Making Science More Accessible for Everyone
Credit: Tico Mendoza
EMAN ALASADI, Ph.D., Chemistry
Eman Alasadi, a chemistry Ph.D. candidate, is focused on science communication and education.
Interviewed by Esther Robards-Forbes.
You’re a Ph.D. student and a researcher, but you’re also an educator, an award-winning instructor and a science YouTuber with more than 30,000 subscribers. Where does that drive come from?
I’ve always loved teaching. As an undergraduate, I tutored and made notes for classmates. Eventually, I started turning those notes into YouTube videos. That channel now has over 400 videos covering general, organic and physical chemistry, biology and MCAT prep. Producing these videos helped me sharpen my teaching style and communicate more clearly. At UT, I served as a TA for Carlos Baiz’s physical chemistry course and now teach a general chemistry course – an experience that confirmed that teaching at the university level is what I truly want to pursue.
What’s your philosophy as a science communicator and educator?
Education should be accessible. I provide free notes and transcriptions in all my videos. I think deeply about how to explain complex topics in a way that resonates with students – especially those who may feel like science isn’t for them. I believe it is my responsibility to accommodate students’ needs as best as possible, because when students feel safe and supported and their basic needs are met – that’s when real learning can happen
What is your research focus, and why does it matter?
I study lanmodulin, a biological protein that selectively binds lanthanides – rare earth metals used in everything from electronics to medical imaging. These elements are incredibly difficult to separate from other material, and current industrial methods generate large volumes of toxic waste. We’re exploring how lanmodulin might be used to develop greener, more efficient extraction technologies. What excites me is knowing this research lays the groundwork for more sustainable approaches down the line.
“Used thoughtfully, [AI] has the potential to democratize learning.”
What has been the biggest challenge in your research?
The steep learning curve. I work in a biophysical chemistry lab where we use lasers to study the chemistry of biological systems. Alongside the experimental work, we rely heavily on computational modeling, coding and simulations to interpret and analyze our data. At first it felt overwhelming to learn so many new skills at once. But over time, I realized that’s the nature of interdisciplinary research—it challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and grow in unexpected ways. What helped the most was being in a lab that fosters curiosity and views mistakes as part of the learning curve. I am incredibly grateful for my PI and my labmates—they’ve shaped me into a scientist I’m truly proud to be.
You’re a first-generation student. How has that shaped your perspective?
My parents came to the U.S. as refugees from Iraq. They – and my siblings – mean everything to me. Even though they weren’t familiar with the education system here, they were always supportive. Still, I had to figure a lot out on my own. There was no built-in network or road map. Now, my husband and I are both first-generation educators, and that experience deeply shapes how we think about access and support in education. It is part of why we care so much about tools like AI. Used thoughtfully, it has the potential to democratize learning and expand opportunity for students from all backgrounds.
What’s next for you after graduation?
Right now, I’m teaching a general chemistry course with around 250 students, and I’d love to continue teaching at the college level. I also want to expand my science communication work on YouTube and other platforms, and eventually design curricula for both college and high school – maybe even write a textbook one day.
What do you hope people take away from your story?
That science is for everyone. With the right support and access, students from all backgrounds can thrive. I also hope people realize that failure isn’t something to avoid. Getting comfortable with mistakes is the fastest way to grow. Every misstep is a lesson that sharpens your discipline, deepens your understanding and moves you forward.