Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast

Pioneer Academics Alumni

For ambitious young people, university life presents remarkable opportunities and challenges - the most fundamental of which is how to carve out their own path. Welcome to “Uncharted”, a podcast where Pioneer alumni share how they have navigated making some of the most important decisions every university student faces. Uncharted is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program for high school students.

  1. 11/01/2025

    Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Cecilia’s Interdisciplinary Journey

    In this episode of Uncharted, host Katherine sits down with Cecilia Wang, a Pioneer alumna whose path from anthropology research to biotechnology showcases the power of curiosity and purpose-driven ambition. Cecilia shares how her early research in anthropology at Pioneer sparked a lasting interest in global health and preventive care — a passion deepened by her own personal health experiences. This curiosity led her to explore the intersection of science, society, and innovation through opportunities like the Wharton Global Research and Internship Program and later as a Schwarzman Scholar. Now working in a vaccine-focused biotechnology company, Cecilia reflects on the importance of diving deeply into your interests, thinking globally, and working smartly toward meaningful goals. Together, she and Katherine discuss how personal experiences can inform professional purpose and why interdisciplinary curiosity can be a bridge between research and real-world impact. Her advice to students: go where your curiosity and passion leads you. About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper. Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more!

    49 min

  2. 11/01/2025

    Bridging Worlds: From Anthropology to Biotechnology

    Hosted by Katherine, this episode features Cecilia, a Pioneer alumna whose path from anthropology research to biotechnology highlights the beauty of following one’s passions wherever they may lead them. Cecilia shares how her anthropology research at the Pioneer Research Institute led her to the University of Pennsylvania to being a Schwarzmann scholar and now working at a vaccine-focused biotechnology company. Notably, she reflects on lessons learned through the Wharton Global Research and Internship Program offering insights on interdisciplinary research, finding purpose, and staying intellectually bold. If you’re wondering how research in one field can translate into a major or a career path in another, this episode is for you! About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper. Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more!

    33 min

  3. 09/28/2025

    Summons to Serve: From Classroom to State Department

    In this episode of Uncharted, host Max CdeBaca sits down with Joshua Roth, a Pioneer alumnus whose journey has taken him from high school research on neuroscience to his current role as Executive Assistant at the U.S. Department of State. Joshua reflects on the moments that shaped his career path, from fieldwork in Bosnia to exploring transitional justice, and how his Pioneer experience gave him the confidence to ask hard questions about law, democracy, and human rights. Together, Max and Joshua dive into the tension between ideals and practice: What do democratic values really mean? How do we balance justice and security? And how can young scholars move from theory into meaningful public service? Along the way, Joshua opens up about battling impostor syndrome, navigating internships, and finding purpose in work that matters. His advice to students: don’t let self-doubt hold you back, because curiosity, persistence, and integrity are the qualities that can carry you forward. Listen now! Uncharted: A Top Alumni Podcast, featured by FeedSpot. #PioneerAlumni #PublicService #HumanRights #TransitionalJustice #Diplomacy #CareerJourney #StudentAdvice #UnchartedPioneer

    53 min

  4. 09/28/2025

    Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Choosing Public Service

    Hosted by Max CdeBaca, this episode features Joshua Roth, a Pioneer alumnus, University of Chicago graduate, and Executive Assistant at the U.S. Department of State. Joshua traces his path from writing a thesis on the refugee crisis to working on transitional justice and diplomacy, and he tackles hard questions about human rights, professional development, and how democratic ideals translate into practice.  He also shares candid advice for students on impostor syndrome, internships, and finding purpose, along with stories from Bosnia, Vietnam, and college life. Enjoy this thoughtful conversation about turning intellectual curiosity into real-world public service. Listen now! Uncharted: A Top Alumni Podcast — featured by FeedSpot. #PioneerAlumni #PublicService #HumanRights #TransitionalJustice #Diplomacy #CollegeAdvice #UnchartedPioneer

    37 min

  5. 08/23/2025

    Physics-ally Speaking: Raquel’s Interdisciplinary Leap into Biotech

    In this episode of Uncharted, Jade, a 2021 Pioneer Scholar and UCLA undergrad studying microbiology, sits down with Raquel, a 2015 Pioneer alumna now working at the intersection of machine learning and cancer drug design. Originally from Spain, Raquel shares how her early dreams of becoming a doctor eventually evolved into a passion for physics and how a summer with Pioneer helped her realize she could thrive in research, even in a second language. From her first literature review in high school to simulations that didn’t work, until they finally did, she reflects on the frustrating, fulfilling, and often unpredictable nature of research. Now a postdoctoral researcher based jointly at Charité in Berlin and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, Raquel dives into the challenges of interdisciplinary science, the value of diverse research experiences, and why being comfortable with failure is one of the most essential skills a scholar can have. For students considering STEM research, or anyone balancing passion, persistence, and personal growth, this conversation offers honest insights, encouragement, and inspiration straight from someone who’s been there. Listen now! #PioneerAlumni #WomenInSTEM #MachineLearning #Biophysics #CancerResearch #PostdocLife #FirstGenAcademic #UnchartedPioneer

    53 min

  6. 08/23/2025

    Physics Meets Biology: Raquel’s Twisty Research Path

    Hosted by Jade, a 2021 Pioneer alumna studying microbiology at UCLA, this episode features Raquel, a 2015 Pioneer scholar who studied physics in the UK and now researches cancer drug design using machine learning. Raquel shares how Pioneer helped her build confidence as a young researcher, and how she navigated setbacks, switched fields, and stayed curious through it all. From coding mishaps to cross-continental postdocs, this conversation is a candid look at what it really means to grow in STEM. Listen now! Uncharted: A Top Alumni Podcast, featured by FeedSpot!  #PioneerScholars #WomenInSTEM #CancerResearch #MachineLearning #AcademicJourney #UndergradToPostdoc #FirstGenResearcher #UnchartedPioneer

    35 min

  7. 08/01/2025

    Blueprints of a Scholar: How Research Shaped Alice’s Path to MIT

    In this episode of Uncharted, Sunny—a Pioneer alum currently pursuing environmental engineering—chats with Alice, a 2017 Pioneer scholar and Georgia Tech graduate who is now beginning her PhD in biological engineering at MIT. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Alice discovered her love for biology, math, and chemistry in high school. That passion grew at Pioneer, where she gained her first taste of independent research. She reflects on how Pioneer helped her build confidence before college—and how that early exposure to research shaped her decision to pursue a long-term academic path. After undergrad, Alice interned at both Regeneron and Genentech, both experiences that helped her explore the world of industry while deepening her interest in academic research. In this episode, she shares her honest journey through college applications, lab life, and the sometimes overwhelming yet ultimately rewarding process of applying to PhD programs. From leading a Capstone team that won first place at Georgia Tech’s Expo to choosing MIT after one of the most difficult decisions she’s ever made, Alice reflects on what it means to grow into your ambitions, one step at a time. Her story is a powerful reminder that careers in STEM aren’t always linear, and that embracing uncertainty is part of building something meaningful. If you’re navigating the leap from high school to undergrad or wondering whether a master’s or PhD path is right for you, this episode is filled with practical advice, encouragement, and a clear-eyed look at the power of research to shape a life. About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper.  Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more!

    47 min

  8. 07/26/2025

    Lab Notes: Alice’s Path to MIT

    Hosted by Sunny, a Pioneer alum studying environmental engineering, this conversation features Alice, a 2017 Pioneer scholar who studied biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech and is now pursuing her PhD in biological engineering at MIT. Alice shares how her Pioneer experience sparked a lasting passion for research, which she carried through internships at Regeneron and Genentech and into her award-winning Capstone project. She also offers a candid look at the grad school application process—covering everything from writing a compelling statement of purpose to choosing the right lab. Whether you're considering research in STEM or planning your next academic step, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper.  Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more!

    17 min
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About

For ambitious young people, university life presents remarkable opportunities and challenges - the most fundamental of which is how to carve out their own path. Welcome to “Uncharted”, a podcast where Pioneer alumni share how they have navigated making some of the most important decisions every university student faces. Uncharted is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program for high school students.

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