Chiungwei Huang
Scientist Turned Communicator and Entrepreneur
Book Chiungwei for
Speaking, Coaching, and Writing
Chiungwei is a multifaceted science communicator, strategist, mentor, and former scientist with over a decade of experience across academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector. From leading research and product to designing programs that empower technical communities, Chiungwei’s core mission is to connect people, translate complex concepts, and help shape systems that increase STEM impact.
As an immigrant scholar, first-generation graduate, and former mom in the lab, she battled insecurities, impostor syndrome, and balancing career stability with passion. Through these experiences, she found her voice, discovered the power of communication and mentorship, and committed to creating spaces where others could thrive and feel connected. Today, she helps individuals and organizations navigate change and growth with clarity and actions, building careers and cultures with possibility.
Ready to collaborate?
Whether you are looking for a dynamic speaker, a career coach, workshop facilitator, or partner in building intentional STEM programs, Chiungwei brings strategy, operational excellence, and lived experience to every engagement.
SIGNATURE TOPICS
Career Transition and Pivot: Chart your Own Path at Every Life Stage
Work and Life Integration: Redefining Success and Sustainability in STEM Careers
STEM Identity: Mentorship, Networking, and Leadership Strategies
Science Communication and Writing: From Research to Resonance
Career pivots are not failures — they are intentional steps toward a life that fits. Chiungwei followed her passion, pursuing a PhD in a foreign country and breaking into the industry, only to realize the long-term path wasn’t for her. She reinvented herself and leveraged experience and skills, shifting from technical roles to build a purpose-driven career in educational enterprise. Success and career paths are not always linear. This topic is for students and early- to mid-career professionals who feel unsure about their next steps.
Not about “balance” as a perfect 50/50 split, but about making intentional choices, Chiungwei draws her journey as a scientist, immigrant, mom, and writer to explore how to build a life and career that supports your priorities, energy, and evolving identity.
Chiungwei’s journey in the US began with no close family having pursued a PhD or lived in the States. Despite having corporate experience, she arrived with no network, no big resources, but just a grad school offer letter (and a husband). As a first-generation immigrant, woman of color, and mother navigating the STEM workplace, she shares her experience and explores the pivotal role of mentorship and networking in career and personal development. Drawing from these insights, she discusses strategies for networking and leadership approaches that leverage individual experiences.
How does a scientist trained in a second language grow into a communicator? Chiungwei shares how she moved from solving technical problems in the lab to shaping narratives that resonate and connect with diverse audiences. Along the way, she earned a prestigious mass media fellowship, wrote for science-focused media outlets, and mentored early-career communicators. Through insights and practices, Chiungwei highlights the successes, challenges, and strategy shifts that helped her navigate career pivots from a non-English-speaking researcher to a published science writer and now a professional communicator at a leading scientific professional organization, where she leads efforts in program management.
BACKGROUND
American Chemical Society (Program Management)
Eastman Chemical Co. (Research)
AU Optronics Co. (Engineering)
National Taiwan University (Research)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ph.D., Physical Chemistry
National Chiao Tung University
M.S., Molecular Science
B.S., Applied Chemistry
Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship,
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Director of Media Engagement, Journal of Science Policy Governance
Chair of Organizing Team, ComSciCon Triangle
Board Member, Science Writing and Communication Club, UNC
Speaking Experience
Chiungwei has spoken in person and virtually as a panelist, lecturer, and invited speaker. She pivoted between academia and industry, sharing science for public engagement, and dedicating herself to non-profit business and operations. As a speaker, Chiungwei delivers insights on resilience, innovation, and belonging. Booking Chiungwei Huang means engaging a dynamic speaker with a unique blend of personal story, professional expertise, and outside-of-the-box perspectives.
Panel Discussion: On the Scene: Journalism, Science, and Media | National Science Policy Network
YouTube Host: How to Talk About Myself | Shine with Your Science
Interview: Mom of two, science writer, and scientist | Nich Career Podcast
Interview: How to Balance Your PhD Life | Her STEM Story Podcast
Past Speaking Venues
Universities & Professional Organizations
East Tennessee State University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
National Science Policy Network
Media & Podcast Interviews
Niche Career
Her STEM Story Podcast
Path2PhD
The STEM Garden
Coaching & Workshop
Chiungwei offers coaching and workshops designed to support career transitions, identity shifts, and intentional growth. Her approach blends structure and strategy with deep reflection, empowering you to take action aligned with your values.
Writing
Need help communicating your institution’s latest breakthrough in a way that’s clear, accurate, and engaging? Chiungwei specializes in writing press releases that resonate with both media and the public, bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world impact. With a PhD-level science background, she quickly grasps the core insights of new research. Her experience as a science journalist means she knows how to ask the right questions, conduct researcher interviews, and translate technical findings into accessible narratives that get noticed. Whether you're aiming for media coverage, public engagement, or institutional visibility, she brings both scientific fluency and storytelling expertise to your team.
Organizational Support & Collaboration
Interested in building and working together? Chiungwei is available to support mission-aligned organizations through program operations, business strategy, and board-level initiatives, especially where strategy, communications, and cross-functional collaboration meet. Whether you're launching a new initiative or managing workflows, she brings her experience and skills in program leadership to help your team move forward with strategic thinking and creative execution.
