Kate Biberdorf
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Professor for Public Understanding of Science
Kate Biberdorf (Kate the Chemist) is a chemist, science entertainer, and professor. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Biberdorf is breaking down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching students who might otherwise be intimidated by science.
Biberdorf in the News
WSBT TV
November 07, 2025
One year ago, Kate the Chemist went from teaching science to the world on major talk shows in America to making history as the nation's very first professor for the public understanding of science at Notre Dame.
Today Show
Video
August 25, 2025
From bouncing bubbles to homemade party poppers, Kate Biberdorf, known as Kate the Chemist, joins TODAY to share science experiments that will get the kids excited about learning as they head back to school.
South Bend Tribune
May 16, 2025
Beginning at 7 p.m. each night, University of Notre Dame Professor for the Public Understanding of Science Kate Biberdorf, known as “Kate the Chemist,” will introduce Notre Dame researchers who will discuss topics that highlight the intersection of science and life.
Art, Earth, and the Urgency of Now,” Monday, May 19: This program explores how art and science work together to help us reckon with loss, resilience and the natural forces shaping our world. Through orchestral sounds and coastal stones, we’ll connect with the past to better face the future. With Cynthia Katsarelis, professor of conducting; Lee Haines, associate research professor; and Hannah Spero, a doctoral candidate.
KCUR
Audio
December 30, 2024
In addition to hosting the podcast Seeking A Scientist, Kate Biberdorf, (also known as Kate the Chemist,) is also a professor for the public understanding of science at the University of Notre Dame.
Chemical & Engineering News
October 17, 2024
Kate Biberdorf knew she wanted to be a chemist from the age of 15. She attributes her decision to the passion of a high school teacher who had a knack for engaging students by running around the classroom and lighting things on fire.
South Bend Tribune
September 26, 2024
Louis Vuitton heels and a lab coat might seem like ill-matched accessories, but they perfectly encapsulate the vision of the University of Notre Dame's inaugural professor for the public understanding of science, Kate Biberdorf.
Times Higher Education
September 12, 2024
The University of Notre Dame’s College of Science has announced that author and TV personality Kate Biberdorf, known as “Kate the Chemist”, will be its first professor for the public understanding of science in a bid to “foster a deeper public appreciation of and engagement with science”.
WSBT TV
September 12, 2024
A new professor at the University of Notre Dame says she plans to take Chemistry viral and make South Bend the hotspot for that attention, starting this week.
Inside Indiana Business
September 12, 2024
She’s been on national TV, written multiple books and hosts the “Seeking a Scientist” podcast. Now, Kate Biberdorf has a new role—the first of its kind in the United States. Widely known as Kate the Chemist, she is the University of Notre Dame’s first professor for the public understanding of science.
Inside Indiana Business
Video
September 07, 2024
She’s well-known as Kate the Chemist and now, Kate Biberdorf is bringing her love and excitement for science to Notre Dame. Her role, professor for the public understanding of science, is the first of its kind in the U.S.
Inside Higher Ed
September 06, 2024
When Kate Biberdorf, a professor known to her 287,300 TikTok followers as Kate the Chemist, gave a guest lecture at the University of Notre Dame last December, she deployed one of her signature science influencer moves: breathing fire to demonstrate a combustion reaction. Her performance led to another dramatic outcome: Notre Dame offered Biberdorf, then an associate professor of instruction in chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, a job as its inaugural professor for the public understanding of science.
WVPE
August 27, 2024
The University of Notre Dame has announced they’re bringing another big rockstar to campus. It’s not Garth Brooks or Billy Joel this time, but Kate the Chemist, a rockstar in science communication.
Today Show
Video
August 22, 2024
Kate Biberdorf, known as Kate the Chemist and soon to be professor for the public understanding of science at Notre Dame joins TODAY to share easy and fun back-to-school science experiments to try at home or school.