Madelyn Leembruggen pitches video topics for SciShow

“What can physicists do? ” is an interview series that profiles physicists who opted for careers outside of academia.

Describe your PhD research.

I studied how paper crumples. I made simulations to see how mechanical deformations change materials.

What were you looking for in a career?

I had always done outreach. I talked to career services and told them my dream was to make documentary films, videos, and TV shows about science. They said, “Good, let’s chart a path.” That gave me encouragement that the idea was not totally crazy.

How did you turn your dream into a career?

I looked for people in roles I admired and sent them LinkedIn messages. Over coffee, I asked them what they liked about their job, how they got their job.

I had started a science platform with peers about women and gender minorities in STEM. That helped build my portfolio.

I got freelance contracts through networking. I cobbled together contracts to tutor and develop curricula. The thing that cracked it open was when I landed a freelance contract with SciShow, which makes educational science videos on YouTube.

How did you get your job at SciShow?

I started as a freelancer in May 2024. Then, in the summer of 2025, I was a part of SciShow’s residency program. In December 2025, I was invited to join the staff.

How do you spend your time?

I pitch two stories a week. I read about stuff I find interesting. I keep an eye on press releases. I assign scripts to freelancers and edit their work for tone and clarity. Sometimes I write and host videos.

What sorts of stories do you pitch?

Some are questions that keep me up at night: Do you really need to sort your laundry? What are the origins of the ballpoint pen? There are science stories that are so cool you can’t ignore them. And there are some really good stories, like the time England ran out of bones, about the history of phosphorus as a fertilizer.

How do you use your physics?

I use my core physics knowledge. Most important is that I know how to learn and how to problem solve.

What new skills have you needed to pick up?

I taught myself video production skills. I was always a strong writer, but I have gotten much better.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to learn something new every day. And what I’m doing changes quickly.