Jedidah Isler
Astrophysicist | Uncovering the Secrets of Blazars
About
Jedidah Isler is a leading astrophysicist who studies blazars — the most powerful persistent objects in the universe. As an expert on these supermassive, hyperactive black holes, she unravels the mysteries of their powerful jet streams that accelerate particles to near-light speed.
Isler's groundbreaking research has implications for our understanding of galaxy formation and the fundamental laws of physics. Her TED Talks have inspired millions to see the wonders of the cosmos through a new lens, sparking curiosity about the most extreme environments in the universe.
Talks2
The untapped genius that could change science for the better
Jedidah Isler dreamt of becoming an astrophysicist since she was a young girl, but the odds were against her: At that time, only 18 black women in the United States had ever earned a PhD in a physics-related discipline. In this personal talk, she shares the story of how she became the first black woman to earn a PhD in astrophysics from Yale -- and her deep belief in the value of diversity to science and other STEM fields. "Do not think for one minute that because you are who you are, you cannot be who you imagine yourself to be," she says. "Hold fast to those dreams and let them carry you into a world you can't even imagine."
At a Glance
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Frequently Appeared With
Speakers who have appeared at the same events
Aaron Horowitz
Co-Founder & CEO, Sproutel | Designing Therapeutic Robots for Children
1 shared event · TED
Aaron Maniam
Government Advisor | Navigating the Future of Work
1 shared event · TED
Aaswath Raman
Renewable Energy Researcher | Pioneering Space-Based Cooling Technologies
1 shared event · TED
Abe Davis
Video Technology Researcher | Revealing Hidden Properties Through Advanced Imaging
1 shared event · TED
Abha Dawesar
Fiction Author | Navigating the Digital Age
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Disney
Workers' Rights Advocate | Champion of Workplace Dignity and Fair Labor Practices
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Marsh
Researcher | Exploring the Psychology Behind Human Altruism
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Washburn
Musician | Bridging Folk and Global Sounds
1 shared event · TED
Similar Speakers
Related by topic and shared stages
Aomawa Shields
Astrobiologist | Exploring Habitable Exoplanets
Both at TED 2015
Nathalie Cabrol
Planetary Scientist | Exploring Life on Mars
Both at TED 2015
Benedetta Berti
CEO & Conflict Expert | Emerging Technology Shaping Society
Both at TED 2015
David Eagleman
Neuroscientist, Author & Entrepreneur | Exploring the Brain's Untapped Potential
Both at TED 2015