FACULTY PROFILE
DARREN LIPOMI
ACADEMIC INFLUENCER
Professor Darren Lipomi offers insight and advice on his YouTube channel .
BY LIEZEL LABIOS , PHD ’ 12
T he office of Darren Lipomi , a professor in the Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering departments , looks like that of any other university professor . It ’ s a familiar scene : shelves packed with textbooks and journals , a whiteboard filled with research notes and a wall adorned with awards and certifications . But take a closer look at the back corner and the makings of a mini studio unfold . This unassuming space is equipped with an electronic piano , video light , recording microphone and webcam . Although he ’ s well-established in academic life at UC San Diego , these days , Professor Lipomi is also making a splash on YouTube .
Lipomi , who also serves as associate dean for students at Jacobs School of Engineering , uses his platform to confront the realities of academic life head on . With a video library of over 220 YouTube videos , he shares insight and advice on a variety of STEM topics , including candid conversations on tough subjects that often remain unspoken in the academic world .
“ I think there are a lot of people who wonder why I am putting this stuff out there and see it as a sign of weakness or that I ’ m being ‘ vulnerable .’ But I don ’ t see it that way ,” says Lipomi . “ There are students and young scientists who are
Subscribe Now : Professor Darren Lipomi discusses topics ranging from mental health to networking for introverts at youtube . com / djlipomi .
experiencing these things and need to know that they are not alone .”
In one video , he describes his experiences facing rejection by providing an example of being turned down 11 times ( in a row !) for funding from the National Science Foundation .
He doesn ’ t share his experience as a warning . Instead , he advises that some rejection is to be expected and may even be a good sign .
“ If you get everything you apply to , it might be a sign that you ’ re not taking enough risk ,” he says .
In another video , he highlights the challenges for students deciding whether to pursue a PhD and enter academia . In others , he shares personal struggles such as his battle with anxiety .
This authenticity has earned him a dedicated following of over 16,000 subscribers . In addition to sharing his
44 SPRING 2024