mayim bialik education phd

The Truth About Mayim Bialik's Education

Mayim Bialik is potentially best known for playing Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler in the cult classic TV series "The Big Bang Theory." The immensely popular show followed the trials and tribulations of a group of scientists, and Bialik's background gave her a perfect stepping stone into the role. So, here's the truth about Mayim Bialik's education. National Geographic points out that with a PhD in neurosciences under her belt, Bialik was one actor on set who really knew what she was talking about.

One of the funniest things about Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler is how she intellectually stands toe to toe with Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons). The Guardian details that, like Amy, Bialik has a PhD. She told the publication that her research was in "Obsessive-compulsive disorder in a population of individuals with a genetic syndrome called Prader-Willi syndrome." Impressive, right?

She told USA Today that she studied at UCLA while raising her children — no small task. "I studied neuroscience as my undergraduate degree. I did a minor in Hebrew and Jewish studies, which kept my GPA up and therefore my morale because science was still really hard for me. I was a late bloomer," she said. "So I did my undergrad for five years and then I went directly to the grad program, the PhD program at UCLA."

Mayim Bialik's PhD helped her play Amy

Mayim Bialik told Neil deGrasse Tyson in National Geographic that her background in the sciences helped her play Amy but has also informed her career after the show. She still works in TV but also has a YouTube channel and is a big advocate for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

"It's really neat that I get to play a neuroscientist on TV, but I think every student is inspired by something different. That's why it's important for us as teachers — and people in the position to mentor — to be able to provide girls with as many realistic science situations as possible," she told Forbes . "To show them that not everyone starts as a scientist but you can still be interested in it later in life."

While Bialik's scientific background came in handy while she was learning her lines, she told The Guardian that she was far from the only qualified person on set. "We actually have a physics consultant, Dr. David Saltzberg. He is from UCLA and he's the one who is in charge of all that. It is very important for our show and for our producers that we do that," she said. "A lot of our writers have science backgrounds and everything is Google-able so a lot of their stuff comes from the internet too. All of our writers are really bright."

Mayim Bialik

Who Is Mayim Bialik?

American actress Mayim Hoya Bialik was born in San Diego, California, on December 12, 1975, to first-generation Jewish-American parents who raised her in Reform Judaism. She grew up in Los Angeles, and attended both public and religious schools.

Acting Career

'pumpkinhead,' 'macgyver,' 'beaches'.

Bialik began acting in the late 1980s. Her first acting job, in the horror film Pumpkinhead, was followed by numerous guest appearances on some of the most well-known shows of the 1980s and '90s, including MacGyver , The Facts of Life and Webster . In 1988 Bialik played Bette Midler's character as a young girl in the film Beaches , and she later appeared in a music video for the song "Liberian Girl," by Michael Jackson .

Bialik's breakout role was that of Blossom, the main character on the TV show of the same name. From 1990 to 1995, Bialik enjoyed Blossom 's success, as the show garnered high ratings: Her character, Blossom, was known as "the quirky girl with the signature flower hat."

After Blossom ended, Bialik did some voice-over work for cartoons and appeared as a guest star on several television shows, including Curb Your Enthusiasm , Fat Actress , Saving Grace and What Not To Wear .

'The Big Bang Theory'

Rededicating herself to acting, Bialik appeared in the season 3 finale of The Big Bang Theory in 2010, before joining the regular cast of the hit sitcom for season 4. Her character of neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler, the girlfriend and eventual wife of Jim Parsons ' Sheldon Cooper, mirrored Bialik's real-life educational interests. Her performance on the show garnered her several Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

After her run on Blossom , Bialik took a step back from acting to focus on her school work: She attended the University of California, Los Angeles, despite gaining acceptance to both Harvard and Yale, in order to stay close to her parents and remain on the West Coast. Bialik earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience, Hebrew and Jewish studies in 2000, and then went on to the university's Ph.D. program in neuroscience, which she completed in 2007.

Parenting and Religious Views

Having returned to the acting world's spotlight and asked about her religious views, Bialik confirmed that she aspired to be Modern Orthodox. She began writing for the Jewish parenting blog Kveller.com , and is a founding member of the Shamayim V'Aretz Institute, a center for Jewish spirituality.

In her book Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way , released in March 2012, Bialik presented her views on "attachment parenting," and provided insight into the way she and now ex-husband Michael Stone — who converted to Judaism prior to marrying Bialik in 2003 — raised their two sons, Miles and Frederick, together.

Just months later, in November 2012, Bialik announced that she and Stone were splitting in a blog post on kveller.com , writing: "After much consideration and soul-searching, Michael and I have arrived at the decision to divorce due to 'Irreconcilable Differences.'" The couple finalized their divorce in May 2013, after nine years of marriage.

Car Accident and #MeToo

Following an August 15, 2012, car accident in Los Angeles, Bialik suffered severe lacerations to her left hand and thumb. The media frenzy that ensued speculated that she could lose a finger as a result, but, using social media, Bialik confirmed that she would keep all of her fingers.

Following the explosive revelations of Harvey Weinstein 's behavior that sparked the #MeToo movement, Bialik in October 2017 penned an op-ed in The New York Times in which she discussed her experiences in an industry that objectifies women. However, she came under fire for noting how she dresses "modestly" and makes a point of not flirting with men, drawing responses from women who recalled how they were assaulted regardless of their behavior and clothes. Bialik subsequently apologized and participated in a Facebook Live discussion to clarify her points.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Mayim Hoya Bialik
Birth Year: 1975
Birth date: December 12, 1975
Birth State: California
Birth City: San Diego
Birth Country: United States
Gender: Female
Best Known For: American actress Mayim Bialik is best known for her roles in the film 'Beaches' and on the hit television shows 'Blossom' and 'The Big Bang Theory.'
Science and Medicine
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius

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Article Title: Mayim Bialik Biography
Author: Biography.com Editors
Website Name: The Biography.com website
Url: https://www.biography.com/actors/mayim-bialik
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Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
Last Updated: June 30, 2020
Original Published Date: April 2, 2014

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Onetime child star Mayim Bialik earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience, then returned to acting on TV hit The Big Bang Theory —playing a scientist. It’s given her a unique view of women’s roles, in STEM fields and in general.

Why This 'Big Bang Theory' Star Got a Ph.D. in Science

Mayim Bialik tells Neil DeGrasse Tyson about transitioning from acting to neuroscience—then playing a scientist on The Big Bang Theory.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: So in your childhood, were there any science influences?

Mayim Bialik: There were a few. In junior high school I had a physics teacher who was very eccentric and would sometimes fall asleep while showing us slide shows, but he was a brilliant physicist. I went to a very unusual school: The 1980s sitcom Head of the Class, about a group of very smart and precocious children, was actually based on the school I went to. After junior high I had tutors on set because I was on this show Blossom from the time I was 14 to 19—

NT: No, you were not “on the show”—you were Blossom, to make that clear.

MB: Um, yes. OK. [Laughs]

NT: This saddens me. That one single person made a life difference to you—but how many students are missing that one person?

MB: The first answer is: Many girls are. I’m sure we could run the statistics on it. And that’s because of a historical difference in the representation of women in these STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math] fields and probably a cultural bias on the part of teachers and administrators. I think there’s been a shift in education since I was in school in the ’70s and ’80s, but then it was like, Oh, you’re not naturally good at math? Better try English—how’s your Chaucer?

NT: There are people who presume that unless something comes easily to them, they should never pursue it as a career—without realizing that some of the greatest achievements you ever attain are because you busted ass to reach that point.

MB: Yeah. If I had not gone to college, I might have kept acting and been happy like that. But I loved going to UCLA and doing something that was very challenging academically. I loved doing research with adolescents with special needs—that was seven years of my life. It was exciting to get my Ph.D. in 2007. But in terms of time to raise my two sons, the flexible life of an actor was better than the long hours of a research professor.

NT: Fast-forward to 2010 and The Big Bang Theory. Who would have guessed how popular this show would become?

MB: Not me! I had never seen it before I auditioned.

NT: On the show you play Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler, who’s a neuroscientist.

MB: She’s actually a neurobiologist … but I get to say neuroscience things.

NT: How much of your professional self do you bring to your character?

MB: Since the job of an actor is to present a character even if you’ve never been in that profession, I guess I have the easiest job—I don’t have to stretch that far.

NT: I try to imagine someone pitching the show idea to network executives: “Let’s have six scientists, and they’ll talk but you won’t know what they’re talking about, and they’ll crack jokes and they’ll laugh, but they won’t explain it to you.” I think it was low-hanging comedic fruit because no one had tackled it before.

MB: For sure. All the shows that I grew up with were about attractive people, and who had sex with who on which week. Meanwhile, our show is about the people who watch those shows.

The cast of geeky-scientist characters in the sitcom The Big Bang Theory includes neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and her boyfriend, physicist Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons).

NT: Might there ever be room in your show for a female character who’s more sexualized—but also a full-on scientist?

MB: We did an episode where the Bernadette character, a microbiologist, poses for a “sexy scientist” photo shoot and Amy has a very big problem with it.

NT: I remember that episode. Your character, Amy, sabotages the photo shoot.

MB: That’s right. When I do advocacy for STEM careers for young women, I’m often asked, What do you think about [the sexy-scientist stereotype of] the white shirt open with the black bra underneath? And you know, I don’t knock women or scientists who want to do that. For me, that’s not the way that I choose to portray women in science. I don’t think that’s the only way to generate interest. It might be the only way to get a certain population of men interested in women in science … But it’s not a personal goal of mine to further that notion of women scientists.

But then I got older and understood. Marine biology, working with animals, working in the environment—all those things are science. You like engineering? You want to do coding? Knock yourself out. There are many STEM careers that involve a lot of variety and a lot of creativity. And that’s what I think we need to try and communicate to girls as young as possible.

NT: That was awesome! That’s like the whole show right there.

MB: Thank you. And I didn’t even have to take my clothes off to do it.

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‘The Big Bang Theory’s’ Mayim Bialik Shares Experiences as an Academic, Actor and STEM Advocate

She fell in love with the neuron during her first semester in college, and from there her passion for science took off with a bang. As a trained scientist, Mayim Bialik’s portrayal of neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” comes naturally. The show is currently the top-rated comedic television series in the nation, and Bialik uses her celebrity to serve as a female role model and advocate for STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math), a cause she feel strongly about.

Sixth College Provost Daniel Donoghue presented Bialik with an official proclamation stating that every year on May 27th the college will be known as "Mayim Bialik College" in her honor. Photo by Melissa Jacobs

The three-time Emmy-nominated actress was invited to share her story with the UC San Diego community on May 27 at an event sponsored by Sixth College. To acknowledge her visit, Sixth College was renamed “Mayim Bialik College” for the day of her appearance. More than 700 attendees gathered at RIMAC Arena for her talk, where she shared her experiences as the child star of the 90s show “Blossom,” the pursuit of her doctorate in neuroscience from UCLA and landing her current role on “The Big Bang Theory.”

“We invited Mayim Bialik to UC San Diego because she is highly educated and a great model for our students—plus ‘The Big Bang Theory’ is hugely popular, so it was a win-win,” said Dan Donoghue, provost of Sixth College. “Our goal was to create a memorable program for our students. Listening to Mayim speak as a strong advocate for STEM education, and particularly the challenges that confront many young women in high school and college, was very inspiring. We hope that she will feel a connection to our campus and want to come back each year on the same day—her day at Sixth College.”

The crowd sang the theme song to the “The Big Bang Theory” as Bialik took the stage, led by local guitarist Peter Sprague, bassist Mack Leighton and vocalist Leonard Patton. Sixth College student Oscar Bolanos and recent alumna Shayma Hesari acted as emcees for the event, and alumnus Jeff Curtis presented a basket of memorabilia from UC San Diego and Sixth College, including T-shirts with the phrase, “Mayim Bialik College 5/27.”

More than 700 campus and community members gathered at RIMAC Arena for Bialik's presentation. Photo by Melissa Jacobs

Sixth College promotes experiential and interdisciplinary learning among students and approached Bialik to speak because her career spans the arts, sciences and contemporary media. “Mayim Bialik is someone who embodies all three defining principles of Sixth College—culture, art and technology,” said Christian Olmstead, a Sixth College sophomore who served on the event planning committee. “She is an empowering female figure in the arts and sciences who helps to remind us that you can succeed by following your passions.”

Born in San Diego and raised in Los Angeles, Bialik started acting in 1986 with small parts in series like “MacGyver” and “Facts of Life.” Her star was launched after playing a young Bette Midler in the movie “Beaches,” which led to her being cast in the lead role in the NBC primetime show “Blossom” in 1991 at age 14. During that time she was tutored by a dental student from UCLA, the person Bialik credits not only for introducing her to the enjoyment of science, but also the way she learns.

“This was the person who made me believe I could be a scientist,” said Bialik. “I was never a terrific math or science student at all. I thought it was for boys; all the boys said so.” She continued, “I think having a female role model really helped me, too. To see this bubbly, excited person who just loved biology so much and this was her life. And it wasn’t just that she gave me that passion; she also gave me the skill set.”

According to the actress, science has remained the dominant force in her life, even as her fame as an actress has continued to skyrocket. She uses her celebrity as a platform to promote science education for all, especially young girls. Her goal is to put a female face on science and highlight the importance of educational equity. “Name a newspaper, name a magazine, they won’t do an article about STEM advocacy, but they will do an article about an actress on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and her love for STEM advocacy,” she said.

Before her formal talk, more than 200 students had the chance to attend a meet and greet with Bialik, where she posed for pictures and signed autographs. Photo by Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications

Before her formal talk, more than 200 students had the chance to attend a meet and greet with Bialik, where she posed for pictures and signed autographs. Students donned “Bazinga” shirts and struck funny poses with her—one asked if she would replicate a prom photo, to which Bialik enthusiastically complied. The reception included food based on her recipe book, “Mayim’s Vegan Table.”

Bialik admitted that she doesn’t watch television and had never seen “The Big Bang Theory” prior to being cast in the third season finale. She was brought on as a main character in the fourth season, along with Melissa Rauch who plays another female scientist, Bernadette. Contrary to rumor, Bialik says does not contribute to the script writing, though her cast mates always comment on the fact that she is the only one who “knows what everybody’s lines mean.”

Near the end of the presentation, students had the opportunity to ask the Bialik questions, which ranged from her favorite music to her most memorable fan encounter as well as more serious questions such as ethical challenges in neuroscience. She shared that the monkey used in several scenes on the show is named “Squirt,” and is the same star from the movie, “The Hangover.” She imparted that she cried when she met Stephen Hawking, who appeared on an episode in 2012. And when she was asked who she would switch lives with for a day if she had the chance, she jokingly replied in the guise of her character—“Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting!” (who plays Penny on the show).

On being both an actor and an academic, Bialik says that her first love will always be science.

“Once you become a scientist that becomes the lens through which you see the world, at least that has been my experience,” said Bialik “Once you know about what a rainbow is made of, every time you see one, that’s where your brain goes. I don’t think, ooh, what a pretty rainbow. I think about color and wavelengths and refraction.” She continued with, “I am definitely an artist…but it doesn’t color my world the way being a scientist does.”

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Published: 30 May 2012

Turning point: Mayim Bialik

Gene Russo

Nature volume 485 , page 669 ( 2012 ) Cite this article

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Neuroscience

14 June 2012 In the original version of this article, it wasn't clear that the quote about Stephen Hawking attributed to Kaley Cuoco was said by her character Penny during the show. This has now been rectified.

A Clarification to this article was published on 20 June 2012

Actress makes the shift from television to neuroscience and then back again.

Perhaps best known for her role as Blossom on the 1990s television programme of the same name, Mayim Bialik took the unusual step of turning away from television after the show ended to study science at university. Then, as she was about to earn her PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles, Bialik became a mother. Although Bialik did get her PhD, parenthood ended her pursuit of a research post. It also led her to turn back to acting, this time on the scientist-centered comedy The Big Bang Theory.

How did you become interested in science?

I had tutors for every subject while I was working on Blossom . But it was a biology tutor who gave me the confidence to know that I could be a scientist — even though at first I had the feeling that science and mathematics were more for boys.

How did you end up doing a PhD?

Some of it was momentum. I studied neuroscience as an undergraduate. I was pleased to have a new life after Blossom . After that, I had to choose between medical and graduate school.

Were other students aware of your TV fame?

Blossom was a popular show, and most people knew who I was, even the professors. It was more acute as an undergraduate, but, with the exception of a few foreign graduate students, everyone knew who I was.

Did you have to overcome bias at university to be considered a 'serious scientist'?

I think some professors were harder on me than on other students. After I did poorly in an examination, I got some amazingly insensitive comments from a professor who basically said I was not cut out to be a scientist on the basis of this one test. Another professor brought his children to meet me after I did my final exam. That was actually kind of awkward.

Were you aware of how tough an academic career is?

Well, there is always a need for teachers, and that aspect of being a research professor was always something I was interested in. I figured that my husband and I would get into graduate programmes, and that I would eventually get a research and teaching job.

What role did the birth of your first child have in your decision to leave science?

I needed a lot of adjustment and recovery after giving birth. I was in the data-collection and analysis phase of my dissertation. It was hard. We never used child care, and we had decided that I was going to be the one to take care of our son. Of course, plenty of scientists go back to work after six weeks; new mothers' brains work just fine; but if you want to breastfeed on demand and be there for their formative years, it is hard to pursue tenure at the same time. I talked to some scientist mothers, who said they had chosen less-demanding career tracks. Being at home with your children can sometimes mean not reaching your academic potential. That is the reality. It may mean not running as big a laboratory or not having as many research projects going on.

You have studied the science of attachment behaviour in humans, the basis of your book Beyond the Sling . Did this actually end up pushing you away from science as a career?

Well, what I learned supported what intuitively felt right. Some women feel that if they want to compete in the workplace, they have to not give in to those intuitive feelings of 'I want to be with my child'. I didn't want to not give in.

Why did you return to television?

I wanted to be with my children. Also, we had finished graduate school, and needed health insurance — I got pregnant with my second son the week I filed my thesis. Once he was about one year old, I started going to auditions. All of us would pile into the car. I would breastfeed before running into the audition.

Your character in The Big Bang Theory is a neurobiologist. Did your background help you get the part?

The character wasn't a scientist when I first appeared on the show. When I came back the next season, co-creator Bill Prady made her a neurobiologist. He thought I could help fix things — the science details — if they got them wrong. We have a physics consultant on staff and our writers are generally very intelligent.

Why do you think it is important for a comedy to get the science right?

For a show about 'geekdom', it has to be authentic or it wouldn't work. Our physics consultant is David Saltzberg from the University of California, Los Angeles. Several of the writers happen to have science backgrounds or are just really well-read people. The show was co-created by Chuck Lorre, who loves details, and Bill, who is a genuine nerd from way back. So we are just a meticulous bunch.

Do you worry that the show reinforces scientist stereotypes?

From working in science, I know people who are like all of the characters. But it's entertainment, and it needs to be entertaining.

What was it like to meet British physicist Stephen Hawking when he was a special guest on The Big Bang Theory ?

It was a powerful experience on so many levels, especially to see his caregivers and to see how loving they are and how deeply cared for he is. He did smile at a lot of the jokes during the run-through. The biggest smile came when the character Penny — played by Kaley Cuoco — said, “I know who Stephen Hawking is! He's the wheelchair guy who invented time.”

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Mayim Bialik: ‘Being a research professor seemed like what I wanted, but once I had my first child I realised how much time I wanted to be with him.’

Mayim Bialik: Big Bang Theory is changing the way people think of nerds and geeks

The neuroscientist and sitcom actor on science role models, Richard Dawkins and vaccination

You were in the hugely successful TV show Blossom in the 1990s. What inspired you to leave acting and take a degree in neuroscience?

When I was on the set of Blossom I had a biology tutor who was at that time a dental student at UCLA. She was the first person I ever met who was a one-on-one female role model for me and I fell in love with science and wanted to pursue it. I am a second-generation American so I come from a family where college is really emphasised and I really just wanted to go – when Blossom ended, that’s exactly what I did.

You also did a PhD - why?

I really loved teaching and research. I didn’t have the grades to go to medical school and in retrospect I think I would have been unhappy in the structure of medical school. I had my first son in grad school and my second son right after I got my PhD.

What was your research on?

Obsessive compulsive disorder in a population of individuals with a genetic syndrome called Prader-Willi syndrome .

Did you enjoy it?

Yeh, both of my parents were teachers so I was raised with a definite appreciation for teaching. Being a research professor seemed like what I wanted to do. But once I had my first child I realised how much time I wanted to be with him.

There’s been a lot of discussion about the “leaky pipeline” of women in science - how can we solve it?

That’s a larger question for people other than me; I’m not an anthropologist or a sociologist. But that’s part of why I do the work I do with Texas Instruments [as a brand spokesperson] – to try and encourage young people at an early age to sort of prepare for what a career might look like, which we would hope would involve the ability for them to have more confidence and more resources. I think women do need a lot more resources especially as we get to the age when we want to start families and things; those are things that even though men have to make those decisions it is very different for women because we are the ones whose bodies literally have to stop and make it happen.

Are you still keeping an eye on developments in neuroscience?

No, that’s a full time job! [Laughs]

Your character in The Big Bang Theory , Amy Farrah Fowler, has a PhD in neurobiology - how similar are you to her?

She was written as a female version of Jim Parsons’s character [Sheldon Cooper, Amy’s love interest]. There are things she and I are similar in, the way we approach thinking and our appreciation for science, but she is pretty much a character.

So you’ve never written Little House on the Prairie fan fiction like Amy?

No, no never!

Mayim Bialik in The Big Bang Theory with Jim Parsons.

Do you feel that you - and your character - are role models?

Yeah. The Bernadette character on The Big Bang Theory is a microbiologist so I am proud that on our show we have two different kinds of women: one wears pretty dresses and gets to have pretty things in her hair and one is the Amy character who’s a lot more simple. Both are versions of scientists so, yeah, I think it is tremendous.

How are scientists viewed in Hollywood?

A lot of people believe in [the] stereotype, but we hope that The Big Bang Theory is changing the way people think of nerds and geeks by showing them having active social lives and relationships. I think that is an important way to portray them.

How important is it to get the science right on The Big Bang Theory ?

We actually have a physics consultant, Dr David Saltzberg. He is from UCLA and he’s the one who is in charge of all that. It is very important for our show and for our producers that we do that. A lot of our writers have science backgrounds and everything is Google-able so a lot of their stuff comes from the internet too. All of our writers are really bright.

How have you seen Amy change over the series?

[When] she started out, she was really socially awkward and really craving some sort of social outlet and she found that with Penny and Bernadette. So now she has a lot more social confidence and I think that has shifted her relationship with Sheldon too

Amy meets Sheldon through a dating website - do you find it surprising that so many people say they met online?

I guess it is kind of inevitable: the internet has taken over every part of our lives so why not dating as well I guess?

You’ve been a blogger for several years - what’s the appeal?

I think when I was a young mum a lot of mums were starting to write about their experiences and I wrote for a website called Kveller that really sought to bring a very honest voice to parenting, specifically Jewish parenting but we covered all types. It sort of grew and grew and I’ve now launched my own website called GrokNation where I am able to write about a wider variety of topics and hopefully reach more people including more of The Big Bang Theory audience.

Who, or what, is a Grok?!

It’s a term from a 1961 science fiction novel, Stranger in a Strange Land , and to Grok something means to understand something very, very, very deeply, like from all angles. And it is a deeper kind of understanding than simply the word “understanding” conveys.

Do you ever worry about sharing too much online?

The things I choose to write that are personal I weigh very, very carefully. And I choose things I hope will be educational or helpful to others. I don’t write a lot about my kids and have an agreement with them that I won’t write about anything that they don’t want written about them.

You mention you’re a vegan.

When it started I had a dairy allergy and once I cut out dairy I stopped getting sinus infections. So that was initially a health decision. But as I learned more and more about veganism and the way food is prepared and served it became more and more of an environmental and ethical decision.

Should we all give up meat for the environment?

No, I think that we should be absolutely doing what every medical organisation recommends, which is that we all cut back on processed foods and animal products. So I don’t think you have to make a choice to be vegan tomorrow. I don’t think it has to be that kind of decision. But everyone would benefit from cutting back on animal products and animal by-products - there’s nothing bad that will come of even making small changes in the amount that you eat.

You’ve landed in some controversy over vaccination, when you were quoted as saying: “We are a non-vaccinating family.”

I didn’t say that. At the time my book was written, my children did not have vaccines. And I also said I am not a doctor and I make no recommendations about what people should do.

Mayim Bialik, centre, with Lainie Kazan, left, in the 1988 film Beaches.

But now they are vaccinated?

Now they are. I issued that statement on Facebook. They were a ton of fascinating rumours that “I don’t believe in vaccines”, “I don’t believe they work”. I never said that.

You’ve posted about the fact that you are both religious and into science. How do you feel about Richard Dawkins ?

I respect him very much, and actually I agree with a lot of what he says. Religion is a very personal decision,there is not a one size fits all, and I think that the more ways we can find that we agree the better off we’ll be. Sam Harris is another example - Sam Harris and I were in graduate school together – he is a very, very prominent, outspoken atheist and there’s a lot that he and I actually agree on so I think it’s important to find similarities, not just differences. And ultimately the kind of religious fanaticism that we see in the world is not something any religious person I know would want.

Are you a fan of tech? I hear you’ve got an old school TV and big-buttoned phone in your Big Bang dressing room.

I’m not a huge fan of technology. I use it where it is necessary for work, but other than that I can’t even work an iPad.

The Bialik CV

December 1975 Born in San Diego, California to first-generation Jewish-American parents.

1988 Appeared in the 1989 horror film Pumpkinhead .

1989 Played the young Bette Midler in Beaches .

1990-1995 Starred in the American television sitcom Blossom .

2000 Earned BS in neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish studies from UCLA.

2003 Married Michael Stone (divorced in 2013).

2007 Obtained PhD in neuroscience from UCLA.

2010 Joined the cast of The Big Bang Theory .

2012-2015 Nominated for Emmy award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.

2012 Published her guide to raising children, Beyond the Sling : A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way.

2014 Co-host on reality show Candid Camera for TVLand.

2015 Set up own blogging website GrokNation.

The Big Bang Theory
The Observer
Neuroscience
Richard Dawkins

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Mayim Bialik

Born December 12 , 1975 · San Diego, California, USA
Birth name Mayim Hoya Bialik
Height 5′ 4″ (1.63 m)
Mayim Bialik grew up in San Diego and got her first acting job ( Pumpkinhead (1988) ) when she was just 12 years old. A number of TV roles followed until in 1990 she was cast in Blossom (1990) , the role which made her famous. By 1993, while Blossom was still airing, she had already won a deferred place at Harvard and was also accepted by Yale but chose in the end to attend UCLA. She was awarded her Bachelor's degree in 2000 and began reading for a PhD in Neuroscience (studying Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome) which she eventually completed in 2007. She continued working throughout her studies and was a regular on US TV screens, becoming a Prime Time face again in 2010 when she began her regular appearances as "Sheldon's friend who is not his girlfriend" in the hit series The Big Bang Theory (2007) . - IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous
Spouse Michael Stone (August 31, 2003 - May 1, 2013) (divorced, 2 children)
Children Frederick Heschel Bialik Stone Miles Roosevelt Bialik Stone
Parents Beverly Bialik Barry Bialik
Relatives Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik (Sibling)
Plays piano, trumpet, bass guitar, as well as the harp which she learned to play for The Big Bang Theory (2007) .
Her grandparents were European refugees from the Holocaust, immigrating from Poland and Czechoslovakia/Hungary. Bialik was raised in the Reform Jewish religion.
For her very first screen kiss Mayim locked lips with co-star Johnny Galecki on Sex, Lies and Teenagers (1991) when both were just 14-years-old.
Her first name means "water" in Hebrew.
Was good friends with the late Bill Bixby . As he went public with his illness, he directed her sitcom, Blossom (1990) , and continued working up until his death on 21 November 1993.
The fact is safe co-sleeping is not difficult. The notion of babies being smothered is simply not true. And the benefits of sleeping together are profound.
You know, there's a tremendous amount of genetic propensity not necessarily for what TV shows you like but for literally how you view the world, how you react to things, how things touch you and how things move you.
As a kid, I felt really weird.
I don't want to say everything happens for a reason but every day is lined up right next to the other one for a reason. The best you can do is do each day well with kindness and as a good person.
A lot of stuff I wear I've had since high school.
The Big Bang Theory (2007) - $20,000 -$30,000 per episode (2010-2013)
The Big Bang Theory (2007) - $1,000,000 /episode season 11
The Big Bang Theory (2007) - $60,000 per episode (2013-2015)
The Big Bang Theory (2007) - $450,000 per episode (2016-2019)

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Mayim Bialik ’00, PhD.’07

Posted On - May 22, 2015

Does Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler on the ABC sitcom Big Bang Theory seem a little familiar to you? Maybe it's because you had a class with her at UCLA. Actress Mayim Bialik ’00, PhD.’07 who plays delightfully smart, funny and nerdy Amy earned her undergraduate, and doctorate degrees at UCLA. The actress even shares a similar field of study with her TV alter ego – Amy Farrah Fowler holds a doctorate in neuro-biology, while actress Bialik holds a doctorate in neuroscience.

From 1991 to 1995, Bialik played the eponymous role on NBC's Blossom , where she explored life's issues with slightly older and more experienced friend Six. Although “This week on a very special episode of Blossom …” became a standard punch line, the show earned wide respect for mixing drama with comedy in a frank exploration of weighty topics, such as substance abuse and having sex for the first time.

When Blossom ended, Bialik enrolled at UCLA, earning degrees in neuroscience, Jewish studies and Hebrew. She took a break from live acting, though she did voice work on some animated series, including Johnny Bravo, Hey Arnold and Kim Possible .

In 2005, Bialik took time out of her graduate studies in neuroscience to step in front of the cameras again, playing a fictionalized version of herself on Kirsty Alley's pseudo-reality Showtime series, Fat Actress . Bialik stole the show in a two-episode story arc, in which she reminds Alley that she is a genius by figuring out Alley's digital security code. Bialik also tapped into her neuroscience background, tells Alley about the Koi Theory of weight loss – a body shrinks to fit miniature surroundings – which turns out to be part Bialik’s evil revenge scheme.

Bialik first gained attention and critical praise playing a childhood version of Bette Midler's character in the 1988 film Beaches . Her other more recent appearances include the feature films Kalamazoo? (2005) and The Chicago 8 (2011) and television shows Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bones, Saving Grace and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

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The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women

Mayim bialik.

by Michele Byers Last updated June 23, 2021

Actress, author, and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, 2018.

Mayim Bialik is an American actor, writer, and neuroscientist. Bialik began acting as a child and rose to fame when she starred in the sitcom Blossom in the 1990s. After the series ended, she pursued higher education, culminating with a PhD in Neuroscience. As an adult, Bialik became more religiously observant, eventually identifying as Modern Orthodox, something she would later write and speak about publicly. After completing her PhD, Bialik returned to acting. In 2010 she began playing the role of Amy Farrah-Fowler on the hit sitcom Big Bang Theory . Bialik has written books and articles on childhood, parenting, food, and other subjects. She has been criticized for her writings about Arianna Grande and the Harvey Weinstein case, as well as for her promotion of a form of attachment parenting.

Actor, writer, and neuroscientist Mayim Chaya Bialik was born December 12, 1975, in San Diego, California, to a primarily Eastern European Jewish family. Her parents, Barry Bialik and Beverly Winkleman, grew up in The Bronx, where their own parents had landed after immigrating from Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. While raised Reform, Bialik later came to identify as Modern Orthodox. She has one brother, Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik, who is an artist living in California.

Early Career

Bialik came to most people’s attention as a child actor in the 1980s and 1990s, first as the young version of Bette Midler ’s C.C. Bloom in Beaches (1988) and then as the quirky title character in the sitcom Blossom (1990-1995).

Mayim Bialik, like many young sitcom stars, was by turns awkward and wholesome, precocious and star turned. In her pictures she was often styled in a way that conjures Barbra Streisand . She is stunning and stylish, and yet not conventionally beautiful (especially by the standards of the 1980s). Her characters tend to be quirky—always more Amy (the awkward, academic character she later played in The Big Bang Theory ) than Penny (the blond bombshell in Big Bang ). Later, Jewishness and observant Jewishness became the subject of her own and others’ scrutiny (and part of her celebrity brand).

Academic Accomplishments

After graduating from North Hollywood High School and wrapping Blossom , Bialik attended UCLA, earning a BSc in neuroscience with Minors in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. She eventually completed a PhD in Neuroscience at UCLA, graduating in 2007 with a doctoral dissertation entitled Hypothalamic Regulation in Relation to Maladaptive, Obsessive-Compulsive, Affiliative, and Satiety Behaviours in Prader-Willi Syndrome . In interviews, she noted that while she had assumed her career trajectory would be academic, a return to acting offered her the work/life balance she wanted as a mother.

Return to Acting

As luck would have it, a perfect role was right around the corner: Amy Farrah-Fowler, the neuroscientist girlfriend of theoretical physicist (and lead) Sheldon Cooper, in the surprising network hit The Big Bang Theory. She joined the cast in 2010, for season four, and stayed for the next nine seasons. Big Bang catapulted her back into the celebrity spotlight.

Return to celebrity offered Bialik a host of possibilities other than acting that might never have occurred had she steered the less recognized course towards academia. She published several books, including Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parent Way (with Jay Gordon, 2012), Mayim’s Vegan Table (with Jay Gordon, 2014), Girling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular (2017), and Boying Up: How to be Brave, Bold and Brilliant (2018); she also wrote regularly for Jewish parenting website Kveller and founded the website GrokNation , an online magazine about “contemporary issues” featuring blog posts on subjects like “embracing imperfection,” “My first mammogram,” “Life after ‘Big Bang Theory,’” and “I don’t have just one BFF, I have many, and that’s okay.”

Controversies and Complexities

Return to celebrity life was not entirely easy for Bialik, and she has been embroiled in a number of controversies. In 2014, in a blog post on Kveller , she juxtaposed her “liberal” but “old-fashioned” modest, maternal self with Arianna Grande, commenting on a billboard she had recently seen: “I will go ahead and admit I have no idea who she is or what she does. Based on the billboard, she sells lingerie . Or stiletto heels. Or plastic surgery because every woman over 22 wishes she has that body, I’m sure. Why is she in her underwear on this billboard though? And if she has a talent (is she a singer?), then why does she have to sell herself in lingerie?” While Bialik does not connect her critique to Orthodoxy in this piece (beyond mentioning that “my kids have clothes they only wear to synagogue”), the link is implicit, particularly given that religious observance has been so much a part of Bialik’s brand in recent years. The post was widely reported, but writers expressed less incredulity at Bialik’s critique of Grande than of her claim to have no idea who the pop star was.

More serious pushback came 2017 when, in response to emerging allegations about Harvey Weinstein, Bialik wrote a controversial Op Ed for The New York Times . In that piece, she wrote, “I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with. I dress modestly. I don’t act flirtatiously with men as a policy.” Some saw this particular part of her piece as victim-blaming, suggesting that ways of dressing and acting are what lead to rape and sexual assault; actors Gabrielle Union, Patricia Arquette, and Emily Ratajkowski responded angrily on Twitter. Author Ijeoma Olou and others took issue with what they saw as Bialik’s suggestion that she was never assaulted or harassed because she wasn’t conventionally beautiful or sexy. Bialik responded to the storm by insisting that hers had always been a feminist voice.

Bialik also made headlines as an advocate of attachment parenting when she wrote about some of her unconventional ideas, including “diaperless potty-training, co-sleeping, and child-led weaning,” as well as “babywearing” and “no yelling or time outs” (Li 2012). Bialik has also talked about the complexities of being a feminist and of being religious in Hollywood. (See, for example Josephs 2019, Saad 2015, Stone 2015.) Religion is hardly invisible in Hollywood, but, in general, it has been stories about religious people (i.e. Big Love, Unorthodox ) rather than the religiosity of celebrities themselves that have been of interest. The relative paucity of representations of (even Modern) Orthodox Jews in mainstream mass culture only underscores this divide. Bialik herself has tried to live at this intersection. While an extremely successful artist, she has repeatedly pointed to the unique situation she finds herself in, as one of the few observant, working actors in Hollywood.

Jewish Religiosity on Screen

A systematic screening of Big Bang reveals some fascinating (and funny) female-identified characters. But this Jewish-helmed series could only find a space for Jewishness to be explicitly present as Jewish masculinity (through the character of Howard). What would Big Bang have been like if Amy could have been Amy… but Jewish? Maybe instead of a Carrie -esque mother who locked her in the closet and who wrote, in her yearbook: “Dear Amy, self-respect and a hymen are better than friends and fun. Love, mom” (5003 “The Pulled Groin Extrapolation”), Amy could have had science-loving Jewish parents, who gloried in her desire to cut up brains and figure out how things worked and bragged about it to all their friends and neighbours. The hilarious possibilities for scenes in which Sheldon and Amy plan their wedding, bringing Amy’s Jewish relatives together with Sheldon’s Texan mishpocha making a chuppah out of a flag, and signing a Ketubah written in Klingon, cannot be denied. Mayim Bialik certainly does not need to play Modern Orthodox Jewish characters, but this may have been a missed opportunity for Big Bang .

The comedic possibilities of Bialik’s Modern Orthodox identity are revealed in an episode of the little-known Canadian webseries, Yid Life Crisis . The series is set in contemporary Montreal; its two main characters are Chaimie and Leizer, Yiddish-speaking, somewhat traditional (Leizer) and somewhat iconoclastic (Chaimie) Jews. In the second season episode “Double Date,” Bialik appears as Chaya (her real middle name), a neurosurgeon seeking a partner who shares her “traditional Jewish values.” She has been set up on a blind date with Leizer, but Chaimie comes along too. In a reversal of the typical religious match-making interview, she interviews them. At one point, the two men take out their cell phones, and pretend to talk to their mothers while actually talking about her, in Yiddish, to each other. She watches, a strange look on her face, and then takes out her own cell phone, and responds to them, in Yiddish, via her own “mom,” stating that: “She is stuck with two schmendriks, wasting her time.” They all put away their phones, and she continues, asking them a barrage of questions in Yiddish. As the episode ends, she stands and says: “OK gentlemen, I think I have everything I need. I’ll be in touch and I’ve already taken care of the cheque.” “Wait,” they clamour after her, “That’s it? We didn’t get to ask you any questions.” To which she responds: “Oh, you’ll get the opportunity to do that next time... And I may choose to show you that I am warm, affectionate, sensitive, charitable, pretty witty, and very, very sexy… but it really just depends on how it goes.”

“September 1994.” JustSeventeen , Sept. 30th, 2016. < https://justseventeen.tumblr.com/post/151151089591/september-1994-we-tr… ;

< https://superradnow.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/tumblr_l1tp2jxvbp1qz7q2… ;

Yidlifecrisis.com

Bialik, Mayim. “Mayim Bialik: Being a Feminist in Hervey Weinstein’s World.” Op-Ed. New York Times, October 13, 2017. < https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/13/opinion/mayim-bialik-feminist-harvey… ;.

Bialik, Mayim. “The Problem With That Giant Billboard of Ariana Grande.” Kveller . September 12, 2014. < https://www.kveller.com/mayim-bialik-the-problem-with-that-giant-billbo… ;

Faghaly, N. and Eden Leone, eds. The Sexy Science of Big Bang Theory: Essays on Gender in the Series . Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2015.

Josephs, Allison. “Excvlusive Interview with Mayim Bialik on being most Observant Actress in Hollywood.” Jew in the City, May 22, 2019. < https://jewinthecity.com/2019/05/exclusive-interview-with-mayim-bialik-… ;

Li, Anita. “Big Bang Star Mayim Bialik writes controversial parenting book.” https://www.thestar.com/life/2012/03/06/big_bang_star_mayim_bialik_writ…

McIntosh, Heather. “Representations of Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory .” Journal of Popular Film & Television 42 (4) 2014: 195-204.

Saad, Nardine. “Mayim Bialik on Religion in Hollywood.” Los Anegeles Times , August 24, 2015. < https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/13/opinion/mayim-bialik-feminist-harvey… ;

Sartain, Jeffrey A. “Geeksploitation: Gender and Genius in The Big Bang Theory .” Genius on Television , edited by A. L. Carlson, 96-112 Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2015: 96–112.

Spiegel, Julia. “The Big Theory on the (Not So) Bangin’ Jewish Mother.” In The Sexy Science of Big Bang Theory: Essays on Gender in the Series . edited by N. Faghaly and Eden Leone, 51-71. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2015.

Stone, Natalie. “Mayim Bialik: It’s not ‘trendy to be observant or religious’ in Hollywood.” CNN.com , August 25, 2015. < https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/25/entertainment/mayim-bialik-religious-thr… ;

Weitekamp, Margaret A. “’We’re Physicists’: Gender, Gender and the image of scientists in The Big Bang Theory.” The Journal of Popular Television 3 (1). 2015: 75–92.

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Byers, Michele. "Mayim Bialik." Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women . 23 June 2021. Jewish Women's Archive. (Viewed on April 11, 2024) <http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/bialik-mayim>.

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Mayim Bialik

Class of 2000, Ph.D. 2007

HER ART IMITATES A LIFE OF SCIENCE.

Playing neurobiologist Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS hit Big Bang Theory isn’t much of a stretch for neuroscientist Dr. Mayim Bialik. The child star of NBC’s 90’s-era smash Blossom , the show that made the phrase “a very special episode” a pop-culture staple, appeared on some of the most beloved TV shows of the past 30 years. She also is a very special four-time Emmy-nominated actor, scientist and author of a book on holistic parenting, “Beyond the Sling.” But the Los Angeles native and daughter of first-generation American teachers and documentary filmmakers walks what she talks as an advocate of issues as diverse as attachment parenting, veganism and traditional Jewish values.

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Mayim Bialik’s educational background is as illustrious as her acting career. The Big Bang Theory star is not only known for her portrayal of the quirky neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on the hit show, but also for her impressive academic achievements. From studying neuroscience and Hebrew studies to earning a Ph.D., Bialik’s educational journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Let’s take a closer look at the educational path that has shaped the multifaceted talent of Mayim Bialik.

Mayim Bialik’s Early Education and Academic Achievements

are a testament to her strong intellect and passion for learning. She attended Walter Reed Junior High School in North Hollywood, where she excelled in her studies and demonstrated a keen interest in science and mathematics.

After completing junior high, Bialik went on to graduate from North Hollywood High School with honors. During her time there, she was actively involved in the school’s drama and debate clubs, showcasing her diverse range of talents and interests.

Following her high school years , Bialik pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience, Hebrew, and Jewish Studies. Her dedication to her studies and her impressive academic accomplishments at UCLA set the stage for her successful career in both the entertainment industry and the scientific community.

Mayim Bialik’s educational background reflects her commitment to both her artistic pursuits and her scholarly endeavors, highlighting her multifaceted talents and unyielding intellectual curiosity.

Higher Education and Specialized Studies of Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik, best known for her roles in “Blossom” and “The Big Bang Theory,” has an impressive educational background to match her successful acting career. She holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she conducted research on obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome. Bialik’s passion for science and education is evident through her academic achievements and career choices.

In addition to her Ph.D., Mayim Bialik also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Her dedication to higher education and specialized studies showcases her intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning. Bialik’s educational background has undoubtedly contributed to her ability to portray the intelligent and quirky characters she is known for on screen.

Furthermore, Bialik is also an advocate for STEM education and has used her platform to promote the importance of science and education, particularly for young girls. Her background in neuroscience and her advocacy work make her a role model for those interested in pursuing higher education and specialized studies in the STEM fields. Mayim Bialik’s educational journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring students and professionals alike, demonstrating the value of academic pursuit and lifelong learning.

Influence of Mayim Bialik’s Educational Background on her Career

Mayim Bialik’s educational background has played a significant role in shaping her career as an actress, author, and neuroscientist. Bialik holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA, which has not only informed her portrayal of the character Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory but has also fueled her passion for advocating for women in STEM fields.

Her educational background has also influenced her work as an author, with Bialik penning several books on topics such as attachment parenting, veganism, and her experience as a neuroscientist. In addition, she has used her platform to promote the importance of education and encourage young people, especially girls, to pursue their interests in science and technology.

Furthermore, Bialik’s academic achievements have provided her with a unique perspective on the entertainment industry, allowing her to approach her career with a depth of knowledge and understanding that is not common among many Hollywood stars.

Implications of Mayim Bialik’s Education for Future Generations

Mayim Bialik’s educational background is an inspiration for future generations, as it showcases the importance of pursuing higher education and the impact it can have on one’s career and personal growth. Bialik, best known for her roles in “The Big Bang Theory” and “Blossom,” holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish Studies from UCLA, as well as a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the same university.

Her educational journey is a testament to the value of pursuing a diverse range of interests and the doors that can open as a result. Bialik’s background in both the arts and sciences highlights the potential for individuals to excel in multiple disciplines, challenging traditional notions of specialization.

Furthermore, her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s educational goals. Bialik’s pursuit of higher education while also maintaining a successful acting career exemplifies the possibility of balancing multiple passions and commitments.

Overall, the are far-reaching, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary learning, dedication to personal growth, and the potential for individuals to pursue diverse paths in their careers and education.

In conclusion, Mayim Bialik’s educational journey is a testament to the importance of pursuing knowledge and utilizing one’s intellect. From a young age, she showcased a thirst for learning and her passion for education only continued to blossom throughout her academic endeavors. Through hard work, perseverance, and a keen interest in science, Mayim managed to excel in her studies, earning degrees in Neuroscience, Hebrew, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCLA.

Bialik’s educational pursuit was not without challenges. Despite facing the demanding nature of her acting career, she managed to balance her professional commitments with academic rigor. Her determination to succeed led her to explore various facets of higher education, actively engaging in research and publications that contributed to the scientific community.

With her extensive knowledge in neuroscience, Mayim Bialik became a vocal advocate for education, particularly for girls and underrepresented groups in the STEM field. Her unwavering dedication to promoting intellect and academic growth has successfully inspired countless individuals to pursue their own educational endeavors.

Mayim Bialik’s educational journey not only highlights her intellectual capabilities but also serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to balance multiple passions successfully. By proving that one can attain a thriving career in both the entertainment industry and academia, she challenges societal norms and encourages individuals to pursue their unique passions without compromise.

As we reflect on Mayim Bialik’s remarkable educational journey, it becomes evident that education is a lifelong pursuit that knows no boundaries. Her story serves as a reminder that with determination, hard work, and passion, one can break barriers, challenge expectations, and achieve greatness in any field they choose. Mayim Bialik’s impact extends far beyond her successful acting career, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and inspiring countless individuals to follow in her footsteps.

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Mayim Bialik: 'I See the World as a Neuroscientist'

Bialik, who has a degree in neuroscience, talks brain care and her new mental health podcast.

Mayim Bialik and Brain Health

Mayim Bialik played a neuroscientist on "The Big Bang Theory" – fitting, because she's trained as one in real life too. During Brain Awareness Week – which she jokes is every week for her – Bialik joined U.S. News to talk about how she cares for her brain, her new mental health podcast and much more.

Here are some (lightly edited) highlights from the conversation:

NActress Mayim Bialik visits the SiriusXM studios in New York City

Getty Images

Happy Brain Awareness Week! How are you? And how has your brain been during this traumatic past year?

It's an exceptional time, obviously, in global history – for a lot of reasons – and it's an exceptional time in U.S. history. No matter what side of the political divide you're on, it's been a very confusing year. Our brains are working differently than they ever have before. As someone who is a neuroscientist, I tend to think about the impact on our mental health – and that's our brain – and our physical health – and that's our brain. So for me, every day is Brain Awareness Day.

What was your path to becoming a neuroscientist?

I was an actor in my teen years but fell in love with science when I was a teenager. I never thought math and science were for me. I mean, I was always fascinated the way that young people tend to be about all sorts of things, but I didn't have naturally rapid proficiency with the sciences, and so I assumed it just wasn't for me. It wasn't until I had a one-on-one tutor – a female role model – when I was working on the set of "Blossom," which was the show I was on when I was a teenager. Working one-on-one with her allowed me to see that it's not that science isn't for me – the way that it was taught to me wasn't for me.

I was able to to learn and to capture these concepts and to want to live as a scientist. So after "Blossom" ended, I was out of Hollywood pretty much for 12 years, and I did my undergraduate degree in neuroscience and Hebrew Jewish studies, and then I went straight to a PhD program. I got married to someone that I met in calculus class, which is very sweet, and we are divorced now, but we did have two nerdy children together.

I taught neuroscience and designed a curriculum for junior high and high school homeschoolers that I taught for about five years after getting my degree. I eventually returned to acting – on "The Big Bang Theory," which is a show I had never seen before, because I was a nerdy mom – because I ran out of health insurance.

Here we are all these years later, and I see the world as a neuroscientist. I see the world through the lens of science and physics and, in particular, neuropsychiatry.

How do your tend to your brain health?

The most important thing happening in our body is our brain, and it's actually the thing we don't think about the most, in the ways that I think we should.

The notion of rest – and I don't just mean sleep – is very important. We need space for our brain to get to do what it does, and when we try and pack it with things, it will often start affecting other parts of our body.

I take supplements of various kinds – like Neuriva for brain health. I'm also a jigsaw puzzle person, and I've found that meditation is a really good way to give your brain some breathing space and and be able to function better.

You follow a vegan diet. Do you think that style of eating benefits your brain?

The decision to be vegan was a very long process. I was a vegetarian starting when I left my parents' home.

It's a combination of an ethical and moral and spiritual belief system, and there are tremendous pieces of evidence pointing to the fact that we all need to eat less processed foods, less meat and less dairy.

For me, the ability to have a diet that feels so in line with my moral and ethical and also physical comfort is important. But it's also important to note that everyone still gets to make their own decisions.

I'm not trying to be a political vegan, because I know how people feel about us. But it's the best choice it's the best choice for my health and my children's health and nutrition, you know monitors as closely so.

Tell us about your new mental health podcast, Mayim Bialik's Breakdown.

I started the podcast during a year when a lot of us were not able to go out and not able to do things, and I noticed that my mental health really took a hit. I was someone who already had a vocabulary for that and experience with that (and a therapist I was already seeing twice a week). What I noticed, though, is a lot of people didn't have that vocabulary or a relationship with someone to support them, and they were really struggling.

So my partner Jonathan Cohen and I started this podcast to try and explain – not what you should do, but what we've tried, what has worked, what doesn't work and how we're all in a process of figuring it out. We have guests who are experts and experts in their own mental health, and it's been a lot of work. But it's also very joyful to get to talk to people about mental health in a way that's very, very raw and honest, and not just like, 'I'm a celebrity and here's what you should do.'

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Mayim Bialik

Neuroscientist, Author

Mayim Bialik starred on the hit CBS comedy, The Big Bang Theory as Amy Farrah Fowler, for which she received two Critics Choice Awards, four Emmy Award nominations, and a SAG Award nomination. From playing the young version of Bette Midler’s character in Beaches to her turn as Blossom Russo in the iconic 90’s sitcom Blossom , Bialik has appeared in numerous beloved roles throughout her dynamic acting career. She currently stars as the lead in the Fox comedy show Call Me Kat , and is a co-executive producer on the show.

Bialik puts her Neuroscience degree to use in her podcast, Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown , where she breaks down the topic of mental health, especially to bust myths and misunderstandings.

An acclaimed author, Bialik has written two #1 New York Times best sellers, Girling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular , and the recently released Boying Up: How to Be Brave, Bold and Brilliant . She has also written a parenting book, Beyond the Sling , and a cookbook, Mayim’s Vegan Table . Bialik has recently dedicated her skills as a writer, actress, neuroscientist and mother to driving the lifestyle website GrokNation.com, which she started in 2015.

Following the end of Blossom , Bialik left acting for twelve years to earn a BS in Neuroscience from UCLA in 2000 with a minor in Hebrew & Jewish Studies. She went on to complete her PhD in Neuroscience, also at UCLA, and then completed her doctorate in the fall of 2007, which examined the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome. While at UCLA, Bialik was a dedicated student leader in UCLA Hillel, including conducting and writing music for UCLA’s Jewish acapella group.

Jeopardy! Host, Neuroscientist and Author Mayim Bialik will close the main stage on January 10 at 10:30 a.m. to combine her academic knowledge and experience to dispel the myths and stigma around mental health.

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Mayim Bialik Answers 50 of the Most Googled Neuroscience Questions

Released on 08/26/2020

How does the nervous system work?

The nervous system works with a lot of

magic from the universe.

Do I get another PhD after I finish this?

[bell ringing]

Hi, I'm Mayim Bialik and I'm here with Wired

to answer the 50 most Googled questions about neuroscience.

[hip hop music]

Is neuroscience a biological science?

I'm going to say yes. [bell ringing]

It's about biological systems, yes.

What nervous system controls breathing?

Autonomic nervous system [bell ringing]

is in charge of breathing structures.

What nervous system controls heart rate?

That would be sympathetic/parasympathetic?

How does the autonomic nervous system affect the heart rate?

By making it go up or making it go down.

[bell ringing] [imitates honking]

How do hallucinogens affect the central nervous system?

Hallucinogens affect the central nervous system

by changing the distribution of neurotransmitter

[bell ringing] and specifically,

crossing modalities, creating synesthetic experiences

where auditory and visual information

effectively gets crossed. [bell ringing]

What neurotransmitters are involved in schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a varied disorder

that can involve paranoia,

and delusions, and depersonalization.

Dopamine, serotonin, [bell ringing]

and obviously all of the other neurotransmitters,

but specifically those for schizophrenia.

What is neurotransmitter testing?

Neurotransmitter testing is testing,

I guess amounts of dopamine and serotonin,

[bell ringing] which are typically done from

swabs, but I guess you could do it from blood maybe?

Cerebrospinal fluid?

Which neurotransmitter acts to facilitate learning?

That's a really difficult question to answer.

All of your neurotransmitters contribute

to everything about you.

The way that we learn is really because of a lot of things,

it's because of attention, it's because of mood,

it's because of reward activation.

Mine's a more philosophical answer,

but I don't know the structure of the brain

that they're talking about, which is probably

glutamate regulating. [bell ringing]

Which neurotransmitter is associated

with Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a basal ganglia disease,

that would be dopamine as the

[bell ringing] primary neurotransmitter.

How information travels in the nervous system.

All sorts of crazy ways, up, down, sideways, inside out.

Information travels from the brain to the spinal cord

and out to the periphery,

[bell ringing] and then from the periphery

back into the spinal cord, and back up to the brain.

How does a stroke affect the nervous system?

Well, it depends where the stroke is.

There's specific kinds of regions of the brain

where a stoke will lead to paralysis

or the inability to speak.

Certain strokes will affect very interesting things,

they'll make you think that you don't understand

peoples' faces, there's so many different things

it can affect.

[bell ringing] Having the blood supply

cut off will impair a region of the brain,

is the most basic definition of a stroke, though.

What is neuroscience perspective?

Neuroscience perspective is seeing the world

as a series of motivations, and thoughts, and feelings

[bell ringing] that impact biological

processes and affect how we interact with the world.

How many neurons are in the nervous system?

I don't remember.

[bell ringing] [laughs]

What neurotransmitter controls the somatic nervous system?

The somatic nervous system

is the nervous system associated with sensory information.

For me, that's gonna kind of be

many, all of them?

I mean, impulses are always

regulated by GABA, by glutamate, and

[bell ringing] Acetylcholine is one of them.

Are eyes part of the nervous system?

I love this question.

Yes. [bell ringing]

The retina and the optic nerve

are part of the nervous system.

What are excitatory neurotransmitters?

Excitatory neurotransmitters are transmitters

that have a plus sign, as it were.

They lead to an increase [bell ringing]

in secretion or an increase in activity.

What sends neurotransmitters toward the next neuron?

Oh, I could talk about this for days.

Neurotransmitters are packaged in vesicles

and they move along microtubule filaments

[bell ringing] along the Axon.

What are neurotransmitters and how do they function?

Holy Toledo.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced

in the brain and the body that act on

other parts of the brain and body.

[bell ringing] They are the main

communication module for the nervous system.

They function by binding to receptors

and the binding onto receptors opens up different channels

and activity that then leads to other neurotransmitter

being released. [bell ringing]

How are hormones different from neurotransmitters?

Hormones are typically generated

outside of the nervous system, as it were.

There are neurohormones.

It really depends on what things are acting on,

and why, and how,

but neurotransmitters, typically, are generated

in the central nervous system [bell ringing]

and hormones can be generated and modulated

outside, as well.

How does nicotine affect the nervous system?

Nicotine affects the nervous system

in a lot of excitatory ways. [bell ringing]

Nicotine also does have inhibitory effects

[bell ringing] and can lead to feelings

of relaxation and decrease in agitation.

What is a synapse in the nervous system?

Well, I went to UCLA, and the cafe that we had

in the neuroscience building was called Cafe Synapse

because it's where things come together.

That's right, folks, a synapse is where two neurons meet

[bell ringing] and release information

and that's where things come together.

How does the digestive system work with the nervous system?

Pretty darn well [bell ringing]

for most people!

How does the nervous system and

endocrine system work together?

Well, since my field is psychoneuroendocrinology,

I should know a lot about this, and indeed I do.

The endocrine system is typically the

hypothalamic pituitary axis.

HPA includes the adrenals,

and hormones are released from the pituitary gland,

and then flow through the body and the hypothalamus,

and then become part of the nervous system,

where they affect the brain

and all sorts of behavioral and biological functions.

[bell ringing repeatedly]

They work together really well.

How to keep your nervous system healthy.

Well, this is a wonderful question!

Get a lot of sleep, drink a lot of water,

eat as simply as possible,

[bell ringing] do not drink alcohol at all

if you can avoid it.

[bell ringing] I would say avoid

as much pharmaceutical impact in your life

as is possible, [bell ringing]

and avoid illicit drugs.

They're generally not good for your nervous system.

[bell ringing] Learn how to breathe properly,

meditate, and please go to therapy.

What neurotransmitter causes migraines?

I get migraines and I don't know the answer to this.

I think migraines are caused by stress.

That's my unofficial, non-doctor opinion.

[buzzer ringing] I could list all the people

that give me migraines and none of them

are the names of neurotransmitters.

Is neuroscience a good major?

Hell yeah, it is!

[bell ringing] You get to learn about

the brain and nervous system,

you get to learn about the fact that

we exist, we have consciousness,

we can communicate, we can love, we can hate,

we can change, we can grow, that's why it's

not only a good major, it's a good grounding for life.

[claps hands] So there.

How does caffeine affect the nervous system?

Caffeine affects the nervous system

by doing a lot of excitatory things.

[bell ringing] It increases your heart rate,

it will make you go poop and pee

'cause it's a diuretic, and it does increase

alertness and vigilance,

which also can lead to a crash,

a caffeine crash, and it is addictive,

so it affects the nervous system by

getting the nervous system used to having it

as a normal way to function

and it resets your sense of normal,

so that's why when you quit caffeine,

you go into withdrawal.

How the nervous system works with other systems.

[hums in interest]

The nervous system works with other systems

by being connected through the series of peripheral nerves

that exist, meaning [bell ringing]

all organs send information to the nervous system.

I like to think of the nervous system as

the main system because it's your brain,

your spinal cord, and all of the nerves

that serve the rest of your body,

so it's kind of the master system.

How does the skeletal system work with the nervous system?

Certain skeletal systems support

the most important aspects of the nervous system,

so the skull, this thing,

it's actually the holding place for the brain,

the lobes of the brain, and all the things about the brain,

and the entire vertebral system,

the vertebrae of your spinal cord

are actually protecting a very, very important

passage of information from your brain

to the rest of your body,

so the skeletal system [bell ringing]

is the scaffold to protect the nervous system.

Where are neurotransmitters made?

Neurotransmitters are made anywhere you want them to be.

mostly brain.

In the middle of the brain. [bell ringing]

Yes, all the little parts.

That's a terrible answer. [laughs]

Are cranial nerves part of the central nervous system?

Cranial nerves I think would be considered

the peripheral nervous system. [bell ringing]

Brain, spinal cord, periphery.

For the love of Pete.

How many neurotransmitters are there?

Let's say between three and four dozen.

Is acetylcholine a neurotransmitter?

Yeah, it is. [bell ringing]

How does diabetes affect the nervous system?

Because of the changes in blood glucose levels,

this can cause strain on blood vessels.

[bell ringing] I'm thinking as I'm answering.

There are also cognitive shifts that happen

because of diabetes.

What kind of chemical is released at a synapse?

A neurochemical. [bell ringing]

Also known as a neurotransmitter.

Which neurotransmitter is associated with depression?

That would be serotonin. [bell ringing]

Dopamine sometimes is implicated as well,

and because everybody's brain is different,

not everyone has the same kind of depression,

and if you have depression that is

part of manic depression, you might need

a different kind of treatment or understanding

of your neurotransmitter system.

But classical depression, serotonin.

How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

By communicating every thought,

every movement we have.

[bell ringing] The way that you exist

is because of electrical signals caused by

the release of neurotransmitter.

There's nothing about you, even love,

that cannot be explained by neurotransmitter.

How does alcohol affect the nervous system?

Alcohol's a depressant.

Alcohol will first affect the cells of the cerebellum,

those are the ones back here,

and they affect the things that you most frequently see

when you do a sobriety test.

Your ability to do fine motor control,

to walk a line, to do this one.

It affects the general nervous system

with a lot of psychological and psychiatric impact

that's gonna vary by human,

and alcohol's a toxin, so your body perceives it as such,

and all of the changes that happen when you have alcohol

are essentially your body processing

so that it can get rid of the alcohol.

How does the nervous system

help the body maintain homeostasis?

Well, the nervous system is what maintains homeostasis

[bell ringing] through a lot of

different things.

The hypothalamus is your main friend for this.

The hypothalamus maintains body temperature,

urinary levels, hunger, puberty, circadian rhythms,

basically regulating every single organ system.

Homeostasis is the nervous system, that's its goal.

Is dopamine a neurotransmitter?

[bell ringing] Aw yeah.

with sleep, mood, and appetite?

It really depends on what's happening

with sleep, mood, and appetite.

I'm gonna go ahead and go for [bell ringing]

serotonin will mess up all of those.

What is neuroscience psychology?

Neuroscience psychology, or neuropsych, as we call it,

is an emphasis on

[bell ringing] the underlying nervous system

substrates of psychological phenomenon.

How does cannabis affect the nervous system?

How doesn't cannabis affect the nervous system

really should be this question.

Cannabis affects the nervous system

by binding two cannabinoid receptors, duh,

and those receptors do a lot surrounding relaxation,

relaxation of muscles, literally.

Cannabis stimulates appetite.

If you think of people who use it medicinally,

for example, for chemotherapy,

it can reduce nausea and it has analgesic effects,

it has numbing effects.

That sort of, like, [bell ringing]

high feeling that people report

is typically an ability to have

a strong connection with your sensory systems,

and that can make you feel really, really happy.

What does multiple sclerosis do to the nervous system?

Multiple sclerosis causes demyelination of axons.

[bell ringing] Myelin is the fat

that lines axons, which is how a neuron

communicates information from the cell body

to the dendrites, and once that myelin,

that fat is broken down, it makes it much harder

for electrical impulses to travel.

So, it makes communication between cells harder.

Why nervous system important?

Why is the nervous system important?

Because it is the foundation of your existence as a human,

both physically and metaphysically.

[bell ringing] The brain and the

nervous system, your spinal cord, and all your nerves

are everything about how you interact with the world,

including what you love, what you hate,

how you can even process what I'm saying right now,

and your position in space, and your acknowledgement

that we are hurdling through the universe at high speed

and not flying off the planet,

and we exist now, and we'll exist tomorrow.

All that is your nervous system.

Is epinephrine a neurotransmitter?

Which systems comprise the nervous system?

There's the central nervous system,

that's the brain and the spinal cord,

and there's the peripheral nervous system,

[bell ringing] which is the nerves

on the periphery.

What are nervous system disorders?

There are a lot of nervous system disorders.

Let's see, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's,

muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, pretty much all

of psychiatric challenges.

You know, depression anxiety, [bell ringing]

obsessive compulsive disorder,

dissociative identity disorder,

I could go on. [bell ringing]

It has information that's produced in the brain

that's sent down the spinal cord

to the peripheral nervous system,

receives information from the outside world,

brings it back in, sends it up the spinal cord,

then your brain processes it,

[bell ringing] and you act, and think,

and feel, and exist.

What is the nervous system?

The nervous system is the series of cells

that comprise the brain and the spinal cord

[bell ringing] and allows you to perceive

your body, your feelings,

and interact with the outside world, feel, and think.

Your nervous system is you.

Those were the 50 most googled questions on neuroscience.

Thank you for watching, hope I did okay.

Starring : Mayim Bialik

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COMMENTS

The Truth About Mayim Bialik's Education
So, here's the truth about Mayim Bialik's education. National Geographic points out that with a PhD in neurosciences under her belt, Bialik was one actor on set who really knew what she was talking about. One of the funniest things about Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler is how she intellectually stands toe to toe with Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons).
Mayim Bialik
QUICK FACTS. Name: Mayim Hoya Bialik. Birth Year: 1975. Birth date: December 12, 1975. Birth State: California. Birth City: San Diego. Birth Country: United States. Gender: Female. Best Known For ...
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Chaya Bialik (/ ˈ m aɪ ɪ m b i ˈ ɑː l ɪ k / MY-im bee-AH-lik; born December 12, 1975) is an American actress, author and former game show host.From 1991 to 1995, she played the title character of the NBC sitcom Blossom.From 2010 to 2019, she played neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, for which she was nominated four times for the Primetime Emmy ...
Mayim Bialik, PhD
Mayim earned a BS in neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish studies, as well as a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. She serves as the spokesperson for Texas Instruments, inspiring young women to engage in STEM careers, and she has worked with such brands and organizations as DeVry University, Gillette (Man of Steel Campaign), and Old Navy. She has ...
Why This 'Big Bang Theory' Star Got a Ph.D. in Science
Onetime child star Mayim Bialik earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience, then returned to acting on TV hit The Big Bang Theory —playing a scientist. It's given her a unique view of women's roles, in ...
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik (born December 12, 1975, San Diego, California, U.S.) American television and film actor and neuroscientist best known for her recurring roles on the American situation comedy series Blossom (1990-95), where she played the title role, and The Big Bang Theory (2007-19), where she played the character of Amy Farrah Fowler from 2010 to 2019.
'The Big Bang Theory's' Mayim Bialik Shares Experiences as an Academic
She fell in love with the neuron during her first semester in college, and from there her passion for science took off with a bang. As a trained scientist, Mayim Bialik's portrayal of neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" comes naturally. The show is currently the top-rated comedic television series in the nation, and Bialik uses her celebrity to serve ...
Mayim Bialik shares her STEM inspiration
Mayim Bialik shares her STEM inspiration. The Big Bang Theory actress speaks to the National Science Teachers Association. By Bethany Brookshire. April 7, 2014 at 9:21 am. BOSTON - Mayim Bialik, an actress famous for her role as a neuroscientist on The Big Bang Theory, actually has a neuroscience Ph.D. in real life.
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Then, as she was about to earn her PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles, Bialik became a mother. Although Bialik did get her PhD, parenthood ended her pursuit of a ...
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Your character in The Big Bang Theory, Amy Farrah Fowler, has a PhD in neurobiology - how similar are you to her? ... Mayim Bialik, centre, with Lainie Kazan, left, in the 1988 film Beaches.
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Mayim Bialik. Actress: Beaches. Mayim Bialik grew up in San Diego and got her first acting job (Pumpkinhead (1988)) when she was just 12 years old. A number of TV roles followed until in 1990 she was cast in Blossom (1990), the role which made her famous. By 1993, while Blossom was still airing, she had already won a deferred place at Harvard and was also accepted by Yale but chose...
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Actress Mayim Bialik '00, PhD.'07 who plays delightfully smart, funny and nerdy Amy earned her undergraduate, and doctorate degrees at UCLA. The actress even shares a similar field of study with her TV alter ego - Amy Farrah Fowler holds a doctorate in neuro-biology, while actress Bialik holds a doctorate in neuroscience. From 1991 to ...
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Mayim Bialik. b. December 12, 1975. Actress, author, and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, 2018. Mayim Bialik is an American actor, writer, and neuroscientist. Bialik began acting as a child and rose to fame when she starred in the sitcom Blossom in the 1990s. After the series ended, she pursued higher education, culminating with a PhD in Neuroscience.
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Dr. Mayim Bialik: Education: PhD in neuroscience [source?] Occupation(s) Actress, author: Years active: 1987-present: Spouse(s) Michael Stone (m. 2003-2012, divorced) Children: 2 sons: Website: mayimbialik.net: Mayim Bialik (born December 12, 1975 in San Diego) is an American actress and neuroscientist.
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In conclusion, Mayim Bialik's educational journey is a testament to the importance of pursuing knowledge and utilizing one's intellect. From a young age, she showcased a thirst for learning and her passion for education only continued to blossom throughout her academic endeavors. Through hard work, perseverance, and a keen interest in ...
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Mayim Hoya Bialik is best known for her lead role in the 1990s NBC television sitcom Blossom and for playing neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler in The Big Bang Theory on CBS. For the latter she has received a Critic's Choice Award, a Screen Actors Guild nomination, and four Emmy nominations. Bialik has a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA and a BS in Neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish Studies from ...
Mayim Bialik, Neuroscientist, Author| Convening Leaders 2024
While at UCLA, Bialik was a dedicated student leader in UCLA Hillel, including conducting and writing music for UCLA's Jewish acapella group. Jeopardy! Host, Neuroscientist and Author Mayim Bialik will close the main stage on January 10 at 10:30 a.m. to combine her academic knowledge and experience to dispel the myths and stigma around mental ...
Mayim Bialik Answers 50 of the Most Googled Neuroscience Questions
that would be dopamine as the. [bell ringing] primary neurotransmitter. How information travels in the nervous system. All sorts of crazy ways, up, down, sideways, inside out. Information travels ...

The Truth About Mayim Bialik's Education

Mayim Bialik's PhD helped her play Amy

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