Ph.D. Physics · Columbia University
Valerie
Hsieh
Physicist · Science Communicator · Runner
Valerie Hsieh holds a Ph.D. in physics from Columbia University. Her graduate research focused on the electronic and optical properties of 2D heterostructures, characterized using atomic force microscopy methods. She is passionate about science policy and science communication, particularly concerning topics of difficult knowledge in STEM disciplines.
As a Senior Lead Teaching Fellow through Columbia's Center for Teaching and Learning, she organized a university-wide learning community for graduate instructors on difficult knowledge and inclusive teaching — later delivered to a nationwide network of educators from over 70 institutions.
Valerie received the Allan Sachs Teaching Award from the Columbia University Department of Physics in recognition of her contributions to the pedagogical development of the department. In 2026, she received the inaugural Digital Science Communication Fellowship from the Museum of Science, Boston to develop her skills as a creator and storyteller of scientific narratives on digital platforms.
Valerie holds a B.A. in Physics and German from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an avid language learner, marathoner, and competitive ultimate frisbee player. Currently, Valerie is a scientific consultant at Exponent, Inc. She lives in Brooklyn with her two cats, Dot and Marie.
vh2289 (at) columbia (dot) edu
