Prologue to Greatness: Author, Astrophysicist, and Mentor
At just 24 years old, Maryam Esmat’s life already reads like a greatest hits album.
Recognized on Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 for her groundbreaking work in astrophysics, and named the youngest published author in the Middle East, Maryam has achieved what many spend a lifetime pursuing. Yet, if you ask her where we are in her story, she’ll tell you something unexpected:
We’ve only read the prologue.
Born and raised in Giza, Egypt, Maryam grew up in a home filled with books, curiosity, and academic rigor. Her love for science and storytelling emerged from the intersections of history, culture, literature, and the human psyche. Today, she is pursuing her Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University, continuing to push boundaries in both science and narrative.
In this episode, Maryam reflects on identity, intellectual curiosity, mentorship, and the courage to dream beyond geography. She speaks about studying abroad in the United States, challenging misconceptions about international students, and blending astrophysics with creative writing in ways that redefine what it means to be multidimensional.
Her journey reminds us that greatness is not a destination — it’s a mindset.
And her story is only just beginning.
Episode Summary
03:09 – Maryam introduces us to her childhood in Giza, Egypt, and the city that shaped her.
03:53 – Growing up in a household of readers, academics, and endless books.
05:06 – How her parents’ interests in history and culture sparked her passion for science.
06:05 – Why the U.S. liberal arts education model drew her to study abroad.
07:32 – How her family supported her decision to pursue education in the U.S.
11:19 – Reflections on how perceptions of her journey have changed over time.
13:30 – Observations on the geographic and cultural diversity of the United States.
15:06 – Misconceptions U.S. residents may hold about international students.
17:49 – An overview of her award-winning novel, The Escaping Flashback, and its inspiration.
20:30 – How she grounds her writing in science, human interaction, and psychology.
22:05 – Looking back on her creative writing thesis at Lycoming College, The Evolution of Storytelling in Egypt.
25:13 – The next story Maryam hopes to tell.
