Debbie Berebichez, PhD •  Physicist

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I am a

Physicist

Debbie Berebichez, PhD

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MY PATH

How I became a science communicator, world-traveler, and physicist.

MAJOR INFLUENCES

  • My Family

    I grew up in the Jewish community of Mexico City in a family with strong connections to our ancestry. I always asked a bunch of questions - of my father who was a civil engineer and of my grandfather who was an inquisitive man.

  • Tycho Brahe

    A Danish astronomer who found ways to pursue their curiosities regardless of whether they had support from their community.

  • My University Mentor

    They helped me find a way to catch up on two years of studies so that I could graduate with a B.S in physics.

When I was young, I didn’t feel supported in science and often felt like I didn’t belong.

Despite this, I learned to forge a unique career path. My love for mathematics and critical thinking guided me towards becoming a physicist. And my passion for inspiring girls in STEM led me to pursue science communication.

Major Milestones

Getting a Scholarship

I loved science and math from a young age, but this wasn’t a pathway that my community supported. With persistence and support, I won a merit-based scholarship that allowed me to do an undergraduate degree in the US for physics.

Moving to New York

After receiving my PhD, I decided it was time to focus on myself and make space for my other interests. I moved to New York City to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship and prioritize my social life. I pursued modeling and was even an extra in commercials and movies.

From Side Gig to Career

I brought the different parts of myself together and created a YouTube channel where I shared my love of science. I even did a series on “The Science of High Heels”. It got noticed by Oprah, which really launched my science communication career.

Things I learned

along the way:

  • I was never alone.

    Having people who believed in me allowed me to pursue my passions and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my journey.

  • I could do it all.

    I knew I loved science and math, but at the time I didn’t know it was possible for me to pursue these interests as a career. I now get to share my love for physics as a science communicator and by continue to explore and create new projects.

  • There's always room to grow.

    I’m so glad to still be learning skills and applying them to cool problems and pursuing my passions

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Kerttu Penttilä • Illustrator: Mar Bertran Bellvehí

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