Ask Theory

This episode of Ask Theory features Gracile Celine Roxas, a Licensed Chemist who works under the Conservation Division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. She combines her knowledge of chemistry and passion for art in her work, such as when she conducted a scientific analysis of pigments in 20th century paintings for some of Bohol’s historical churches. We talked about applyi...

This episode of Ask Theory features Engr. Gregorio Villar III, an Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) Systems Engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He was part of the team that worked on ensuring the successful landing of NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars. We talked about what motivated him to pursue a career at NASA, his role in the M...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Ian Vega, a professor at the National Institute of Physics, program coordinator of the Theoretical Physics Group, and head of the Gravity Group at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Young Scientist award from the National Academy of Science and Technology for his work in theoretical physics. We talked abou...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Ian Vega, a professor at the National Institute of Physics, program coordinator of the Theoretical Physics Group, and head of the Gravity Group at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Young Scientist award from the National Academy of Science and Technology for his work in theoretical physics. We talked abou...

This episode of Ask Theory features Rodion Herrera, an amateur astronomer and former planetarium lecturer, research assistant, and consultant for utilizing off-the-shelf flight simulations and weapon/defense systems simulations for civilian and military applications. We talked about some tips and best practices for newbie astronomers, his personal experience in engaging with moon landing deniers,...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, an astrophysicist, data scientist, educator, and strong advocate of using data in decision-making for matters of local and national significance. We talked about career options for physicists in the Philippines, why data science matters in everyday life, the most fun thing about being a scientist, the many benefits of having a mentor, and m...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Edrie Alcanzare, a frontliner. He is a public health physician and pathology resident trying to make sense of the health system and the many ways it can be improved. In part 2 of our interview, we talked about whether Pinoys are truly “pasaway” when it comes to following COVID-19 guidelines, Dr. Alcanzare’s most unforgettable and horrifying (but hilarious) f...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Edrie Alcanzare, a frontliner. He is a public health physician and pathology resident trying to make sense of the health system and the many ways it can be improved.  In part 1 of our interview, we talked about how both science fiction and reality can become the gateway to the medical path, a pandemic that hit the Philippines over 100 years ago, why his...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo, an entomologist and araneologist. She is a biology professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where she also holds the position of Faculty Regent. We talked about what the world would look like if there were no spiders, why many people are afraid of or even disgusted by insects, some amazing facts about our arachnid fr...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, the Chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering of Ateneo de Davao University. He is the former Program Leader of the National SPACE Development Program, and the driving force behind the creation of the Philippine Space Agency and Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy.  We talked about what an astrophysicist does, the...

This episode of Ask Theory features BA Racoma, a PhD student of the University of the Philippines and University of Reading studying tropical cyclones and rainfall. He’s also an active science communicator, and is one of the brains behind the ScienceChatPH initiative on Twitter. We talked about common misconceptions in weather forecasting, using memes and internet humor to communicate science to t...

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Dex Macalintal. He is a double board certified professional, both as a nutritionist dietitian and a doctor of medicine. On social media, he provides free medical insights, debunks health myths, and shares his food-and-lifestyle-first approach to treating chronic degenerative diseases. We talked about fad diets and why many of them don't work, common misconce...