David Jen
I'm an independent science journalist based in the San Francisco
Bay Area. I write news and feature stories on climate issues, energy infrastructure, and outdoor adventure.
In my free time, I run, backpack, take pictures, and play guitar.
Learn more about my photography here.
Civil Engineering Source
Data-center demand for energy has become a significant chunk of some countries' total energy use. Water for cooling has also strained local resources in areas. Engineers are therefore looking into how to improve data-center efficiency.
Civil Engineering Source
The speed at which firefighters recognize a wildfire among the country's growing network of video feeds factors into whether that fire spreads out of control. Fire agencies have begun to use artificial-intelligence solutions to sift through the data before flagging human operators.
Hakai Magazine
The United States' offshore-wind industry has had to employ costly workarounds in response to the century-old Jones Act, which limits the use of foreign vessels for turbine construction.
Civil Engineering Source
Carbon-free wave energy could supply over half of the country's power requirements, if the industry's technologies and investment appetites can be brought up to speed. A new pilot project in the Port of Los Angeles hopes to accomplish just that.
Civil Engineering Source
Winner of the 2023 Forge Prize, the Electric Oasis design by LVL Studio considers a futuristic charging station in Buttonwillow, California.
The Independent
Advanced air mobility – the long-awaited next era of aviation – promises quiet, electric aircraft charged with carbon-free power. Will it take root in the Bay Area's Livermore Airport?
Civil Engineering Source
Research into an augmented-wood material seeks to strengthen wood, capture carbon and prevent wildfires with the help of mineral-producing microbes.
Semiconductor Engineering
Recent research suggests quantum battery technology — which would allow for charging speeds some 200 times faster than conventional batteries — is approaching an inflection point similar to the one crossed by quantum computers a decade ago.
The Independent
Water from the Hetch Hetchy supplies ecosystems, cities and power plants. Balancing this water when the water runs out is a delicate, complex and unforgiving task.
The Independent
The California Public Utilities Commission is changing its incentive structure for rooftop solar owners, affecting everyone, whether you have solar or not.
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Professional History
Freelance
Journalist, 2021–present
The Independent Newspaper
Managing Editor, 2024–2024
Google
UX Engineer, 2011–2021
Zagat Survey
Web Developer, 2007–2011
Freelance
Web Developer, 2004–2007
Education
Certificate, Science Communication
UC San Diego Extension, 2021–2022
B.S. Electrical Engineering
Penn State, 2000–2004