Alexa Lim was a senior producer for the Science Friday radio production team, which means you could find her on the phone researching stories throughout the week and at a heightened level of anxiety every Friday between 2-4 p.m. E.T. A few of her favorite interviews have involved orchestrating a live physics game show, sound-checking with the International Space Station, and learning how to ask where the bathroom is in Dothraki.
After brief stints in an oncology lab and in the exotic world of science textbook publishing, she found her way into public radio through an internship at StoryCorps. Before joining Science Friday, she produced Jazz at Lincoln Center Radio and for the JazzStories podcast, where she discovered that the jazz harp is an underrated instrument.
Alexa grew up in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biology. She can confirm that there is no basement in the Alamo.
12:07
Crime Algorithm, Space Junk, and Stem Cell Therapies
The legalities of algorithms to predict “high risk” criminals, and the dangers of unapproved stem cell therapies.
11:59
Supercomputer Rankings, ‘Frankenturtles,’ and Psychology of Self-Driving Cars
China tops the list of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, and the psychological toll of autonomous vehicles.
16:47
Closing Out the Cephaloparty
For the end of Cephalopod Week 2016, we delve into the mysteries of cephalopod ink and the squid microbiome.
17:03
Best Science Fiction Books for Your Summer Reading List
Annalee Newitz and Ann VanderMeer share their science fiction picks to add to your summer reading list.
12:09
Unlocking Blood-Forming Stem Cells for Personalized Therapies
A look at how stem cells found in the blood can be used to treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
11:56
Human-Like Hobbits, Spitting Fish, and Arecibo’s Uncertain Future
The origin of the human-like “hobbit” H. floresiensis, and the future of an iconic telescope.
23:03
Stink Bombs, Submarine Safety, and the Science of Soldiering
In “Grunt,” author Mary Roach looks at the technology used to battle disease, shock, and exhaustion in the ranks.
17:21
Solar Ovens, Water Rockets, and Other DIY Summer Science Projects
These DIY experiments will keep your kitchen chemists and backyard explorers busy throughout the summer vacation.
12:10
Bumblebees Pick Up On The ‘Buzz’ From Flowers
Bumblebees use hairs on their bodies to pick up on weak electrical signals emitted by flowers.
12:00
Tornado Tracks, Microbiome Bias, and Overtime Pay for Postdocs
Tracking tornado hotspots and weighing the good and (potential) bad of better-paid postdocs.