Notre Dame Science’s explosive new star
Science at Notre Dame just got a lot more exciting thanks to Kate the Chemist. As the University’s first-ever Professor for Public Understanding of Science, Dr. Kate Biberdorf is on a mission to ignite curiosity, break down barriers, and make science fun and accessible to all. In this episode of For Good, Kate shares her journey from chemistry lab to national TV and explains how her new role at Notre Dame will celebrate the power and importance of science. Join us as Kate showcases her signature energy, passion, and explosive personality—along with a few fiery demonstrations—underscoring that science education can be both impactful and exciting, with a little danger thrown in for good measure.
Experience the Episode
Science at Notre Dame just got a lot more exciting thanks to Kate the Chemist. As the University’s first-ever Professor for Public Understanding of Science, Dr. Kate Biberdorf is on a mission to ignite curiosity, break down barriers, and make science fun and accessible to all.
In this episode of For Good, Kate shares her journey from chemistry lab to national TV and explains how her new role at Notre Dame will celebrate the power and importance of science.
Join us as Kate showcases her signature energy, passion, and explosive personality—along with a few fiery demonstrations—underscoring that science education can be both impactful and exciting, with a little danger thrown in for good measure.
This episode was originally released on March 6, 2025. To explore more, please visit their website.
Meet the Faculty: Kate Biberdorf
Kate Biberdorf is a chemist, science entertainer, and Professor for Public Understanding of Science at the University of Notre Dame. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf is breaking down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching students who might otherwise be intimidated by science. As the first Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Notre Dame, Dr. Biberdorf uses fire and explosions to highlight and amplify the groundbreaking science happening on campus.
She is the author of the bestseller The Big Book of Experiments, The Awesome Book of Edible Experiments for Kids, the fiction series Kate the Chemist, and the nonfiction book It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything. She’s been profiled in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, and has appeared on 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.
Dr. Biberdorf lives in South Bend Indiana with her husband Josh, a bunch of houseplants, and one very grumpy cat.