Dr. Kate Biberdorf, known as ‘Kate the Chemist,’ is a chemistry professor and science communicator dedicated to making science accessible and engaging for wider audiences. After completing her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, Dr.

Kate Biberdorf specialized in heterogeneous catalysis for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, while simultaneously developing her passion for science communication. She immediately joined the University of Texas at Austin, serving as a Lecturer from 2014 to 2016 and progressing to Associate Professor of Instruction from 2016 to 2024. During this period, Dr. Biberdorf also held key leadership roles as the Director of Demonstrations and Outreach from 2014 to 2020 and ChemBridge Coordinator from 2015 to 2018.

In September 2018, she delivered a TEDx Detroit talk titled ‘Creating a STEM Army of Women,’ inspiring future generations of scientists. Her prolific output continued with the popular ‘Kate the Chemist’ fiction series and the nonfiction book ‘It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything,’ further solidifying her reputation for making complex scientific concepts accessible. Dr. Biberdorf has made numerous prominent media appearances, showcasing her engaging communication style on national platforms including 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.

In 2024, Dr. Biberdorf accepted dual appointments at the University of Notre Dame, joining as a Teaching Professor and assuming the groundbreaking role of the inaugural Professor for Public Understanding of Science. This pioneering position underscores her sustained commitment to bridging the gap between advanced scientific research and broad public understanding, ensuring that science remains accessible and engaging for wider audiences through her continued work and leadership.