The Life Scientific Claudia de Rham on playing with gravity
Jun 17, 2025
Claudia de Rham, a Professor of theoretical physics at Imperial College London, is a trailblazer in massive gravity theory. She shares her adventurous relationship with gravity, from scuba diving to flying, while dreaming of becoming an astronaut. Claudia reflects on her childhood in Peru, her academic challenges as a woman in physics, and her personal journey dealing with unexpected health news. She dives into the complexities of her research, battling skepticism in the scientific community while balancing her career and motherhood, offering a passionate perspective on understanding the cosmos.
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Childhood Among Unrest in Peru
- Claudia lived through unrest in Peru due to the Shining Path guerrilla group during her childhood.
- She experienced normalizing violence, such as counting bullet holes in her garden gate following shootings.
Youth Astronomy Volunteering
- In Madagascar, Claudia volunteered at a university observatory and shared sky tours with tourists.
- This practical exposure fed her growing fascination with astronomy and the cosmos.
Flying Lessons and Bonds
- Claudia learned to fly a single-engine aircraft and enjoyed feeling every air bump and pressure change.
- Flying created bonding moments for her and her research colleagues through intense discussions and shared experiences.