In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. Allan Padama, an expert from the Institute of Physics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, to dive into the fascinating world of Computational Materials Science.

Dr. Padama discusses the significance of Density Functional Theory (DFT) in understanding materials at the atomic level and explores the challenges and opportunities for young researchers eager to enter this field. Discover how computational approaches are driving innovation and shaping the future of science and technology.

Whether you’re a student, early-career researcher, or just curious about the intersection of computation and materials science, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. Mikaela Fudolig, a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont, to explore the innovative field of Computational Social Science. With a unique background in physics, Dr. Fudolig applies scientific and computational principles to the study of society, examining how digital traces and cultural artifacts can offer insights into human behavior.

Dr. Fudolig's academic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 11 years old, she entered the University of the Philippines Diliman through an experimental Early College Placement Program. By 16, she had earned her Bachelor of Science in Physics, graduating summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class. She continued her studies at UP Diliman, obtaining both her Master's and PhD in Physics, completing her doctoral degree at the age of 24.

From understanding the big questions and objectives of the field to its practical applications in today's world, this episode offers a fascinating look at how computation is transforming social science research.

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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. Adrian Salces from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) for an exciting conversation about space! Discover the story behind the Philippines’ space missions, including the creation of the country’s first nanosatellite, the Maya Satellite.

We also explore PhilSA’s programs for advancing space technology, share updates on SpaceX developments, and dive into other innovations in the field of space exploration.

Join the Liknayan Team on this special space adventure as we uncover how the Philippines is contributing to the global space community!

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In this World Space Week episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Keith Cabello, a Project Technical Specialist from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), to explore the exciting world of space research and its growing relevance to the Philippines. 🇵🇭

From enhancing disaster preparedness to advancing agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, PhilSA’s work shows just how much space science impacts our everyday lives.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The science objectives of PhilSA
• Why space research is vital for developing countries
• Key challenges in advancing space science
• How we can align education and curriculum to prepare future space scientists
• Keith’s favorite math/physics/engineering concepts
• The diverse skillsets PhilSA is looking for—from coding and engineering to biology
• Practical advice for aspiring scientists who dream of working in space research

Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a student, or just curious about the future of Philippine space science, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. 🌌

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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we unpack the groundbreaking news that the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, recognized “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks”

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We dive straight into how this year’s Nobel marks a pivotal moment—highlighting how AI, once a mere tool, has now become foundational enough to shape the future of physics itself. This opens up exciting questions: How does this recognition reflect AI’s growing role in science? What does it mean for future discoveries?

In this episode, we tackle:

• How the recent Nobel Prize makes you feel—from a scientist’s perspective
• Exciting ways machine learning is pushing the boundaries of physics and enabling new insights
• The role of machine learning in future scientific breakthroughs, from speeding up research to opening up entirely new ways of exploring the universe

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In this episode, we take on a topic that resonates deeply with many in academia and research—impostor syndrome. From students to seasoned scientists, that nagging feeling of “not being good enough” is more common than we think, and it often shapes how we navigate our careers in physics and beyond.

We share personal experiences with impostor syndrome, discuss how prevalent it is among physicists and researchers, and explore the ways institutional culture can either ease or worsen the struggle. Finally, we offer practical advice for students and early-career physicists who may be facing these same challenges, and how to remind themselves that they truly belong in the scientific community.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t measure up, this episode is for you.

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Dr. Benjamin B. Dingel is the visionary behind AIC-ROSES (Ateneo Research on Optical Science, Engineering, and Systems), which he conceptualized and launched in 2017 as a publication-driven, education-by-research model for engaging undergraduate physics students at Ateneo de Manila University. Remarkably, he spearheaded the group remotely from New York, while serving as R&D Director of Nasfine Photonics.

Under his leadership, AIC-ROSES quickly grew into a thriving research community. Officially recognized as a research group under the Ateneo Innovation Center in 2020, it now has around 20 student members and has produced dozens of publications. The group’s work spans both theoretical and experimental research, focusing on:

• Multilayer optics and photonics through scientific analogues and implementations
• Optical engineering in microwave photonics and network sensing
• Photonic integration and hybrid optic-electronic systems
• Applications of mathematical physics methods in optical science
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Through AIC-ROSES, Dr. Dingel has built one of the Philippines’ pioneering online-based physics research groups, equipping young scientists with the skills, mentorship, and global exposure needed to thrive in cutting-edge optics and photonics research.

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🎙️ In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we take a closer look at the crucial role of peer review in scientific publishing—why it’s considered the backbone of credible research, and how it shapes the way knowledge is built and shared.

Whether you’re a researcher, academic, or simply curious about how science works behind the scenes, this episode unpacks the systems that help ensure quality, accuracy, and integrity in published studies.

🔍 We discuss:

• What peer review is and why it’s essential in research.
• How peer-reviewed publications uphold the credibility of science.
• The challenges, controversies, and evolving practices in the peer review process.
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💡 If you’ve ever wondered how scientific work gets validated—or if you’re looking for practical insights on navigating the publishing process—this episode is for you!

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