GPS-STEM’s
The Science Scoop
The Science Scoop is a platform of short-form blog posts featuring: Research highlights, Commentary on the field, Personal growth stories, Alumni success stories, Creative visual content, & More.
To learn more, contact Senior Editor, José Morán at moranja@uci.edu.
Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight:
Dr. Lila Halbers
PhD Scholar & Science Scoop Senior Editor, Jose Moran, interviews Dr. Lila Halbers who shares her story on how she became a Bausch+Lomb fellow with the help of GPS-STEM.
“We think our graduate research is going to speak for itself. GPS-STEM made me realize this is a part of it, but you need to prepare for the job you want.”
Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight:
Dr. Xiaochen Liu
PhD Scholar & Science Scoop Senior Editor, Jose Moran, interviews Dr. Xiaochen Liu who shares her coast-to-coast journey on becoming a Senior Scientist at AbbVie with the help of GPS-STEM.
“PhD students are like stem cells – there are so many paths we can take.”
Science Communication
“From Academia to Industry: A Personal Journey Toward Professional Growth: Part II”
UC Irvine PhD student, Cameron Geller, continues the discussion in this second half of his 2-part series on internships during grad school.
“My experience, from changing career paths to sustaining connections at AbbVie, has shown me that adaptability and community fuel personal growth.”
Science Communication
“From Academia to Industry: A Personal Journey Toward Professional Growth: Part I”
UC Irvine PhD student, Cameron Geller, discusses the learning curve of internships during grad school.
“With renewed motivation, I set a clear goal: to secure an internship that would let me continue working in the lab, advance meaningful science, and begin building a career in industry.”
Spotlight
“Dr. Julie Huang: A Story of Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Success as a First-Generation Woman in STEM”
PhD student Tessa Chou shares Dr. Julie Huang’s inspiring journey of bridging diverse scientific fields, overcoming imposter syndrome, and fostering inclusive environments in STEM.
Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Paige Halas
PhD Scholar, Rukh Yusuf, interviews Dr. Paige Halas who shares her journey from UCI to becoming a Research Scientist in the Technology Assessment R&D Team at Exact Sciences.
“I’ve always believed that science doesn’t end at the bench—it starts there.”
Science Communication
“Hooked on Science: Sharing Research Through Radio”
UC Irvine PhD Candidate, Dominic Javonillo (he/they), discusses his experience using public radio to make complex science accessible to a wider audience, and how this communication can increase public engagement.
“Beyond reaching these listeners through radio, writing for the Loh Down may also shift their attitudes and opinions on scientific research.”
Opinion
“Why You Might Benefit from Attending a Writing Retreat”
Managing Editor, José Morán (he/they), recaps GPS-STEMs first 3-day Writing Retreat.
Waiting to be inspired or motivated wasn’t always a winning plan. Creating habits is key, and this writing retreat at least gave me the momentum to get going and create those habits outside of the writing retreat.
Event Recap
“How to Give a Short Talk”
Managing Editor, José Morán (he/they), recaps this engaging talk by UCI’s Dr. Dequina Nicholas.
The “take home message” of this workshop was to have a “take home message” in the first place.
Get Involved
The Science Scoop is a GPS-STEM member-led blog enabling UCI students, postdocs, and UCI staff & faculty to communicate their science and experiences broadly. We provide:
Writing & Peer Editing Opportunities
Advice, Science & More from like-minded peers
STEM Writing Community to Connect, Learn & Grow
How to Contribute:
Submissions are open to GPS-STEM members & UCI staff & faculty. Writers can hone their writing skills & share their passion for science. Contributors can join as:
Peer Editor
Writer Only
