Deborah Berebichez

Deborah Berebichez

• Leading international scientist, television host, and microelectronics and quantum computing expert
• First Mexican woman to obtain a PhD in physics from Stanford University
• Inventor of a highly effective technique in the field of wireless communications
• Strongly involved in the education of young women in science and technology STEM

The first Mexican woman to graduate from Stanford University with a Ph.D. in Physics, Deborah Berebichez is the co-host of Discovery Channels ‘Outrageous Acts of Science’. She uses her knowledge of physics to explain the science behind extraordinary engineering feats on the show. She also appears as an expert on the History Channel. FOX, MSNBC, Travel Channel, and various others.

The Lead Scientist in Microelectronics and Quantum Computing at VTT, a leading European research institute, Deborah Berebichez counts amongst her responsibilities the setting of the research agenda for their quantum computer and quantum-adjacent technologies. She also guides business relationships with those companies that use VTT’s quantum facilities to help facilitate various innovative products.

Before joining VTT, Deborah Berebichez was the Chief Data Scientist at Metis. While there, she directed the educational focus in data literacy, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Deborah Berebichez has an extraordinary academic background. She worked with Nobel Laureate Steve Chu in cooling atoms with laser light and completed two postdoctoral fellowships at Columbia University’s Applied Math and Physics Department and New York University’s Courant for Mathematical Sciences. The latter saw her conduct research in the area of waves and optimization. She published in the area of photonics and invented a highly effective technique in the field of wireless communications.

Her work in science and education has seen Deborah Berebichez recognized by TED, DLD, WIRED, the Association for the Advancement of Science, and various other organisations and institutions. She is also an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador for her work in inspiring and empowering young women to learn science and improve the state of STEM education in the world. She also has a 3D-printed life-size statue in the #ITHENSHECAN Dallas exhibit. Amongst her various accomplishments, she includes that of John C. Whitehead Fellow at the Foreign Policy Association, winner of the Leading Hispanics in STEM STAR Award, and a recipient of the Top Latina Tech Blogger Award by the Association of Latinos in Social Media.

Deborah Berebichez – Speaker

As a keynote speaker, Deborah Berebichez has addressed audiences the world over. She uses her background and education to make complex topics approachable to a wide ranger of audiences. Currently residing in Helsinki, Finland, she presents in English.

Speaking Topics

• The Quantum Leap of Quantum Computing: What is quantum computing? Why do we need quantum computers? Which kind of businesses use them? How will quantum technology change the world?

Deborah Berebichez is the Lead Scientist in Microelectronics and Quantum Computing at VTT, one of Europe’s leading research institutes. She will take you to a world of clean-rooms and airtight chambers, of new algorithms and quantum speedups, and seemingly impossible feats such as quantum teleportation. You will learn how this amazing new world of quantum computing offers an exciting future: better materials and drugs, more secure cryptography, and more accurate prediction of weather and climate. You will also understand how various businesses are preparing to remain competitive in the quantum age.

• Changing the World One Equation at a Time: Deborah grew up in a conservative community that discouraged girls from pursuing a career in science, technology, or engineering. In high school, she was told that if she were too smart, she would never be liked and that it would be better for her to pursue a feminine career. But she wanted to understand how the world works, so she defied her parents and friends and studied physics becoming the first Mexican woman to graduate with a Ph.D. in physics from Stanford. In this inspirational presentation, she shares the ups and downs of her path, which led her to become a physicist, a TV host of science programs, and a mentor to young women who want to become scientists. Deborah shows how all of us can remove barriers and help young people do science and technology today.
• How to Empower Your Business Through Data Literacy: In today’s volatile business environment, where it is tempting to make decisions based on personal opinions, gut feelings, or groupthink, companies need data-literate employees who can make data-driven decisions more than ever: data-driven companies outperform their competitors. This talk is focused on how to create a data-literate workforce. Deborah, formerly Chief Data Scientist at Metis, will discuss how to build an environment where people and data work together for better business. In this talk, you will gain actionable insights on:

1. The proven benefits of a data-driven culture
2. How to create a company-wide, data-driven business environment
3. Examples of success and pitfalls to avoid when training employees in data-literacy

• Things about the Future and the Future of Things: Our lives are full of things. Alarm clock, shower, coffeemaker, clothes, phone, watch, car, computer, desk, chair—every day we interact with more things than people. If things could talk, they would be our best friends.  And soon they will be. Because the things in our lives have started to talk to us, helping us make each day a little better, from the watch that monitors our health to the car that drives itself. This interconnected world—the Internet of Things (IoT)—offers new possibilities for personal growth. It also offers exciting business opportunities and some unique challenges regarding privacy and security.  In this talk, Deborah presents the wonderful future that IoT is bringing to us and explains how it will transform every aspect of our lives. She also discusses the important challenges to security and privacy that come with this new reality.
• Everything You Wanted to Know about Data Science but Were Afraid to Ask: What is data science? What does it mean that big data is transforming our lives? Why is data science the “sexiest job of the 21st century”? This talk provides you and your company a non-technical introduction to data science from basic concepts and techniques to how businesses and governments are using data to find out more about everyone all the time. Deborah also discusses a common problem with data science: many companies are disappointed that their investments in data science are not resulting in increased profits. Deborah explains how restructuring your organization to empower all its employees with data-centered policies can affect the change you need.
• Statistics and the Art of Deception: Data scientists use statistics to reach meaningful conclusions about data. Unfortunately, statistical tools are often misapplied, resulting in errors that cost both time and money. By being aware of the most common mistakes involving statistics, we can become better and more productive data scientists. To illustrate the kinds of problems that often arise, Deborah presents examples of egregious misuses of statistics in business, technology, science, and the media and analyzes them through a review of basic statistical concepts. She explains how to weed out the most common errors and reduce the chance of being fooled by statistics.