Ainissa Ramirez

Ainissa Ramirez is a science evangelist, professor, and author of several books, who is passionate about making science accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Ramirez has dedicated her career to translating science for the public and inspiring engagement with the fundamental concepts that make up the modern scientific landscape. She aims to create a better understanding of the world around us and how science can be applied to everyday life.

Ramirez received her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Brown University and went on to obtain a doctorate in materials science and engineering from Stanford University. She has held positions in academia, industry, and non-profit organizations. Not only has she published scientific papers and been a science writer, Ramirez has also served as an editor of several university press books.

Most recently, Ramirez authored two books. Her first book is called “The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another.” In this book, Ramirez tells the story of how technology and materials have shaped human life and vice versa. An entertaining read, “The Alchemy of Us” uses four separate case studies to explain the ongoing transformation between humans and matter.

Ramirez’s second book “ Newton’s Football: The Science Behind America’s Game” delves into the science of sports and why fans love them. From the physics of a football’s trajectory to quarterback and fan psychology, Ramirez explains why football is the most popular sport in America. She emphasizes the multiple aspects of football, such as the players, memorabilia, and sports entertainment.

Ramirez lectured in the departments of materials science and engineering and mechanical engineering at Yale University and was a visiting professor of engineering at Dartmouth College. She has won numerous awards, including two International Science and Technology Awards and an IEEE Life Sciences Award. In addition, she has been recognized with a Yale Engineering Alumni Prize and a Visiting Fellow of Balliol College at Oxford.

Ramirez has appeared on the TED stage and The Wall Street Journal, NPR’s All Things Considered, NBC’s STEM in 30, The Hill, and Scientific American. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and the co-founder of Science Saturdays, a summer science, engineering and technology program for students in grades 4-8. Ramirez is also a SCI-LIFE Fellow at the National Academy of Sciences.

Ramirez’s tireless work as a science evangelist, teacher, and public figure has helped to bridge the gap between science and the public. Through her scientific writing, Ramirez brings an important perspective to the science community, showing how everyday life is commonly intertwined with scientific concepts. For those interested in science and technology, Ainissa Ramirez is an author to watch out for.