Astrophysicist with Kalispell roots selected as TED Fellow

The driving inspiration for astrophysicist Sarah Rugheimer’s research is the simple question, “Are we alone in the universe?”

Rugheimer, a 2002 Flathead High School graduate and Flathead Valley Community College alumna, has dedicated much of her professional life to discovering answers to that very wonder, and now because of her important work in astrobiology she has joined the newest class of global visionaries as a 2020 TED Fellow. She will be among a class of 20 change-makers from around the world to deliver a talk on the TED stage in April in Vancouver. She was selected for her work on modeling how to detect signs of life in an exoplanet atmosphere.

Through years of research generally focusing on modeling the atmospheres of distant planets and how to distinguish possible life on those extraterrestrial worlds, the Oxford astrophysicist is eager to share what she’s learned.

“Science communication is something I care deeply about,” Rugheimer said in a press release. “I look forward to being able to share my work on how to detect life on other planets with a global audience in April.”

The TED Fellows program was founded in 2009 and is a platform for a global network of entrepreneurs who are blazing the trail in their prospective fields.

“TED Fellows are an incredibly diverse group, but they all have at least one thing in common: they are tackling extremely important problems in a unique and brilliant way,” TED Fellows Director Shoham Arad said in a prepared statement.

Becoming a TED Fellow is a great honor, as only 20 people worldwide are selected for each semi-annual conference. Though Rugheimer is not new to receiving awards for her work, the TED Fellow selection did not come easy.

Rugheimer explained she applied three times to be a TED Fellow, getting closer each time until TED finally selected her for 2020. She added that for every award or fellowship received, she estimates to have been rejected at least 10 times more.

“I find we often self-select ourselves out of opportunities,” Rugheimer said. “My advice: let someone else make that hard decision for you. You should apply. And apply again.”

As Rugheimer rises to the top of her field, and her work takes her to many international destinations, she still favorably recalls her Kalispell upbringing and the beginnings of her higher education at FVCC.

“Looking back, some of my best courses and teachers were at FVCC,” she said. “I’d recommend everyone consider that as their first step since I truly don’t think it limits your future, having then gone to Harvard and now Oxford.”

Rugheimer indicated being a Montanan is at the core of her identity, but sometimes the small town upbringing made her doubt her potential capabilities.

“I feared, though, that these opportunities weren’t for someone like me,” she said. “I almost didn’t apply to Harvard, where I did my Ph.D, because I felt I’d not be worthy, an impostor.”

But she did apply and has been enjoying great success in her career, especially as she celebrates her latest achievement as a TED Fellow.

“For me it is important to encourage everyone to not self-limit yourself if you have a dream,” Rugheimer continued. “Always go for it, the worst that can happen is they say no.”

Even in her personal life, Rugheimer is always rising to new heights. In 2011 shortly after her father, local physics teacher Mac Rugheimer, passed away, she turned to climbing mountains to find peace. Her first high-altitude climb was Mount Kilimanjaro, and she has since climbed several others.

“I loved the meditative aspect of walking at low oxygen,” she said. “My love of mountains started, of course, in Montana … I just love the outdoors, it’s the thing I miss most from living away.”

Whether it is mountains, astrobiology research, recognitions or new fellowships, Rugheimer is rising to the top – in part because she tried.

Reporter Whitney England may be reached at 758-4419 or wengland@dailyinterlake.com.