Introducing The Next Einstein

Sabrina Gonzales Pasterski has been bestowed what is perhaps the most esteemed distinction within the field of physics: the next Einstein. 

The LADbible and several journalists at Medium have designated this title to Pasterski.  Currently, she works as a high-energy theorist, researching topics ranging from spacetime to black holes, and is leading a team that aims to encode the universe into a hologram model. While high-energy physics and celestial holography are her specialties, Pasterski has demonstrated her high prowess in many sectors of science.

As a 14-year-old, Pasterski flew an airplane she herself built using a Zenith kit, utilizing the pre-assembled aircraft components it came with. At 20, she graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a 5.0 GPA, the first woman to graduate top of the class within MIT’s Physics department. She continued her education through Harvard’s PhD program, leading research efforts that would later become revolutionary in the physics industry.

At Harvard, she and her colleagues discovered the “spin memory effect,”a twisting effect on spacetime caused by the angular momentum of passing gravitational waves. In 2015, she published an individual paper on her findings, which, along with the two she co-authored, were cited by Stephen Hawking a year later.

Upon completing her studies, Pasterski joined The Perimeter Institute, turning down a one-million-dollar teaching assistant offer from Brown University. 

Evidently, Sabrina Gonzales Pasterski is often regarded as revolutionary. However, by referring to her as “the next Einstein,” we create a problem. By perpetuating the notion of genius as unattainable, we make individual success appear impossible for the masses. 

Uniquely related is the quote “Anyone can cook,” from Disney’s animated film “Ratatouille.” 

The phrase initially appears to reflect the idea that everyone can succeed without any prior experience. However, through deeper reflection, one can understand how it elevates the idea that there is an inherent ability within everyone to pursue and achieve greatness.  

Today, it is a common misconception that intellectual excellence and achievement are reserved for a select few: the Einsteins and Oppenheimers of the world who have existed well before our time. Yet, in our assumption, we ignore the origins of our idols. 

Einstein, who was born to a Jewish middle-class family, failed his first attempt to enter the Swiss Federal Polytechnic research school, unable to secure an academic post as a university graduate.  Moreover, Michael Faraday, an English chemist who was originally born into poverty, began his career as a bookbinder’s apprentice before eventually attending lectures and discovering his scientific fervor.

As best put by Steve Jobs in an interview with the Medium, “Everything around us was made up by people who were no smarter than us.” In truth, in overlooking the feasibility of our success, we squander the possibility of it. It is those of us who adamantly believe that they deserve to achieve their dreams that can rise to the top. 

The success of many renowned scientists was shaped by the challenges of their environment and the perseverance they displayed despite it. 

Instead of accepting her alleged “failure” when Pasterski was initially rejected from MIT, she decided to send a video of her flying her own plane to the admissions office. She was accepted shortly after. 

It wasn’t merely her intellect that now allows her to be defined as “the next Einstein,” it was her determination and faith in herself, and the fact that she believed her dreams were within grasp. 

Ultimately, we should celebrate the achievements of Pasterski, for she will surely continue doing amazing things, but it is equally important for us to revere the decidedly conquered tribulations along the journey that led her to the top.