Meet the Scientists
Many Worlds TV features a collection of out-of-the-box scientists from around the world. Their common denominator? An insatiable passion to know more, to keep discovering.
Jessie Christiansen
Astronomer, NASA
- Discovers exoplanets
- Deputy Science Lead at the NASA Exoplanet Archive
- Women in STEM mentor and science communicator
- First generation college student
- Mom of twins
Raychelle Burks
Analytical Chemist, American University
- Develops real-life CSI tests for explosives and narcotics
- Criminology researcher
- Award-winning science communicator
- First generation college student
Michael Habib
Paleontologist, USC & Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
- Digs for dinosaur bones
- Teaches gross anatomy to medical students
- Combines art and science to re-imagine long-dead creatures
- Named one of the 2014 Brilliant Ten in Popular Science
Ashley H. Sanderlin
Neuroscientist, Wake Forest Baptist Health
- Researches the relationship between diet, sleep & Alzheimer's
- First African American to attain a PhD in Neuroscience at Michigan State University
- First generation college student
- Mother of two
Caroline Solomon
Biological Oceanography, Gallaudet University
- Researches the effects of human activity on waterways
- Deaf since infancy
- Created the signs for scientific terms in American Sign Language
- Named one of NPR's "50 Great Teachers"
- Mother
Sean Carroll
Theoretical Physicist
- Explores the beginnings of the universe and the arrow of time
- Host of the popular podcast Mindscape
- NY Times best-selling author of four popular science books
- Champion poker player
- First generation college student
Chung-Pei Ma
Astrophysicist, University of California, Berkeley
- Discovered several of the largest known black holes
- Gifted, conservatory trained violinist
- Immigrated from Taipei
Itzel Marquez
Chemical Engineer, Central Michigan University
- Designs sustainable technology for wastewater treatment
- Vocal advocate for LGBTQAI+ in science
- Immigrated from Mexico
Juan Gilbert
Human Centered Computing, University of Florida
- Built a universal design voting machine
- Uses technology to solve real-world problems
- Heads the Human Experience Research Laboratory
- First generation college student
- Father of two
Ellen Ochoa
Veteran Astronaut, NASA
- First Hispanic woman to go to space
- First Hispanic director and second female director of Johnson Space Center
- Research engineer and patent-holding inventor
- Mother of two
Konstantin Batygin
Planetary Scientist, CalTech
- Discovered Planet 9
- Second generation scientist
- Immigrated from Russia
- Plays guitar in his rock band, The Seventh Season
Kizzmekia Corbett
Viral Immunologist, Harvard University and NIH
- Central to the development of the Moderna mRNA vaccine
- Responsible for the fastest vaccine development in history
- Time's 2021 "Time100 Next," her profile penned by Dr. Fauci
- Auntie
Andrew Huberman
Neuroscientist, Stanford University
- Discovered a method to partially reverse blindness
- Second generation scientist
- Formerly homeless, high school drop-out
- Popular podcast host and social media presence (518k followers)
Bistra Dilkina
Computer Scientist, USC
- Solves real-world climate change issues with computer modeling
- Uses AI to preserve biodiversity and develop urban planning
- Leader in the newly emerging field of Computational Sustainability
Stephon Alexander
Cosmologist, Brown University
- Uses music theory to explain string theory
- Immigrated from Trinidad
- Professional jazz saxophonist
- First generation college student
Dawnn Karen
Fashion Psychologist
- Model and practicing psychotherapist
- Created the Fashion Psychology field
- The youngest and first Black female psychology professor at the Fashion Institute in NYC
Andrew Rader
Aerospace Engineer, Space X
- Works on top secret missions at SpaceX
- Author of books for adults and children
- Game designer
- 2013 Winner of Canada's Greatest Know-It-All
Nadine Burke Harris
Physician, State of California
- California Surgeon General
- Award-winning pediatrician
- Researches adverse childhood experiences public health
- Popular TED speaker
- Author of The Deepest Well
Zhongwen Zhan
Seismologist, CalTech
- Develops early warning systems for earthquakes
- Named one of Science News 10 young scientists who are pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry
- Immigrated to the US from China
Janna Levin
Theoretical Cosmologist, Barnard College
- Hunts for black holes and gravitational waves
- Award-winning novelist and author of two books
- First female presenter on NOVA in 35 years
- Chair and Founding Director at Pioneer Works
- Mom