Debbie’s Bio
Debbie is the first Mexican woman to graduate from Stanford University with a PhD in Physics, and she uses her education and background to make science approachable to a wide range of audiences. Debbie co-hosts Discovery Channel’s Outrageous Acts of Science TV show, where she applies her knowledge of physics to explain the science behind extraordinary engineering feats. She is also the Chief Data Scientist at Metis where she leads the creation and growth of exceptional data science training opportunities.
Dr. Berebichez’s work in science education and outreach has been recognized by the WSJ, Oprah, TED, DLD, WIRED, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and others. She has recently been recognized as an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador for inspiring and empowering young women to learn science and to improve the state of STEM education in the world. She completed two postdoctoral fellowships at Columbia University's Applied Math and Physics Department and at NYU's Courant Institute for Mathematical Sciences where she carried out research in the area of acoustic waves. She invented a highly effective technique in the field of wireless communications whereby a cell phone user can communicate with a desired target user in a location far away. She happily lives in NYC with her physicist husband and two kids.
With groups creating programs to encourage females to consider STEM, what is the biggest barrier to entry that is still prevalent today?
Although we have made strides in getting more women interested in considering a career in STEM, the stigma that women cannot succeed in STEM still prevails. The good news is that more organizations exist than even before to promote the participation of women in STEM, but this is not enough. A lot more is needed to combat the systemic challenges and lack of policies that hamper the advancement and success of women once they join the STEM workforce.
What or who inspires you?
One of my childhood heroes is 16th Century Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe because he was a meticulous observer of the sky, collecting all kinds of data that was later used by Kepler and others to derive the laws of planetary motion. He was deeply committed to science and he created some of the best astronomical instruments of the time. He really should be way more famous than he is.
What is your proudest moment/accomplishment?
I’m proudest of having accomplished what I have coming from where I come from. Being discouraged at a young age from pursuing my dreams meant that I had to become a warrior in order to become a scientist. And I am proud to have had the integrity to pursue my dreams despite being told that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I am also smart enough to recognize that I achieved what I did thanks to incredible mentors along the way.