Dr Merritt Moore is a quantum physicist, professional ballet dancer, and innovator at the intersection of science and the arts. She earned her undergraduate degree in physics from Harvard University and completed her PhD in Atomic and Laser Physics at the University of Oxford. Moore currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, where she teaches Creative Robotics & Tech, a pioneering course that blends innovation, entrepreneurship, science, and technology.
In parallel with her academic career, Moore trained and performed as a professional ballet dancer with leading companies including the English National Ballet, Norwegian National Ballet, Zurich Ballet, and continues to perform with the Boston Ballet. During the global pandemic, she began integrating her dual passions by programming and performing with robots, an initiative that has captured international attention.
Her groundbreaking performances with robotic collaborators have been showcased on global stages such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Forbes Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi, and WORLD.MINDS events across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. These innovative projects have led to collaborations with Louis Vuitton and media features in TIME, Financial Times, Vogue, and the BBC. In recognition of her interdisciplinary work, she was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.
Moore was also one of 12 candidates selected for the BBC Two series Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?.
