Hillary Diane Andales Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Parents, Date Of Birth, Education, Career, Qualifications, Family, LinkedIn, Twitter

Hillary Diane Andales Biography

Hillary Diane Andales is a Filipino astrophysicist-in-training and science communicator who gained global recognition after winning the prestigious 2017 Breakthrough Junior Challenge. This competition required participants to explain complex scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible way, and Hillary’s video on Einstein’s theory of relativity earned her the top spot out of over 11,000 participants from 170 countries. This victory won her a $250,000 scholarship, along with funds for her school and teacher.

After attending the Philippine Science High School, Hillary continued her academic journey at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she graduated in 2023 with a degree in Physics and minors in Astronomy and Science, Technology, and Society (STS).

In addition to her academic work, Hillary is a prominent advocate for making science more accessible and has spoken at international venues, including the United Nations. She continues to inspire many with her dedication to science education and communication.

Hillary Diane Andales Hometown

Hillary Diane Andales is from Abuyog, Leyte, a municipality in the Philippines.

Hillary Diane Andales Age

Hillary Diane Andales is 24 years old as of 2024.

Hillary Diane Andales Parents

Details regarding Hillary Diane Andales parents are not publicly disclosed.

Hillary Diane Andales Early Life

Hillary Diane Andales was born on March 14, 2000, in Abuyog, Leyte, Philippines. Her early life was deeply shaped by her experiences growing up in a rural town and surviving Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded.

From a young age, Hillary demonstrated a keen interest in science and mathematics. She participated in numerous math competitions during her elementary years, including the Metrobank-MTAP DepEd Math Challenge, where she won several championships.

Hillary Diane Andales Educational Background and Qualifications

Hillary Diane Andales’ educational journey is marked by her dedication to both science and communication. She began her academic pursuit at Gabaldon Central School in Leyte, where she participated in various math competitions, often emerging as a champion. Her interest in science led her to attend the Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus, where she focused on physics and participated in international math and science contests​.

A significant milestone in her education came when she entered the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, a global science competition that propelled her into the international spotlight. After winning the competition in 2017 with her explanation of Einstein’s theory of relativity, she earned a $250,000 scholarship.

Hillary ultimately decided to attend the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she graduated in 2023. At MIT, she majored in Physics and minored in both Astronomy and Science, Technology, and Society (STS). During her time at MIT, she was actively involved in research, particularly in astrophysics, at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, and also contributed to physics education research at the MIT Edgerton Center.

Following her graduation, Hillary pursued a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago, focusing on galactic archaeology under Professor Alex Ji.

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Hillary Diane Andales Career and Achievements

Hillary Diane Andales’ career is rooted in her passion for science communication and astrophysics, which gained international recognition after her victory in the 2017 Breakthrough Junior Challenge. Her video on Einstein’s theory of relativity earned her first place among 11,000 participants from 170 countries. This success provided her with significant opportunities, including a $250,000 scholarship and global visibility, leading to her becoming a prominent figure in science communication.

Following this, Hillary’s dedication to science communication took her to numerous platforms where she delivered talks and shared her insights. She was invited to speak at international venues such as the United Nations in Vienna, and her educational content has garnered more than 8 million views worldwide. Her ability to simplify difficult scientific concepts for non-experts is what sets her apart in the science community. Beyond public speaking, Hillary has written articles and appeared in various media outlets advocating for the value of science, especially in life-saving contexts, such as during natural disasters.

In parallel with her communication efforts, Hillary has also pursued research in astrophysics. Her primary research interest is in near-field cosmology, where she studies the formation and evolution of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies, the oldest and faintest galaxies in the universe. As part of her research, she utilizes large-scale computer simulations to understand how these galaxies have developed over time. She conducted much of this research during her time at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, and she continues this work as she embarks on her PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago.

Hillary’s career is also marked by her leadership roles and contributions to the academic community. During her time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), she served as the Vice President of MIT’s Society of Physics Students and held key roles in organizations promoting the advancement of women in physics. She also worked as a Resident Assistant, helping to foster a supportive living environment for students.

In addition to her scientific achievements, Hillary is passionate about science education, particularly the integration of history, philosophy, and sociology (HPS) of physics into teaching. She has worked on educational research projects that aim to bring a more humanistic approach to physics education, recognizing that science is not just about facts and laws, but also about curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Through her work with the MIT Edgerton Center, she is exploring how to make the journey of scientific discovery more relatable to students​.

Hillary Diane Andales Awards and Recognitions

Here’s a list of Hillary Diane Andales’ awards and recognitions:

• Winner, Breakthrough Junior Challenge (2017)
• Special Prize, Breakthrough Junior Challenge (2016)
• Multiple First Honors, Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge
• 8 Million+ Views for Science Communication Content
• Valedictorian, Gabaldon Central School (Grade 6)
• Accepted into 8 PhD Programs at Leading Universities (2023)
• Adobe Digital Literacy Thought Leader (2020)
• Keynote Speaker, Philippine Science Communication Festival (2020)
• Featured Pinoy Scientist (2024)
• Public Speaker at Over 50 Events, Including the United Nations

Hillary Diane Andales Social media presence

Hillary Diane Andales maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms, where she shares her work as a science communicator and astrophysicist-in-training. Her primary social media handles include:

• Instagram: @stellarydiane
• Twitter: @cosmichillarays
• Facebook: Hillary Diane Andales

FAQs

Who is Hillary Diane Andales?

Hillary Diane Andales is a Filipino astrophysicist-in-training, science communicator, and 2017 winner of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, known for her work in making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public.

What did she win in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge?

In 2017, she won the Breakthrough Junior Challenge with her video explaining Einstein’s theory of relativity, earning a $250,000 scholarship, a $100,000 science lab for her school, and $50,000 for her teacher.

Where did she study?

Hillary graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2023, where she majored in Physics and minored in Astronomy and Science, Technology, and Society.

What are her research interests?

Her primary research interest is in near-field cosmology, focusing on how ultra-faint dwarf galaxies—the oldest galaxies in the universe—were formed, using computer simulations.