Sarah Rugheimer

Athlete, Explorer, Scientist, World traveler, Writer/Editor

Sarah Rugheimer is an astrophysics associate professor at University of Edinburgh and astrobiologist known for her expertise in modeling the atmospheres and climates of extrasolar planets. She was the Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy at York, recognized for her contributions to public outreach and has appeared over 120 times on radio and TV (including BBC, NPR, CTV, Global News, Newstalk, New Scientist, etc). Sarah researches exoplanets, biosignatures, and habitability. Her new series on the James Webb Space Telescope was just released in March on the Great Courses called "Experiencing James Webb: The Invisible Universe Revealed". Rugheimer is the co-Lead of the project office for the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE), a next generation space telescope concept to detect signs of life on other planets. Sarah is dedicated to scientific literacy and public outreach. She also wants to do more public writing on astronomy if you have any insights or introductions! www.life-space-mission.com

Science literacy and communication, how to teach critical thinking in a polarized world and with misinformation, disinformation and AI, detecting life on other planets, dance (Argentine tango, West coast swing, Irish), combating antisemitism, and advocating for persons with disabilities (I have MS).

The topic of my 2021 TED talk "The search for microscopic aliens": Are we alone in the Universe? Even if we find life on another planet, if it’s only microbial, will we still be lonely?

Astrobiology, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Studies, Biosignatures, Climate Science, Exoplanets, Gender Equality in Science, Research, Science Communication, STEM Education, Writing

Two friends of mine were past TED Fellows Amanda Nguyen (2016) and Prof. Aomawa Shields (2015). I struggle with the impostor syndrome, and for many years I didn't apply despite their encouragement, thinking I wasn't competitive. I then finally applied for the TED Fellows program 3 years in a row, being rejected twice, before receiving the fellowship in 2020. I've learned to not self-select yourself out of opportunities. Let someone else say "no" to you; don't say no to yourself.

Dance, writing, and high altitude mountaineering. I have climbed Denali (20,310 ft), Aconcagua (22,841 ft) and Chimborazo (20,440 ft) among others. In what seems like another life, I competed internationally in Irish dance for 11 years, twice going to the North American Irish Dance Championships. I also enjoy ballroom, swing, and Argentine Tango.