Who is Derek Muller?
Derek Muller is a science communicator and YouTuber, known for creating the popular YouTube channel Veritasium. He was born in Canada and received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Sydney in Australia. After completing his Ph.D., Derek began creating videos on science and education on YouTube, with a focus on making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. His channel, Veritasium, has amassed over 8 million subscribers and covers a wide range of topics including physics, psychology, and technology. In addition to his work on YouTube, Derek has also written articles for various scientific publications and appeared on numerous television shows and podcasts. He also has written a book “The Art of Science Communication” in which he shares his experience and knowledge about how to communicate science effectively.
Early Life:
Derek grew up in Vancouver, Canada. So he is mostly Canadian. Mostly because his family was South African. After his parents got married they moved to Vancouver where his two old sisters were born. But Derek was born in Australia. And that's because his dad was working there as an engineer at a pulp and paper million at that time.
How Derek Muller got his interest into science?
Derek had a strong passion for science from a young age. He did one baking soda and vinegar experiment during school time. And that's how he started developing his interest into science.
In high school, he selected all physics, chemistry & biology subjects. It's because he found those subjects both challenging and very fulfilling.
Derek had a very competitive nature. He always wanted to excel get the top grades. And that's what exactly happened. There were 425 students in his graduation class and Derek graduated as top ranker out of those.
After high school, Derek went to Queens University in Canada. There he studied engineering physics. Derek chose engineering over pure science because he wanted to study practical and applicable side of these things.
His final year engineering project was designing, modelling and building a wind turbine. They designed that turbine from ground up. And that project was a satisfying end to his degree.
Beginning of a filmmaker journey:
From the time of young age, Derek loved acting and singing. When he was 11 years old, he played role of Tiny Tim on stage of Christmas carol in downtown Vancouver. Throughout highschool, he played various plays and musicals. He played the French horn in number of bands and orchestra.
Even throughout his engineering, he enlisted his engineering friends to make videos. The was way before when there was anything like YouTube. They used to make silly comedy videos that included ninjas and vampires, yetis, big foots, private detectives, etc.
There was something about filmmaking that he just fundamentally loved. So when he came to do his PhD, he was looking to merge his passion and interests in teaching, in physics and in films. And that's why he decided to do his PhD in physics education research.
His PhD subject was “Designing effective multimedia for physics education.“
In his thesis he explained how films and multimedia can be used to effectively teach science and physics. And that's exactly he started doing later. He started making videos to explain complex science concepts in fun way.
And that's how Veritasium was born.
Success story of Veritasium:
When he started making videos, his goal was he will start from very basics concepts in science like “What is an atom?“. And then will move on to complex topics like stars, black holes and quantum mechanics. But it didn't go as planned. As YouTube algorithms didn't allowed him to do so.
So he started making videos on more popular and engaging trending topics. And this strategy worked! His channel started growing at a very good rate. He collaborated with many other science youtubers like Vsauce, Physics Girl, Minute Physics, Mark Robber and many others.
Derek gave his first TED Talk at Sydney on 27 May 2012.
Derek Muller Family:
Derek lives with his wife Raquel Nuno & their three kids. His father name is Anthony & mother's name is Shirley.
Derek Muller Wife:
His wife Raquel is a planetary scientist and a PhD student. Derek and Raquel got married back in December 2015. They both have a very good relationship.
Derek also has two sisters- Kirstie Muller and Marilouise.
Veritasium Net Worth:
Veritasium’s net worth is around $8.5 million in 2023. He earns his money through different revenue sources.
His primary source of income is his YouTube channel. Apart from that, he also earns from video sponsors, affiliate commissions & from his Patreons.
Recently he also have started hosting TV shows and documentaries. In 2008 he did one show called ABC's Catalyst and Bill Nye Saves the World. He also did two documentaries called Uranium: Twisting the Dragon’s Tail, and Vitaminia: The Sense and Nonsense of Vitamins.
Veritasium First Video:
Some of my other favorite videos of Veritasium:
Personal information and biography:
Real Name: Derek Muller
Father Name: Anthony Muller
Mother Name: Shirley
Sister Name: Martini
Email id: “askveritasium@gmail.com”, “derek@veritasium.com”
Phone No/Mobile No: NA
Wife Name: Raquel Nuno
Social Accounts:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Veritasium a real element?
Veritasium is not a real element. It is a made-up name which is a combination of the Latin word “veritas” meaning “truth,” and the suffix “-ium” which is commonly used to denote an element. The name Veritasium was likely chosen as the name of Derek Muller's YouTube channel because it reflects his goal of presenting accurate and truthful information about science to his audience. It's a brand name of the YouTube channel he runs and its not a scientific term.
Is Derek Muller scientist?
He is a science youtuber, not a scientist.
Why Derek Started Veritasium?
Because he always wanted to be a filmmaker. As a kid he loved doing plays & musical
Why does Veritasium has 42.0 mass no?
Because that's the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything from hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.
What is the meaning of Veritasium?
Veritasium means an element of truth. (It's a made up name).
What are some other similar channel like Veritasium?
There are many great youtube channels similar to Veritasium. Channels like Vsauce, Mark Robber, Physics girl, Minute Physics, Aperture, SciShow, PBS Space Time, etc.
Where does Veritasium live?
He currently lives in Los Angeles, US.
Who is Veritasium on YouTube?
Derek Muller is the founder of Veritasium. He is the man behind this channel called Veritasium.