From building a fully functional airplane at age 14, to earning a doctorate in Theoretical Physics at Harvard university. Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski is a first generation Cuban American that continues to break down STEM world barriers! In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, this article will cover the amazing work this Latina has contributed so far.
The beginnings of a genius
Her passion for science and math started early at Edison Regional Gifted Center, a Chicago public school. Here she declared her love for aerospace and went on to learn to fly and build planes. While attending high school, Sabrina applied to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was unfortunately wait-listed.
This surprised MIT professors who had seen Sabrina’s vlogs cataloguing her airplane adventures. They rallied behind the young scientist and helped her secure a position at the prestigious school. Her professors’ support did not go in vain. Sabrina graduated MIT at the top of her class with the highest possible Grade Point Average (GPA). She was the first woman to accomplish this in decades .
Sabrina was determined to show people who doubted her that they were wrong. This is exactly what she did. After graduating MIT, Sabrina went on to pursue her PhD at Harvard University. She was 1 of 12 awarded a $250,000 Hertz Fellowship, so that she could continue to pursue a career in STEM. She graduated from Harvard in 2019 with a PhD in Theoretical High Energy Physics. Along with another perfect GPA .
Her work was even cited in research co-authored by the famous physicist Steven Hawking. Now she is doing a Postdoc at Princeton Center of Theoretical Science, with research interests in quantum gravity and string theory.
A champion for women, especially Hispanic women
When she isn’t researching theoretical physics, Sabrina spends much of her time advocating for women in STEM by speaking at events. Her YouTube channel, PhysicsGirl, features numerous videos of her speaking at seminars and taking part in interviews. In these videos, Sabrina uses her platform to discuss making STEM more accessible to women. She shares personal stories of her experiences in academia, drawing connections to important themes like improving STEM education as early as possible. Ensuring that foundational interest can be built.
Sabrina guides herself on being hopeful and putting in hard work. She ignores stereotypes and follows her dreams regardless of what others think of her abilities. When people doubt her, she uses it as motivation to do better. Determination is what makes Sabrina unique, and during her speeches, she champions this mindset.
A world where young girls can make decisions on their careers free from stereotypes. This is a world that Sabrina dreams of and is actively creating. She has spoken at events like Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit, MiSK Foundation Women Empowerment Panel, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ‘Power of Girls’ live webinar. She is sharing her story and proving to the world that a Latina can do whatever she sets her heart to!
Written by: Jackie Stevenson
September 30, 2021
