Freya McGhee, a former aspiring chemist, has found success by blending her science background with stand-up comedy. After struggling in college and bombing her dissertation, she discovered humor as a way to engage audiences on STEM topics. Her jokes about science class experiences are gaining viral attention.
Freya McGhee's journey into comedy began with challenges in her academic pursuits. As an aspiring chemist, she attended college but soon realized she was not skilled at chemistry. This led to her bombing her dissertation, prompting a shift in direction.
She enrolled in a stand-up comedy class, where she identified a unique angle for her material. McGhee decided that the best way to discuss STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—was through jokes that poked fun at its complexities and frustrations.
Her approach resonates with those who remember science classes from childhood. As the article's description notes, 'If you stayed awake in science class as a kid, the payoff comes when you get a good laugh out of Freya McGhee’s jokes.' This method has helped her content go viral, making STEM topics more accessible and entertaining.
The Wired article, published on October 13, 2025, highlights how McGhee's style combines personal anecdotes with broader STEM commentary. It opens with: 'Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. An aspiring chemist goes to college, realizes she’s not good at chemistry, and bombs her dissertation.' Through this, McGhee not only shares her story but also encourages laughter as a tool for demystifying science.