Bouncy Ball

Kate Biberdorf is a chemist who is breaking stereotypes and blowing stuff up—all in a good pair of heels. She became interested in chemistry during high school, and her mother encouraged her to try different experiments at home. Biberdorf majored in chemistry and German at the University of Michigan, and she received her Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, where she currently serves as an associate chemistry professor and their Director of Demonstrations and Outreach. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf breaks down the image of a stereotypical scientist, and she hopes to reach students that might otherwise be intimidated by science. She realizes that students’ emotional responses, rather than their memorization of facts, are key to getting them interested and keeping them engaged with science. Biberdorf’s exciting programs leave audiences with a positive, memorable impression of chemistry, all while diminishing the stigma around women in science.