Sofia Fatigoni, PhD

What’s the work that you do?

I am an Astrophysicist at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), working on Cosmology experiments at the South Pole. My research focuses on measuring the polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Mackground to probe the origin and early evolution of the universe. I have contributed to the development, deployment, and operation of the BICEP Array, taking part in the deployment of all receivers of its latest stage. Alongside my research, I am actively engaged in science communication and diversity initiatives, working to make STEM more inclusive and accessible and to inspire the next generation of scientists.

What keeps you going?

What keeps me going is the unique combination of challenge, exploration and purpose in my work. I am driven by the opportunity to explore fundamental questions about the origin of the universe using observations from one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Working in Antarctica pushes me both scientifically and personally, requiring resilience, teamwork, and adaptability. I am also motivated by the broader impact of my work, contributing to our understanding of the universe while helping to make science more inclusive and accessible. Sharing this journey and inspiring others to see themselves in Science is a key part of why I do what I do.

What’s your message to the world?

My message to the world is that curiosity can take you anywhere. I work in one of the most extreme places on Earth to build and operate instruments that help us understand the earliest moments of the universe. In that environment, science becomes both very technical and very human: it is about precision, but also about creativity, teamwork, and trust. I have learned that discovery often looks like building something with your hands, testing it in nearly-impossible conditions, and learning from failure. Exploration only matters if it stays rooted in wonder and shared responsibility.