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.

0:00 Meet Dr. Kate Biberdorf, aka Kate the Chemist

3:50 Becoming Notre Dame’s first-ever Professor for Public Understanding of Science

8:12 Media and show appearances

10:16 Powerful Notre Dame Science stories

12:03 How Kate’s interest in science started

12:25 The new hybrid lab-studio

14:47 Kate’s vision for her role and exciting partnerships

17:56 Importance of safety

20:34 Experiment #1: Alcohol Cannons

24:00 Experiment #2: Fire-Breathing Dragon

25:55 Experiment #3: Thundercloud