The Gravity of Leaving Science for the Circus

Julia Ruth started her career as a physicist in a variety of laboratories, but traded the lab for the stage and now performs nationally and internationally as a circus artist. Ruth’s introduction to research occurred at age 17 working in the physics department at the University of Maryland. She spent the next 5 years in labs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), concurrently participating in research and obtaining her undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics and geophysics, respectively. Simultaneously, Ruth found a new hobby by joining her college's gymnastic and acrobatic performance club. Through this, she fell in love with stage performance; her drive to entertain led her to the world of circus after her undergraduate graduation. Torn between her deep interest in physics and her passion for acrobatics, Ruth ultimately chose to utilize her youth and athletic ability and prioritize performance. She continues to contribute to the field of physics through education. The execution may be vastly different, but Ruth has been drawn to both physics and acrobatics due to the positive impact each has on the world. Physics and circus share a surprising amount of similarities and Ruth's life has found a marriage between the two, with each enriching the other. Ruth's untraditional career has brought her joy, balance, and life-changing opportunities.