation Lab • 2025-03-11

(Youtube Video Project) Stand Up for Science: The Voice of the Scientists

I was at the #StandUpForScience event on March 7, 2025 at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, a national protest where I interviewed several scientists about how current policy and funding cuts are hurting future research in the U.S. We also discussed the ripple effect on everyday people.

2025-03-10

Capturing the Movement: Stand Up for Science 2025

Through my photography at the Stand Up for Science 2025 protest, I documented the energy, passion, and determination of scientists and advocates rallying for evidence-based policy and research integrity. To respect privacy, I have dimmed and blurred the faces of individuals while preserving the powerful messages, emotions, and collective demand for science to be heard and protected.

2025-03-01

From Research to Art: My Cover Feature in The Journal of Chemical Physics

Art is a powerful form of communication that can make complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. My research article has been featured on the cover of The Journal of Chemical Physics (Vol. 157, Issue 23, Dec. 21, 2022). Even more exciting, I created the cover art myself using Blender!
You can read the article on https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0103642

Zhen Yao

Grad School • 2025-02-28

A (Almost) Complete Guide to Graduate School Open Houses (STEM Focus)

Congratulations! You got an offer to grad school! Maybe even multiple offers, and now you’re trying to decide where to spend the next five years. This guide breaks down what to look for at open houses, key questions to ask, and how to assess research group fit and potential advisors—helping you make the best choice for your future.

Harvard University

Academia • 2025-01-28

The Hidden Toll of the Funding Pause: How Federal Delays Are Disrupting Scientists and Their Careers

As major federal agencies pause grant review panels, uncertainty spreads through the scientific community. As grant review panels remain suspended, anxiety grows within the academic community about stalled projects, shrinking job opportunities, and the long-term impact on the next generation of scientists.