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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we break down the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded for the discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in an electric circuit. You’ll gain clear insight into:
What is quantum tunneling?
Quantized energy levels — how quantum systems absorb/emission in “steps”
Why this matters in electrical circuits
The relation to superconductivity
Macroscopic quantum effects — quantum mechanics at visible scale
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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:
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:
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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:
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:
💡 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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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply within the academic community: burnout in academia. Join us as we explore the unique challenges faced by physicists and the toll that academic pressures can take on mental and physical health. We share our personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the causes, consequences, and solutions to burnout in the field of physics.
🔥 Personal Experiences with Burnout in Physics
We open up about our personal journeys with burnout, sharing the emotional and physical impacts we faced during our careers in academia. Hear our stories of struggle and resilience, and discover how we navigated through the toughest times.
📊 Factors Contributing to Burnout Among Physicists
What are the primary causes of burnout in the field of physics? We discuss the pressures of publish-or-perish culture, grant funding challenges, and the often overwhelming workload. Learn about the systemic issues that exacerbate stress and what can be done to address them.
🏫 Institutional Support and Prevention
How can academic and research institutions better support their staff and students to prevent burnout? We offer our suggestions on policies and practices that can create a healthier, more sustainable environment for researchers.
💡 Advice for Overwhelmed Physicists
Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? we share practical advice and coping strategies for those currently experiencing burnout. From time management tips to mental health resources, discover ways to regain control and find balance.
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🎙️ Welcome Frankie Palabrica to the #LiknayanPodcast Team! 🌟
In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Frankie Palabrica, our newest team member! Frankie brings with her a strong background in science communication and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Physics at Ateneo de Manila University. She’s also an active researcher with the Ateneo ROSES Laboratory, where she continues to explore her passion for physics and push forward innovative research.
Frankie shares her journey in physics, her experiences in the field, and her vision for making science more accessible and engaging. Whether you’re a student, a physics enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of research, this episode has something for you.
🧑🔬 About the Ateneo ROSES Laboratory
The Ateneo Research on Optical Science, Engineering, and Systems (ROSES) Lab is one of the seven official research groups under Ateneo’s Department of Physics. Originally part of the Ateneo Innovation Center (AIC), the lab transitioned to the department in January 2020. Conceived in 2017 by Dr. Benjamin Dingel, the lab was built on a remote research model years before the pandemic, making it one of the first purely online physics research groups at Ateneo.
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. Dreia Carrillo, a Filipina astrophysicist at Durham University whose work is reshaping our understanding of the Milky Way. 🌌
Hailing from Baliuag, Bulacan, Dreia takes us through her journey from the Philippines to the international stage of astrophysics. Her research focuses on the chemodynamics of accreted halo stars, combining data from Gaia, APOGEE, and GALAH with simulations like FIRE and AURIGA to uncover the history of our Galaxy’s formation and evolution.
Dreia completed her PhD at the University of Texas at Austin under the mentorship of Keith Hawkins, specializing in stellar populations and Galactic Archaeology. She also shares stories from her early research experiences at the University of Michigan, and how these shaped her scientific career.
Beyond research, Dreia is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and outreach, inspiring the next generation of scientists while continuing to explore the mysteries of the cosmos.
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Marianne Palmero, a Project Technical Assistant at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Marianne works at the exciting intersection of density functional theory, computational materials science, and machine learning, pushing forward research in materials design and innovation.
She shares insights from her role in the DOST-PCIEERD and the East Asia Science and Innovation Area Joint Research Program, led by Dr. Allan Abraham B. Padama. We also talk about her recent paper, “The Tendency of V Segregation in Pd/V(110) and Pd/V(100) Surfaces Induced by H Adsorption,” which explores atom segregation in palladium/vanadium surfaces—an important step toward developing hydrogen-permeable materials for clean energy technologies.
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Oliva, a geophysicist whose career has taken her from the Philippines to her current role as a faculty member at the Department of Geophysics, Universidad de Chile.
Dr. Oliva earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Tulane University (USA) and now focuses her research on seismicity in the Haida Gwaii region of Western Canada. Her fascination with earthquakes, volcanoes, and natural hazards began in the Philippines, where living on the Pacific Ring of Fire sparked her interest in earth sciences. From there, she pursued physics and materials science locally, a postgraduate diploma in Earth System Physics in Italy, and ultimately advanced her doctoral studies in the US.
Beyond research, Dr. Oliva is passionate about teaching, science communication, and STEM outreach, while also enjoying language learning, yoga, and travel.
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. Dina Banguilan, a postdoctoral researcher at the Toyota Technological Institute in Japan.
Dr. Banguilan’s research spans the cutting edge of optics and photonics, from exploring the orbital angular momentum of light to developing novel methods using digital micromirror devices (DMDs) for vortex beam detection and topological charge measurements. She has also worked on advancing femtosecond pulse amplification with specialized doped fibers, contributing to technologies that push the boundaries of light manipulation.
Her academic journey began at the University of Northern Philippines, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Physics, followed by a master’s and PhD in Physics from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Today, her work continues to shed light—literally—on the fascinating ways we can harness and control the properties of light for science and technology.
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. John Manalo, a leading expert in atmospheric science and ozone research. Dr. Manalo’s groundbreaking work explores the urgent issue of ozone layer depletion, focusing on the links between greenhouse gas concentrations, tropospheric warming, and the formation of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). His research shows how these clouds drive chemical reactions that release active chlorine—posing a serious threat to ozone molecules.
With a strong emphasis on ozone measurements and monitoring, Dr. Manalo highlights why keeping track of ozone levels remains vital, even decades after the Montreal Protocol. His collaboration with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has also contributed to the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) Program of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), using advanced tools such as the Dobson Spectrophotometer.
Join us as we break down the complexities of atmospheric science with Dr. Manalo and uncover insights that matter for both science and society.
Topics discussed:
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we chat with Isabella Huckabee, a rising star in astrophysics and astronomy education. Currently at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Isabella works on the Exoplanet Watch project, analyzing transit timing variations with data collected by both citizen scientists and professional astronomers.
Her journey doesn’t stop there—starting fall 2023, she’ll spend a gap year in the Philippines with Ateneo de Manila University, leading innovative astronomy education initiatives. From developing astrophysics courses to designing new learning tools and hosting talks for Filipino students, Isabella is helping shape the future of science education.
In fall 2024, she heads to Cornell University to begin her PhD in Astronomy and Space Sciences, focusing on the atmospheres of substellar objects. With a background in astrophysics, physics, and cross-sector leadership from Arizona State University, Isabella brings both expertise and passion to her work.
Join us as Isabella shares her story, her insights on exoplanets and science education, and her vision for the future of astronomy.
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Armielyn Obinguar, a trailblazer in AI and tech! A finalist for Women in AI 2023 for Humanitarian Action in the Asia-Pacific Region, Armielyn has been at the forefront of using AI for social good. She currently serves as a Fractional Engineering Lead at Kippap, builds communities as part of Google Developers and AWS Community Builders, and has previously worked as a CTO and Senior Machine Learning Engineer.
We talk about her work in open-source LLM projects, neuroscience, and healthcare AI, as well as her vision for making AI more accessible to everyone.
Topics discussed include her recent AI projects, how AI advances industries and science, its role in driving innovation and problem-solving, the challenges and ethical concerns surrounding AI, and her advice for aspiring AI professionals.
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In this episode of #LiknayanPodcast, we sit down with Dr. Marvin Flores, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Physics (NIP), UP Diliman, and a key figure in the CERN-ATLAS Collaboration. From graduating summa cum laude at Silliman University to earning his PhD with distinction and receiving prestigious awards such as Most Outstanding PhD Graduate and the NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists, Dr. Flores’s journey is one of excellence and inspiration.
We talk about his research in particle physics and high-energy phenomenology, his contributions to pushing the boundaries of the Standard Model, and his search for new physics that could redefine our understanding of the universe. He also shares insights on intriguing recent findings and offers advice for aspiring particle physicists navigating the field.
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For our final guest this Women’s Month, we feature a true trailblazer in physics! 🌟 From her early days as a college student to her current groundbreaking research, Dr. Niña Zambale-Simon has made significant contributions to the field. In this episode, we explore her inspiring journey and dive into her pioneering work on Structured Light and its wide range of innovative applications 🔦📡.
Topics discussed include her background and what led her to pursue a career in physics, an overview of the concepts and principles defining her area of research, memorable and exciting research projects, the latest discoveries in the field, and her advice for aspiring physicists and science enthusiasts.
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