Dr. Kate Biberdorf

Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a chemist and science entertainer and holds the position of Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of Notre Dame. With her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, she founded the "Fun with Chemistry" program, reaching over 20,000 students annually. Her innovative approach includes dynamic demonstrations like the Puking Pumpkin Tour at the USA Science and Engineering Festival and creating a thundercloud on the ground on TV shows. As a result, she's breaking the stereotypes associated with scientists, especially for students who might otherwise be intimidated by the subject.

In her endeavor to make science accessible, she authored the "Kate the Chemist" children's book series published by Penguin Random House, which includes titles like "Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments." She is also the author of the bestseller "The Big Book of Experiments," "The Awesome Book of Edible Experiments for Kids," and the nonfiction book "It's Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything." BuzzFeed recognized Dr. Biberdorf as one of the world's top women scientists in 2018, and her work has been profiled in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CBS. Moreover, she has been featured on television shows like "The Today Show," "The Kelly Clarkson Show," "NBC Nightly News," "The Rachael Ray Show," "Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson," and "Late Night with Stephen Colbert."

Dr. Biberdorf is the proud host of "Seeking A Scientist," a podcast where science fiction meets reality. She also regularly appears on Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls program for her engaging science demonstrations and delivered a TEDxDetroit talk titled "Creating a STEM Army of Women" in 2018. Currently residing in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband Josh, a bunch of houseplants, and one very grumpy cat, Dr. Biberdorf continues to inspire and encourage young women in science through her work and outreach.