Molecular Podcasting with Darren Lipomi
Episodes
#99 – BOOK LAUNCH PREVIEW! The time I thought my advisor wanted me to make love to a molecule & other bits
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I've launched my book! Science Nonfiction: Behind the Scenes in University Research. Available in print and eBook (release date 6/1/26) and audiob...
#98 – How to get into grad school: Lessons from a dean, chair, & grad admissions director
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In the last 10 years, I've posted many of my thoughts about getting into grad school. Here is the current state of my "wisdom," such as ...
#97 – How much money do PhD students make? Lifetime earnings vs. pursuing a passion
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Excerpt and commentary from my forthcoming book, Science Nonfiction: Behind the Scenes in University Research. Please subscribe for updates and more n...
#96 – The $60 Billion System Nobody Understands: University research and the engine of discovery
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I've been absent for a while because I wrote a book! I have permission to read the prologue. It's a memoir and scientific advocacy book about ...
#95 – What no one tells PhD applicants to US universities when they're preparing their applications (interviewed by Andrew Akbashev)
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this thorough conversation, I tell interviewer Andrew Akbashev everything I know about graduate admissions. My credentials are graduate admissions ...
#94 – The best SciComm is unfiltered: Darren interviewed by Univ. of Rochester colleague Jeff Koslofsky
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since arriving in my role at the University of Rochester, I've developed a great collaboration with Jeff Koslofsky, Senior Marketing Strategist at...
#93 – Chemical & biological engineering at a National Lab: leadership, communication, & commercialization
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I sat down with Brian H. Davison, PhD, Chief Scientist of Systems Biology & Biotechnology in the Biosciences Division of Oak Ridge National Labora...
#92 – What's the REAL purpose of science research? Knowledge? Training opportunity? Intellectual property?
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
My down-the-hall colleague Marc Porosoff and I sit down to discuss the public perception of scientific research done in universities and its value to ...
#91 – Health and wellness for grad students (panel discussion)
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I was invited by the School of Medicine and Dentistry to participate in a panel discussion on Health and Wellness for Graduate Students. The panel was...
#90 – When a scientist gets an award from the White House: Personal reflections
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The story behind my trip to Washington DC in 2019 to get an award from the White House (PECASE, class of 2017). Intersection of science, politics, and...
#89 – How to get RICH with a PhD
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are no get rich quick schemes, but if you have a PhD or are getting one, you knew that already. However, there are some ways of developing finan...
#88 – Cuts to federal grants for science & engineering research in universities: Reactions of 2 professors
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I don't usually make videos/podcasts specific to a time, but given the magnitude of the crisis in academic research, I made an exception. To try t...
#87 – Federal research funding: How $10 million becomes $100 million
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is a lot of incorrect information out there on the role of research funding in the economy. Does it waste money or create it? Here, I use some d...
#86 – How professors manage their grant funding
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I was given the opportunity to give my thoughts in an interview on the topic of managing finances at the lab and department level.
#85 – Diet and exercise for grad students, postdocs, & early career researchers--fitness for nerds ;)
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As I've gotten older, more and more people make light (in a good way) about my apparent healthy habits (if only they knew the truth!). Herein, I d...
#84 – Changing your PI / advisor: How you know you may have to do it and how to find a new one
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thoughts based on my years counseling students on changing your PhD advisor or PI and where you can find resources to assist in the transition. Darre...
#83 – How all engineering fields converge to "nano" (2 of 2)
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a reading of Chapter 1, second half, on the connection between Nanoengineering and all the other fields of engineering: electrical engineering...
#82 - Nanoengineering: At the Center of It All (1 of 2)
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 of 2 of Chapter 1 of my book, an annotated fireside reading. Available in hard copy with footnotes, figures, and 150 solved problems, here http...
#81 - What is research and advice to undergraduates
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My thoughts on what research is, what function it serves in society, how it is differentiated from "science," and how undergraduate students...
#80 - Why I wrote the book Introduction to Nanoengineering and how to use it - my attempt at narration
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this video, I give an annotated reading of the introduction to my book, co-authored with Robert Ramji, Introduction to Nanoengineering.
#79 - What is an R1 university? Mission, revenue sources, personnel
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beyond finance, what actually IS a research university? What is its place in society? What is its mission and mandate? Where do you fit in?
#78 - How a University is Financed: Research, Grants, Endowment, Salary, Tuition, Overhead
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a talk I felt compelled to give after the grad student / postdoc strike in the University of California in the fall of 2022. There was so much...
#77 - Managing your relationship with your PI / PhD advisor in graduate school
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few uncategorized tips for working with your PI in grad school.
#76 - How to write proposals for fellowships and grants
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Topics include generating ideas, finding the right funding agency, working with program managers, the grant proposal as an experiment in psychology, w...
#75 – Hip Hop Scientist Maynard Okereke: Engineer to Science Communicator, Musician, & Video Personality
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I spoke in this episode with Maynard Okereke. Maynard is a trained civil and environmental engineer who has developed a second career in s...
#74 – Applying to Grad School: How to write a winning Statement of Purpose & explain a lower GPA
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this video, I discuss how to write an effective and engaging statement of purpose, how to structure your essay, and how to use your writing t...
#73 – How do you know when you have enough data to publish? Plus, how to manage conflict with co-authors
05 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this talk, I discuss strategies for research and writing, how to know how much you should put in a paper, how to manage conflicts with ...
#72 - Should humans be modified? How about plants or animals? The Environment? Q&A on bioethics
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is an unusual episode for me. Rather than responding to questions about graduate school, in this video, I responded to an interviewer performing ...
#71 - Ask a professor: how to vet applicants, deal w/ criticism, strategy in academia, & research funding
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
0:00 How do you get your research published in high-impact journals? 2:05 Grad students and postdocs are busy. How do you vet undergraduate &nb...
#70 – What I wish I knew before becoming a professor: How to combine research, teaching, and service
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The pillars of academia--research, teaching, and service--often seem like very separate activities. However, it can be really rewarding to  ...
#69 - How I run my lab: check ins, hiring students, and promoting good culture and climate
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
0:00 What does your group work on? 2:20 How is your work funded? 3:25 Is there one project or grant you’re especially excited about? &...
#68 - Managing Stress, Burnout, Anxiety, & Metal Health Challenges in Grad School in Academic Research
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I collected my responses to questions I received on a panel discussion hosted by the American Chemical Society. I redacted any ...
#67 – My appearance on the Teach the Geek Podcast: My Academic Path, Postdocs & Public Speaking
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a crossover with the Teach the Geek Podcast, hosted by Neil Thompson, engineer, author, podcaster, and speaking coach. Here, we discus...
#66 – Darren discusses Code Breaker (Jennifer Doudna, CRISPR)–What Walter Isaacson gets right/wrong on scientific research
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bit of an unusual book review for the book The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race. I'm going to f...
#65 – From the Caribbean to Computation: Chemistry, Engineering, & Nanoscience. Prof. Tod Pascal, UCSD
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sat down with my colleague, Prof. Tod A. Pascal, of the Department of NanoEngineering and Chemical Engineering at UC San &nbs...
#64 – Is Organic Chem Necessary for Engineering? Chemistry vs. Chemical Eng, Flipped Classrooms & Teaching
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I cover a range of topics having to do with the role of organic chemistry in chemical and engineering education. I also share my thou...
#63 – Mentoring undergraduate researchers
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Studies show that engagement in undergraduate research is one of the surest predictors of retention and success of students in science and engineering...
#62 – Raychelle Burks: Science of crime investigation, consulting for Hollywood, & inclusive teaching
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sat down with Prof. Raychelle Burks of American University to discuss her career as a crime scene investigator, new app...
#61 – How to ask for letters of recommendation for grad school, research positions, scholarships, & jobs
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Everything I know about writing, reading, and being asked for letters of recommendation. Excuse the sound quality of this Covid-era recording. I was s...
#60 – Harvard Mechanics Prof. Zhigang Suo, master scientific storyteller
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bonus episode from my new podcast, IDEAs in STEM Ed. I never charge for any of my content and don't monetize (though YouTube may), so ...
#59 – Eric Mazur: Flipped Classrooms, Peer & Active Learning, Textbooks vs Videos, & Remote Education
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
My guest today is Eric Mazur, professor of physics and applied physics at Harvard University. He is also a creator and entrepreneur in the area ...
#58 – Bonus: Malika Jeffries-EL on being an insider, outsider, and improving access to STEM education
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bonus crossover episode to get some visibility for my new interview podcast, IDEAs in STEM Ed. If you've reached this episode, p...
#57 – Bonus episode: Andrea Armani on Role Models, Effective Teaching, Grad Student Recruiting, & Project Selection
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bonus crossover episode to get some visibility for my new interview podcast, IDEAs in STEM Ed. If you've reached this episode, please do me ...
#56 – Thinking Like a Nobel Prize Winner: Into the Impossible with physicist Brian Keating
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
My guest in this episode--my first ever livestream--is my UCSD colleague, Professor Brian Keating. Brian is a Chancellor’s distinguished professor o...
#55 – Why do professors travel so much? And, why I am trying to give most of it up (hint: baby and Covid).
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the reasons why science and engineering professors always seem to be on the road, including the good and bad as...
#54 – Frustrations of scientific publication & peer review & why we do it anyway: 100th paper spectacular
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a highly personal, idiosyncratic, unrehearsed talk I gave to my own research group on scientific publication and peer review, when I was...
#53 – Choosing a grad school and a lab + Q&A
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the full version of my thoughts on choosing a grad school and a PI/lab. I gave this talk for the American Chemical Society East Bay California...
#52 – My best advice on writing: the "garlic, shallots, and butter" of effective scientific prose
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I read a short essay I wrote on effective scientific writing, with references to Strunk and White, Steven Pinker, and George Whitesid...
#51 – Travel Stories from Hell - "Professor Unscripted" event at UCSD
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is my combination of travel diary plus comedy routine at the Loft at UC San Diego. Warning: this episode contains explicit language. The episode ...
#50 – Primer on science startups, patents, and financing
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a distillation of everything I learned being close to the founding of a few research-based startups and also my experience from Stanfo...
#49 – Teaching, research, and podcasting – My interview on The Soft Matter Show with Amal Narayanan
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a cross-posting from The Soft Matter Show, hosted by Amal Narayanan. We covered many topics, including my responses to the following q...
#48 – Do I regret going into academia? Financing a lab, and can a lab go bankrupt?
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Topics covered in this episode: 0:00 The life of a professor sounds really stressful. Knowing what you know now, would you still go into academia? 4:2...
#47 – What does a professor do? What is nanoscience? Introduction for high-schoolers
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I address the following questions. For a short video tour, see the accompanying video on YouTube "What does a professor do?" &n...
#46 – Ask a Prof. Anything 5: Public speaking, giving talks, Zoom vs live, and fidget items
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Topics addressed: 0:00 What’s easier, giving talks with slides or talks with no slides? 0:51 What are some strategies for avoiding non-words, like u...
#45 – Ask a Prof Anything 4: Thoughts on Writing and coming up with new ideas in research
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I respond to questions related to scientific writing, and coming up with new ideas in scientific research. To what extent should we ...
#44 – Conversation about stretchable polymer electronics and scientific legacies
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a short conversation between me and my senior PhD student, Andrew Kleinschmidt, who had recently suffered a brain injury. As par...
#43 – Ask a Professor Anything III: Research values, advice from George Whitesides & Zhenan Bao, & Should you follow your passion?
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of my students interviewed me for a class on leadership. I was honored he chose me for this assignment. Here are some of the topics we covered: Wh...
#42 – Ask a Professor Anything II – Getting letters of rec, choosing a lab, dealing with frustration
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share my thoughts on a variety of topics related to starting out in an undergraduate or graduate research lab. Whom sho...
#41 – Ching W. Tang, inventor of the first efficient OLED and OPV; reflections on industrial and academic innovation & advice for young researchers
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I did this introduction and interview with Prof. Ching W. Tang as part of the 2019 Kyoto Prize Symposium at UC San Diego, delayed until 2021 &nb...
#40 – Why I started Molecular Podcasting, its effects on my research, & advice for would-be science podcasters
03 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the full-length interview I did for an article in Chemistry World on science podcasts.
#39 – JAWS: Providing a platform for the researchers who actually did the work
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sat down with Prof. Daniela (Dani) Arias-Rotondo, Dr. Madison Fletcher, and Dr. Craig Fraser (absent: Dr. Monica Gill) on thei...
#38 – Ask a professor anything: Virtual coffee hour with students
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nanoengineering students peppered me with questions of all types, and I responded with my wisdom, such as it is. Identities of the questioners &...
#37 – Brandon Marin (II): What do Chemical Engineers and NanoEngineers do at Intel / semiconductor R&D
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In his second appearance on the podcast, Brandon Marin (BS, Chemical Engineering, USC; MS/PhD Chemical Engineering & Nanoengineering, ...
#36 – Alex Zaretski: co-founder & CTO of GrollTex on starting a company & quest for a real-life tricorder
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aliaksandr (Alex) Zaretski, PhD (UC San Diego, Nanoengineering, '16), is the Co-Founder and CTO of GrollTex, Inc., a leading supplier of g...
#35 – Materials Science in Haptics (part 2): Panel discussion, Darren Lipomi, Moderator
22 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
(Part 2) This is a panel discussion on the topic of materials for haptics – technologies that interface with the sense of touch. We touc...
#34 – My experience as a volunteer in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial – Darren Lipomi, PhD
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I describe my experiences as a participant in the Oxford/AstraZeneca phase III clinical trial for the COVID-19 candidate vaccine, AZD...
#33 – Materials Science in Haptics: Panel discussion part 1 of 2, Darren Lipomi, Moderator
15 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a panel discussion on the topic of materials for haptics – technologies that interface with the sense of touch. We touch (pun in...
#32 – Victoria Fu: Nanoengineer, Chemical Engineer, Entrepreneur, and co-founder of Chemist Confessions
08 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I sat down for an educational and inspiring conversation with Victoria Fu (UCSD BS in chemical engineering '12, MS in nanoengineering '13). Our ...
#31 – Olivia Graeve & Carlos Coimbra: Inclusion, Diversity, Excellence, & Achievement (IDEA Center) at UC San Diego
01 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As part of the 10-year anniversary celebration of the IDEA Center in the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego, I sat down with its current and...
#30 – How to get a paper accepted & some comments on peer review
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
These are my personal reflections on publishing papers, good practices, and the peer-review process in general. These opinions are my own and do not r...
#29 – Chemjobber: The chemical job market, effects of COVID, chemistry blogging, & connecting with an audience
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, I sat down with the enigmatic Chemjobber, one of chemistry's most prolific bloggers and commentators. Since 2008, CJ has &...
#28 - Tyler Cowen and I discuss innovation, directionality in history, art, music, touch & textiles, interviewing, and Star Trek
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I was honored to get to spend an hour chatting with Prof. Tyler Cowen of George Mason University. Tyler is the author of several books on topics rangi...
#27 – Jillian Buriak: Inside scientific editing, publishing, impact factors, data reporting, inclusion, & work-life integration
20 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sat down with Prof. Jillian Buriak of the University of Alberta and until recently Editor-in-Chief of Chemistry of Materials. We sp...
#26 – Marwa ElDiwiny: Creating an international community in robotics & engineering, and the Soft Robotics Podcast
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Marwa ElDiwiny, who hosts the IEEE Soft Robotics Podcast, which has paved the way for several podcasts made by &nbs...
#25 – Brian Keating: The guts of science podcasting & getting a pop science book published
06 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with my colleague, Prof. Brian Keating, about his various channels of outreach, including the Into the Impossible ...
#24 - Laure Kayser: Starting as a new PI, being an outsider, creating an inclusive culture, & the two-body problem
30 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Prof. Laure Kayser of the University of Delaware on her experiences being an outsider, starting a new laboratory as a PI,...
#23 - Undergraduate Research: Finding a lab & succeeding while you're there
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tips and tricks for finding a lab, getting your way in, and success once you arrive. Also motivation for why (or why not) you might want to do &...
#22 - How to not write bad: Practical tips for scientific writing
16 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My approach to scientific writing with guidance inspired by Steven Pinker, George Whitesides, and Anne Lamott. I hope you find something in here usefu...
#21 – Mental health, anxiety, & impostor syndrome as a student in STEM
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a deeply personal reflection on coping with issues surrounding mental health as a student in STEM, particularly as a PhD student in a ...
#20 - Graham Sazama: Getting a job & professing at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI)
02 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Prof. Graham Sazama of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Graham discusses the process of applying to &nbs...
#19 - Making the most of remote learning during Covid-19
25 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a short talk I gave to entering freshmen at UC San Diego on how to make the most of a bad situation. Namely, trying to learn in college ...
#18 - Brandon Marin: From addiction, jail, & street living to PhD in chemical engineering
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My former student, Brandon Marin, and his incredible journey from science nerd in East Los Angeles, to addiction, jail, and multiple arrests, to obtai...
#17 - ChemBark's Paul Bracher on blogging, teaching, advisor-advisee relationships, and the chemical origin of life
11 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sat down with my former labmate, Paul Bracher, now assistant professor of chemistry at St. Louis University, to chat about a variet...
#16 - Applying & interviewing for faculty positions
04 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Experiences as both an applicant and as a reviewer of faculty job applications.
#15 - Tips for first-time TAs & Assistant Professors
28 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hints for teaching assistants (and professors). Please consult with your course instructor before adopting any of these suggestions as policies ...
#14 - Getting into grad school
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Advice on getting into graduate school in science and engineering. My take on the importance (or lack thereof) of GPA, GRE, letters of rec...
#13 - Time management as a grad student, postdoc, or researcher
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hopefully this 50-minute episode pays itself back in time saved.
#12 - Promoting your work and working with journalists
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My thoughts on promoting your research, working with journalists, and posting your work on social media. I also cover some controversies I've &n...
#11 - How to Talk Smart...or, how to give effective presentations
31 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Advice on giving effective presentations for scientists and engineers.
#10 - My scientific influences & soft skills in research - Conversation with Brian Keating
24 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a conversation with my colleague, astrophysicist Dr. Brian Keating, made for the Into the Impossible Podcast and associated YouTube channel. (...
#9 - Soft robotics & interdisciplinary research: Conversation with Marwa ElDiwiny
17 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a cross-posting of my conversation with Marwa ElDiwiny on her IEEE RAS Soft Robotics Podcast. If you enjoyed what you heard, please &nbs...
#8 - Soft skills in research, or "How to win friends and influence people"
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My take on working with people in professional and personal environments with allusions to Dale Carnegie, The Simpsons, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars...
#7 - "Unconventional" careers for PhDs in STEM
05 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss careers for PhDs in STEM outside of the traditional dichotomy of "industry vs. academia." Topics include jobs in teaching, ...
#6 - Writing competitive grant proposals
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share some general tips on writing grants, along with some specific guidance for proposals submitted to NSF and NIH.
#5 - Running a research group: Mission, values, and strategy
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode contains all of the advice I wish I got before starting my faculty position.
#4 - Generating ideas in science & engineering
26 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the ways in which ideas are generated in science and engineering. My goal is to provide students and early-career researche...
#3 - Use of video for remote & active learning and flipped classrooms
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An annotated reading of an essay I wrote which appeared in Trends in Chemistry, April 16th, 2019. The original article is located here: ht...
#2 - Choosing an Advisor / lab in Grad School
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
My thoughts on choosing a lab, advisor, and school for a PhD program.
#1 - Dealing with Rejection in Academia
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I describe my personal reflections on getting rejected in academia. It applies mostly to graduate students, postdocs, and  ...