Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast

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/ [https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/] and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more!

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/ [https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/] and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more!

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

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

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