Meet Aimee, our latest addition to our growing troop of Science Cheerleaders.
Aimee was a cheerleader for the Buffalo Bills, has a Master’s in Mathematics Education and teaches high school mathematics.

SciCheer: Tell me a little about your favorite math courses.
Aimee: I am absolutely a Geometry buff! I love it! My other favorites would have to be History of Mathematics and Linear Algebra

SciCheer: Do you find that your looks (or being a former cheerleader) helped or hindered your professional experiences as a math teacher? (Were you taken seriously?)
Aimee: At first I think people judged me or didn’t take me seriously because I was a cheerleader. I think there’s a misconception that ALL cheerleaders are uneducated. I had to PROVE to them that I was not who they thought I was. I am actually quite the nerd! I mean, come on, I own five different types of graphing calculators and make raps up about math!

SciCheer: Do you have any advice for middle or high school girls who might feel torn between following one dream (cheerleading or dancing) and another (science/engineering/math) ?
Aimee: I tell my students (pictured here with me) on a daily basis that they can do whatever they want. All my students know of my cheering experience in the NFL and that I cheered while pursuing a career in mathematics. My motto is, “Nerds rule the world so let your geek flag fly high!!!”

SciCheer: Most memorable cheerleading experience?
Aimee: My most memorable experience was cheering at the 2007 NFL Pro Bowl. It was absolutely the best feeling in the world to be chosen by my teammates to represent Buffalo. I met so many amazing women throughout the country. They’re all so talented!!!

SciCheer: Most memorable math or teaching experience?
Aimee: I received a letter my first year of teaching from a mother who had thanked me for giving her daughter enough courage to tackle mathematics. Her daughter was a freshman taking Algebra and a Varsity cheerleader. She had not always had the confidence in mathematics because she didn’t have anyone telling her she could do it. With a little work after school a few times a week, she maintained a grade in the 90s and developed enough confidence in her mathematics skills to do very well. Just my love for math and my belief that anyone can do it helped her achieve (according to her mom). It’s really one of the most amazing feelings in the world.

SciCheer: We love hearing things like that. Makes it all worth it! 

Anything you’d like to add that you want people to know?
Aimee: Not only am I in love with math but I also have a secret crush on science! Shhh!

Meet Mari: a Miami Dolphins cheerleader with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. Mari’s the latest addition to our growing troop of Science Cheerleaders!

“Growing up I particularly remember enjoying the annual science projects in elementary and middle
school. I would always choose to study human behavior mixed with some science element (‘Does diabetes affect temperament?’). “

SciCheer: Favorite courses you took to prepare for your degrees, Mari?

Mari: Two courses in graduate school truly stand out: Cross-Cultural Counseling and Educational Psychology: Brain-Based Learning. Both focused on the science of the human brain, how it reacts to certain stimuli, environments, and how learning, behavior, or habits are created. They were intriguing and interactive classes so that kept them fun!

SciCheer: How long have you been cheering for the Dolphins?

Mari: I recently completed my second year as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader- one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!

SciCheer: Which came first: your interest in science or cheerleading?

Mari: I would definitely say my interest in science came first because of how academically oriented I was as a child but I had always had an interest in performing so I picked up on cheerleading and dance more passionately in middle school.

SciCheer: Can you describe a typical day (at work, then cheering…please elaborate)?

Mari: A typical day for me begins early in the morning (7 am) where I head to work at the university and take part in planning and assessing student programs; meeting with students; and/or preparing for the day’s class. After work I head to the stadium and prepare to practice for practice- practice makes perfect!- and then attend our 3-hour practice. I’m usually home by 11pm- unpack, pack for the next day. It’s a demanding schedule, but every ounce of time and effort is worth the experience of belonging to such an amazing organization of women.

SciCheer: Did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders help or hinder your studies or professional experiences? (Are you taken seriously?)

Mari: Professionally, I had been working in my field for three years before I became a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader, so I had not been hindered based on existing stereotypes. I had already had the opportunity to establish myself as a knowledgeable, passionate, and responsible professional. Once I made the team, I was definitely asked a lot of questions by students and colleagues. Still, my colleagues are very supportive of my role with the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders although it is not something that a traditional educator would do. Some students who are aware that I cheer have tested waters by not taking my classes or student programs seriously, but you’d be surprised how their own peers hold them accountable for their behavior- it’s more eye-opening for them than they bargained for.

SciCheer: How do your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?

Mari: My teammates are some of the most supportive and welcoming women I know. Because my profession delves into the science of education, and many of them are college students themselves, they find a great interest in it. It’s unique to see how both my profession and cheerleading intertwine; I’m able to provide my teammates with resources for their success or be someone they can talk to who understands them in ways sometimes friends can’t; I understand their behaviors and/or situations differently- it’s the science of people and learning, I love it!

SciCheer: Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one
dream (cheerleading, etc) and another (a STEM career)?

Mari: My advice is NOT to choose. Instead, challenge yourself to do it all. How well you are disciplined will make the difference. There’s a lot to be said about someone who is willing to move outside the box and explore a dream like cheerleading or becoming a professional in a STEM career. I embrace my “geek” within but also follow my other passion- I’d love for young people to do the same!

SciCheer: Along these lines, what advice would you give your 12-year-old self?

Mari: I would advise my 12-year-old self to keep finding the internal motivation to accomplish goals and prove to myself that I know what my abilities are. Positive thinking goes a long way- use it!

SciCheer: What are your plans for the future?

Mari: My future goals include to continue cheering for the Miami Dolphins and professionally, to pursue a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership within the next three years. I hope to use this degree to teach more classes at the collegiate level, with an emphasis on human behavior.

(Be sure to sign up to receive the totally free and awesome Science Cheerleader Newsletter!)

Meet Erica, the newest addition to our growing troop of Science Cheerleaders (professional cheerleaders-turned-scientists and engineers). Erica’s a Washington Wizards cheerleader (NBA) and a former Washington Redskins cheerleader (NFL).

That’s right, she’s worked for BOTH the National Basketball Association and the National Football League.

Erica also holds two degrees:

a B.S in Health Promotion Disease Prevention Studies from the University of Southern California;
and a MPH, Master’s of Public Health in Community Health Sciences, from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

She’s also an award-winning Public Health Analyst at Health Resources and Services Administration, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services!

“Since I was young, I have always been interested in wanting to help people through advancements in medicine and science,” says Erica. “In addition to it being fun and interesting, you can make a difference in the lives of hundreds or thousands of people! Consider science as a career! Just, never give up on your dream, even if it is difficult to reach.”

Recently, Rebecca (a cheerleader and scientist from Australia) sent me this note:

“I have just found out about your organisation, and I just wanted to say thank you. In Australia, cheer is still a pretty new thing, and a lot of people are still trying to figure out what it is. This year will be my second full year being a cheerleader, and my first as a degree holder (Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Wildlife Biology). I think that the message you are sending around–that just because you are one thing, that doesn’t exclude you from being something else–is something that everyone needs to know. I would love to be involved in something like this!”

You are now, Bec! Let’s introduce you to the SciCheer readers! Thanks for being our new ambassador in Australia!

SciCheer: What turned you on to science and when?
Bec: I have always been interested in the natural world, especially with animals, I just never thought that I would be lucky enough to turn it into a career. A few years ago my boyfriend was looking into attending university, and he asked me to get some information for him. I saw that there was a course offered by Murdoch University in Conservation and Wildlife Biology; the description read, “if you love animals and want to change the world, then this is the degree for you.” I realised that I could spend the rest of my life doing something that I loved.

SciCheer: What is your degree in and from where?
Bec: I have a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Wildlife Biology with a minor in Animal Biology, from Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia.

SciCheer: Favorite and/or least favorite courses you took to prepare for your degree?
Bec: My favourite courses were always those that dealt with animals. Animal diversity, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology. But even my least favourite courses were very interesting, as they helped to show a bigger picture in which everything, animals plants and people, has to work together in order to function.

SciCheer: What team do you cheer for?
Bec: I cheer as part of an All Star cheer gym in Western Australia, Fit 2 Cheer. This year I am on three teams, one cheer team and two dance teams.

SciCheer: What came first, your interest in science or cheerleading?
Bec: I would say science, although, like many little girls, I also wanted to be a cheerleader. Science and the natural world has been accessible to me my whole life, and I’ve been lucky to grow up in a place with such unique flora and fauna. Cheerleading in Australia isn’t as well known as in America, and so until recently I wasn’t even aware that there was an opportunity to pursue the sport, here. I started cheerleading because of a display at university, although I never cheered for my university team, and to be honest I didn’t even know we had one. I started looking into cheer, and discovered that there were cheer gyms near me. I emailed a few, and Fit 2 Cheer got back to me the quickest, and with the friendliest attitude. I went to my first training session, and I was completely hooked from that day forward.

SciCheer: Can you describe a typical day for you?
Bec: While still at university, a typical day could include volunteering at Kanyana (a wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Perth hills) for the morning. I would then drive to uni for lectures or other classes, then drive to the gym for training afterwards. While I have finished my degree now, my days are still filled with volunteering and training, while also looking for a job and trying to increase and improve my skills so that I can eventually get my dream job of being a zookeeper.

SciCheer: Do you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders help or hinder your studies or professional experiences? (Are you taken seriously?)
Bec: I find that cheerleading is still such a new thing in Australia that a lot of people don’t take much notice. I have had varied responses from people but most of the time people know me before they know that I’m a cheerleader, and so the potential negative stereotypes don’t have much effect on my study or career.

SciCheer: How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in biology?
Bec: Most of my team mates call me animal obsessed, which I don’t mind at all. I think some of them are a bit confused how I can even like snakes and lizards, but I show them photos and videos anyway.

SciCheer: Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following different dreams?
Bec: I would just say to follow your heart, and that you don’t have to be any one thing. There’s no reason that you can’t have two different loves. I do, and I know that a lot of other people do too. In the end, it’s all about doing what makes you happy.

SciCheer: Along these lines, what advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Bec: Do what you love, and never be afraid to do something just because you think you won’t be any good. You can surprise yourself.

SciCheer: What are your plans for the future?
Bec: I hope to someday soon become a zookeeper. I plan to do as much volunteer work as I can, and continue pushing myself in cheerleading so that I can be the best person that I can be, physically and mentally.

SciCheer: Best cheerleading experience?
Bec: Traveling to nationals in 2010 with my teams the F2C Sapphires and Opals to compete. Seeing so many cheerleaders in the one place was amazing for me, and the atmosphere is one that I will never forget.

SciCheer: Best science-related experience?
Bec: In January this year I was able to participate in work experience for a week at the Perth Zoo. I worked in the primate section, and being able to see and help take care of so many amazing animals was a wonderful experience. Being able to talk to all of the keepers there and see how they all contribute to conservation work was also really special for me.

SciCheer: What turned you on to science and when?
Ada: As a child I had the desire to study medicine and determined at a very young age that when I went to college, I would major in biology.

SciCheer: What is your degree in and from where?
Ada: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University

SciCheer: Favorite and/or least favorite courses you took to prepare for your degree?
Ada: I liked the clinical portion of nursing school when we got to take care of patients directly. The experience provided a great deal of learning by placing me in real life situations.

SciCheer: When did you cheer for the Texans?
Ada: 2006-2007 Season

SciCheer: Which came first? Your interest in science or cheerleading?
Ada: I would have to say my interest in science came first. My career path was decided before I reached middle school, I started taking interest in cheerleading in high school.

SciCheer: Can you describe a typical day for you?
A typical work day is comprised of:
• Treating patients holistically: addressing their mind, body and spirit
• Effectively communicating with other members of the health care team to assure that we are working together to meet a patient’s goals
• Evaluating lab results, vital signs and determining how the values may affect a patient’s care and health
• Serving as a mentor and leader to nursing students and other staff
• Help to provide a positive patient care experience.

SciCheer: Did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? (Were you taken seriously?)
Ada: I do not think that I was directly affected by any cheerleader stereotype especially during my professional experience. At times doctors or patients would find out that I was a cheerleader from co-workers who were so proud of me, however any negative perception was quickly dropped once they encountered my poise, expertise and professionalism.
 
SciCheer: How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?
Ada: They were very respectful of my career choice.

SciCheer: Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream (cheerleading, etc) associated with beauty and following another (a STEM career) usually associated with, well, geeks?
Ada: My advice is this: if you love them both, then do both. There is nothing wrong with following two dreams. You’ll have to be prepared for the hard work but it is not an impossible task.
 
SciCheer: Along these lines, what advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Ada: Don’t be afraid to try a dream, it’s never too late, however the sooner you, start the better the bigger your dream has the potential of becoming!

SciCheer: What are your plans for the future?
Ada: My future plans involve having the best of both worlds. Although I am no longer a cheerleader, I currently perform on a fitness performance team, which helps to promote exercise and health. In the science realm I am planning to further my education in science to perhaps becoming a nurse practitioner.

SciCheer: Best cheerleading experience?
Ada: Walking out of the tunnel at the Reliant Stadium for the first time. As a team we had worked so hard together but there is nothing like the sound of those fans!

SciCheer: Best science-related experience?
Ada: My best science related experience involves teaching. I love educating patients, peers and students about anatomy and physiology, or perhaps pharmacology (and the way that medications affect the body). Knowing that I have helped someone is priceless.

Meet more Science Cheerleaders!

As part of our ongoing effort to playfully challenge stereotypes and inspire more girls to consider careers in science, I’d like to introduce you to Jenna. She’s a former Cardinals cheerleader with a passion for meteorology.
SciCheer: Ok, Jenna…why meteorology?
Jenna: It’s somewhat of mystery that I’m a weather broadcaster now! As a kid, science was my least favorite subject. It wasn’t until college that I discovered I was good with–and enjoyed–natural sciences and journalism. I have a degree in Broadcasting from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. With that degree and some weather training I’m qualified to be a weather forecaster and TV reporter. However most larger TV markets prefer their weather team to have a degree in meteorology and the appropriate weather seals. Since I discovered my love for weather later on in college I decided to finish my journalism degree, get a forecasting job, and then continue my meteorology education when the time was right so that I might be able to pursue a meteorology career.

S.C.: How’d you get to be a weather forecaster?
Jenna: I originally went into college as a double major in Dance and Business and like most students I changed my area of study several times. Eventually I stuck with a major in broadcasting. At the time my goal was to become a sports sideline reporter. The summer before my senior year I took an internship at WNDU-TV in South Bend, IN. I was told that the sports intern position had already been filled, but I could be a weather intern and still intern with the sports reporters when I had time. I like to say that’s when “I got bit by the weather bug.” I had a wonderful team of meteorologist mentors who opened my eyes to just how awesome weather is. I went back to school that fall and began taking meteorology classes then became the weather forecaster for our school’s live PBS broadcast, Cronkite NewsWatch. After graduation the job search was on and I eventually got an offer from WJBF-TV in Augusta, GA where I work now as a Weekend Weather Forecast and Reporter.

S.C.: Can you describe a typical day at work?
Jenna: I wear two hats at my job. On the weekends I’m a weather forecaster and during the week I’m either filling-in for the other meteorologists or reporting on environmentally related stories. During the week I keep updated on weather trends so that I know what to expect when I go in for the evening forecasts on Saturdays and Sundays. Once I’m at work I gather data from various weather sources and determine my forecast for the next seven days. From there I create my weather graphics for a 6, 10, and 11 o’clock newscasts. Even though I start working at 2:30 in the afternoon, the weather is constantly changing and so I’m constantly updating my data and forecast all the way up to the final minutes before a show. I typically finish up work around midnight, but if there’s severe weather heading our way I stay and track the storm until another meteorologist can relieve me.

S.C.: So, why aren’t we able to predict weather forecasts with 100% accuracy with all the technology we have these days?
Jenna: Weather is a science because it can be observed, tested, and theorized, but it’s not an exact science. There’s actually a lack of technology development for weather forecasting and analysis. Since having an accurate, long-term forecast can help save lives I would love to see more funding to support developing such technologies.

S.C.: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your career?
Jenna: I don’t read a prompter! The most common question I get is, “So, how is it reading the weather off of that prompter?” No prompter. I setup my weather forecast, make sure I understand how the weather systems are going to play out for the next few days, then on live TV tell my viewers the “story” about the upcoming weather.

S.C.: Ok, let’s talk about your “other” life. When did you cheer for the Cardinals?
Jenna: 2008 into 2009 when the Arizona Cardinals made it to Super Bowl XLIII.

S.C.: Did being a cheerleader help or hinder your career aspirations?
Jenna: I’ve had mixed reactions from people. In my initial job search I had “NFL Cheerleader” on my résumé. Most reactions I received fell under two categories. There were those who were interested in that fact and couldn’t stop asking me questions about my NFL experience. Then there were others who would raise their eyebrows and, it seemed to me, pin me in as a blonde bimbo right off the bat. Both reactions were a distraction to my ultimate goal of a career in a science field. Eventually I took the extracurricular off of my résumé and allowed people to get to know who I was as a person before I told them about being a professional cheerleader.

S.C.: What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Jenna: Thinking back to when I was twelve I was scared and lonely. Middle school was a tough time for me. But if 12-year-old Jenna could see me now I know she would have the confidence to walk tall and know that she’s on the right path.

S.C.: What are your plans for the future?
Jenna: Once I receive my meteorology degree and seals I plan to work as a broadcast meteorologist. I’d like to live in Chicago or New York City as either a top market or network meteorologist.

S.C.: Best cheerleading experience?
Jenna: Visiting and performing for the American troops in Australia was one of the best cheerleading experiences I’ve had. After one of our performances in Alice Springs the cheer team piled into our transport van and we headed home for the night. One of the generals stopped our car before we made it on the road. We opened the door to see this big, burley man in tears. He told us how much he and the troops and families appreciated our time there. He said our performances brought them joy and we made them feel at home when we took the time to sit aside and chat with them. What an amazing experience to bring about such emotion from a truly touched person.

S.C.: Best science-related experience?
Jenna: Tracking my first severe thunderstorm on live television was my best science-related experience. Once severe weather strikes people need to know where it’s at, what it’s doing, and where it’s going next. Tracking severe weather ignites a fire in my veins and it’s very fast-paced. My first storm track was a little rough, but I had my chief meteorologist there with me to make sure I didn’t miss any of the important facts. Once I got off the air the Chief looked at me and said, “You were just on-air for 45 minutes. You did well.” “Forty-five minutes?!” I said, “It felt like five!”

 Meet Joanna, our newest Science Cheerleader. Joanna is a rookie cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens (the Ravens have 6+ cheerleaders pursuing science/tech careers!). Joanna joined the Science Cheerleaders when we kicked off the Philadelphia Science Festival with the Philly Phanatic and the Mayor of Philly!
Let’s learn more about Joanna:
S.C.: Joanna, what turned you on to science and when?
Joanna: My Senior year of high school I took Earth and Space Systems Science as an elective and fell in love right then. I had never taken so well to any other subject in school. I completely understood the processes and material I was taught and knew that I would like to study some type of earth science in college.

S.C.: What is your degree in and from where?
Joanna: I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology with a minor in Meteorology from Marshall University. I would love to go through grad school at some point. But right now I am focusing on moving up in my career and the company I work for.

S.C.: Favorite and/or least favorite courses you took to prepare for your degree?
Joanna: Favorite was definitely Geomorphology in part because I had a great professor and he made it very easy to understand the scale processes we were being taught. Almost all geology classes at Marshall required camping field trips and the geomorphology camping field trip was the best. We went to the Shenandoah National Park where we would go to the overlooks and study the large landscapes and the beautiful rolling hills and tall mountains. It was a great experience! It is hard to pick my least favorite course I had to take, but definitely the course I had the hardest time with was Physics 2. Fortunately, I had a great tutor that helped get me through it!

S.C.: How long have you been cheering for the Ravens? 
Joanna: This is my first year, I am a rookie. I could not be more excited! At Marshall University I was on the dance team and we danced at the football and basketball games, it was so much fun, but I have a feeling cheering and dancing for a NFL team is going to be magical. I cannot wait to get those goose bumps stepping onto the field for the first time!

S.C.: Which came first? Your interest in science or cheerleading?
Joanna: Definitely cheerleading. I have been a dancer since I was 5. I have been on many different dance teams and competed in many different competitions, but my greatest accomplishment was when I received that Bachelor of Science degree!

S.C.: Did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? (Were you taken seriously?)
Joanna: It really depends. People tend to not take me too seriously; I am a blonde-haired, bubbly gal. You cannot blame people for judging you upon appearance because we all do it; it is part of our society. In my case stereotypes fuel my success. People never expect me to be a scientist, they never expect me to have a science background. It is a great feeling when I tell people I am an Environmental Scientist because the reaction is always a rewarding experience. The second people find out I am a scientist and have a science degree they take me seriously. Opinions can be easy to sway, and I assume I will be breaking stereotypes most of my life.

S.C.: How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?
Joanna: They are proud and impressed. We are all professional and successful women and men and we all support each other in our careers, education and goals!
 
S.C.: Glad you mentioned the men. I had no idea there were ANY professional, male cheerleaders. I understand the Ravens have them! I’ll be interviewing those men soon! In the interim, do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream (cheerleading, etc) and following another (a STEM career)?
Joanna: You can have it all! There is no reason why someone pursuing science in college and as a career cannot be a cheerleader. There are plenty of us college and NFL cheerleaders who are in pursuing STEM careers. It takes hard work and long hours to do both but it is so rewarding.
 
S.C.: Along these lines, what advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Joanna: Try not to let other kids bother you. Younger girls, much like myself at 12 years old, lack so much confidence. You have to rise above and find what is comfortable for you, because in the end you are the deciding factor in where your life goes. And don’t forget, your mom is always right, trust me
 
S.C.: What are your plans for the future?
Joanna: I plan on being very successful in my professional, cheerleading and personal life. I plan on never losing touch with my hardworking-self. Nothing comes too easy and being a dancer my entire life and studying science have proven that to me. Hard work pays off.
 
S.C.: Best cheerleading experience?
Joanna: I don’t even know where to begin. It is hard to rank my experiences. My few favorites were performing at NFL halftimes with my college dance team, traveling to nationals and competing on the national level in Daytona, FL, and of course making the Ravens Cheerleaders. One of my goals in life was to become an NFL cheerleader and there is nothing more rewarding then chasing your dreams and reaching your goals!
 
S.C.: Best science-related experience?
Joanna: Giving my capstone presentation. Senior year geology majors are required to work on a final project in order to complete credits for graduation. For my capstone I did a meteorology internship at a local news station and also worked on and completed Flash Flood Potential Impact Maps for the National Weather Service in Charleston, WV. My entire college career led up to that point. I had worked extremely hard and felt such relief when I completed my capstone(s) and was able to present my accomplishments to my professors. I received an ‘A’ for my Capstone Experience and I felt I could accomplish anything after completing all of that.

S.C.: Anything you’d like readers to know about you?
Joanna: Something interesting about me is that I have 4 sisters, one being my identical twin sister. I am extremely close with my sisters and my parents; they support me through everything and helped me excel in college, getting a job and making the Raven Cheerleaders! My most memorable science memory is camping with my best friend and digging for minerals in Hiddenite, NC. It’s so much fun going on geology excursions!

Here’s a guest blog post from Amanda (former St. Louis Rams cheerleader currently pursuing her medical degree at Columbia University!:

Dear Science Cheerleader fans, this is your Science Cheerleader, Amanda. Currently, I am a third year medical student at Columbia University studying to be a doctor. Medical school is a four year professional school (which means a bachelor’s degree is required); at the end of this training, one receives a medical degree, also known as an M.D. The first two years of medical school, the preclinical years, consists of studying how the body works and how the body gets sick. The last two years of medical school focus on learning how to make people better by spending time in the hospital talking to patients, examining them, assessing their medical status daily and learning how to manage their care (i.e what prescriptions they need, setting up discharge plans).

I’m excited because I just started my surgery rotation. On a typical day, I wake up at about 4:30 AM, put on my scrubs (hospital gear) and head to the hospital. At 5 AM, I check on my assigned patients, seeing how they are feeling, touching base with the nurses about any overnight events, examining patients and changing dressings. At 6AM, the surgical team and I meet to talk about all the patients in our care to make sure we are on the same page about the plans of care for the day. At 7:30AM I scrub into my first case which could be anything from repairing a hernia to removing cancer. As a medical student not yet trained as a surgeon, my job is basically to retract the incisions, suction and to help close the field by suturing or stapling the wound shut (always under the direction of many surgeons!) The remainder of my day consists of scrubbing in on other surgeries, writing pre-operative or progress notes, going to didactic sessions where surgeons sit down with 2-4 students for a couple hours to teach, or studying on my own. Every 4th day, I spend 24 hours in the hospital, typically without sleeping, just in case any trauma cases come in. When I have free time, I can study or sometimes check out my favorite blog Science Cheerleader but mostly, I study.

In medical school there is a LOT of studying. During surgeries or when rounding on patients a doctor can easily stop the conversation, turn to the medical student and in front of the whole team ask a question like: “This patient has Crohn’s disease, what is the most common indication for surgery in Crohn’s disease?” As a student you better say “small bowel obstruction.” No one expects the students to answer all the questions correctly because medical school is a learning experience; however, it is important to demonstrate that you are learning and reading on your own. At the end of the five-week rotation that concludes with a clinical skills test and a 2 and a half hour written exam. After this, I get to celebrate for a weekend before starting another rotation.

That’s the third year of medical school in a nutshell but if you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to send in questions. Just email me at penpal@sciencecheerleader.com ! Gooooooooooo Science!

Kristen is one of 10 Science Cheerleaders who will perform at NASA’s headquarters on 3/16 as part of a White House initiative to celebrate Women’s History Month! She’s a Baltimore Raven’s cheerleader and a high school science teacher.

SciCheer: Kristen, what turned you on to science?
Kristen: My parents sparked an interest in science and math for me and my sister, as kids. My dad’s an electrician and my mom’s a math and computer teacher.

SciCheer: What is your degree in and from where?
Kristen: University of Maryland, College Park; Secondary Education with a specialization in chemistry
SciCheer: Favorite course you took to prepare for your degree?
Kristen: I loved the chemistry lab classes.  I really enjoy hands-on science learning.

SciCheer: How long have you been cheering for the Ravens?
Kristen: 5 years (2000-2003, 2009, 2010)

SciCheer: Which came first, your interest in science or cheerleading?
Kristen: My interest in science came first.  I entered and won my first science fair in second grade.  I still remember my project.  I investigated how light, temperature and soil affect seed germination.

SciCheer: Can you describe a typical day at work?
Kristen: I teach science, coach a varsity cheerleading team and cheer for Ravens.
My day starts at  5:00 am and I usually get home around 10:30 pm on the days we have Ravens practice.
You really have to love what you’re doing to tolerate a schedule like that!
SciCheer: Did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? (Were you taken seriously?)
Kristen: Stereotypes exist everywhere.  You either allow them to help you or hinder you.  I’ve always used any negative feedback to fuel my success!

SciCheer: How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?
Kristen: They think it’s impressive!

SciCheer: Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream (cheerleading, etc)  and following another such as a STEM career)?
Kristen: Don’t ever feel compelled to choose between one or the other or feel that you fit one image but not the other.  You can fulfill both dreams.

SciCheer: Along these lines, what advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Kristen: Do the things that make you happy and that satisfy your dreams, without worrying about peer pressure and what anyone else perceives you to be.  In other words, stay true to yourself!

SciCheer: What are your plans for the future?
Kristen: I am continuing my science education and working towards earning my master’s degree in Nutrition.  I also have plans to raise a family while continuing to teach science.

SciCheer: Best cheerleading experience?
Kristen: In 2003 I was selected to represent the Ravens on a military services tour to Japan and Korea.

SciCheer: Best science-related experience?
Kristen: It is very satisfying and fulfilling when former students come back to visit and tell me that I’ve inspired them to pursue a science career.

Sammi Jo, an 8th grade science teacher and Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, and nine other Science Cheerleaders will participate in the 3/16 Science Cheerleaders’ performance at NASA HQ in Washington D.C. as part of the White House’s celebration of Women in Science!

Let’s meet Sammi Jo now. Wait until you hear about the ridiculous commute she made during her rookie year as a procheerleader. Now THAT’s dedication.

SciCheer: So, what turned you on to science and when?
Sammi Jo: For as long as I can remember, I have always loved science. I am particularly captivated by earth and space science topics like meteorology, astronomy, geology and oceanography.   When I was younger, extreme weather always fascinated me. I was also mesmerized by the beautiful night sky full of stars and I was constantly digging in the rocks and dirt outside my house on a fossil hunt! I also love chemistry and think the periodic table is the coolest (shhh don’t tell!) I had two wonderful science teachers in high school that also inspired my career path. (Special “shout outs” to Mrs. Gajewski & Mr. Brandt!)

SciCheer: Tell us about your degrees.
Sammi Jo: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Space Science Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Education – Curriculum and Instruction– from Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania.  I love children and science, so I combined my two passions.

SciCheer: How long have you been cheering for the Ravens?
Sammi Jo: I have been cheering with the Ravens for three awesome years and this year I have the honor as serving as one of the co-captains on the dance team.
SciCheer: Congratulations! Which came first? Your interest in science or cheerleading?
Sammi Jo: Both science and cheerleading have been my true passions throughout life but I would say cheerleading and dance came first (I started dance lessons when I was four years old).

SciCheer: Can you describe a typical day?

Sammi Jo: That’s the beauty of my job(s). Every day is a different. Eighth graders keep me on my toes and I always have new, exciting experiences through cheering and participating in appearances for the Ravens. I must say that my daily schedule has lightened up since my first year on the team, since I have actually moved to Baltimore now.  During my rookie season with the Ravens, I lived and taught near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  I would finish teaching for the day at 2:30 pm, get in my car and drive 218 miles to Baltimore for 6:30-9:30 practice, stay overnight at a townhouse I rented with some friends in Baltimore, then wake up at 3:15 am to make the 218 mile trek back to PA for work.  It was a lot of time management, balance, dedication and determination to pull me through that first year, but I’ve always been a person who doesn’t let anything stand in the way, not even a 436 mile round trip!
SciCheer: That’s insane! I’ll no longer brag about my (former) daily, train commute from Philly to NYC (I got to sleep, eat, work, read, and socialize at least!). Ok, did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? (Were you taken seriously?)
Sammi Jo: Both.  There have been times when I have not been taken seriously, but that motivated me to prove myself even more.   Being a Ravens cheerleader has proven to be a great conversation starter. Before my move, when I was interviewing for a teaching job in Maryland, I found that most schools thought it was awesome and were excited to have a role model especially for their young female students.  At one of my teaching interviews, I overheard a conversation about me being a cheerleader between principals before the actual interview (they were making fun of it): “Maybe she can tell us how the fireworks work at the stadium.”  During the interview, I realized  I was not being taken seriously.  When asked to give them an example of a chemistry lesson, I told them about a lab I do to show how colors are produced in fireworks by burning different metal salts.  I proceeded to tell them how there are two main mechanisms of color production in fireworks, incandescence and luminescence and how the incandescence of iron (with carbon) produced a gold colorant and how a mixture of strontium (red) and copper (blue) compounds produced purple colorant… “Much like the fireworks set off in the Ravens stadium on game day,” I added.

SciCheer: ZING. Nice one. How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?
Sammi Jo: They’ve always been very supportive and know that I am a huge science nerd at heart.

SciCheer: Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream (cheerleading, etc) and following another (a STEM career)?
Sammi Jo: I say never ever feel torn between the two.  Dream big and NEVER let a stereotype stop you.  Instead let that be your inspiration and motivation to put the common stereotype to rest.  Pride yourself on being unique and never be afraid to go after exactly what you want.

SciCheer; Along these lines, what advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Sammi Jo: Dream BIG.  Anything is possible.  You build your own happiness in life, so set out to do EXACTLY what you want to do. Don’t ever depend on someone else to make you happy.

SciCheer: What are your plans for the future?
Sammi Jo: I plan to continue teaching and possibly pursue teaching at the college level one day.  I also want to continue cheering as long as my body allows me to and I would like to have a family of my own one day.

SciCheer: Best cheerleading experience?

Sammi Jo:  Everything about the last three years as a Ravens cheerleader.  It has helped me grow and mature in so many areas of my life.  Also, every game day, there is nothing like the feeling of running out of the M&T Bank stadium tunnel to the tune of 70,000 screaming fans! Another wonderful cheerleading experience was coaching at the varsity level at my alma mater high school when I taught in Pennsylvania. I will never forget watching my girls (and also my younger sister, who was on the team at the time) do their very first routine under my direction as head coach.

SciCheer: Best science-related experience?
Sammi Jo: Studying geology in the Bahamas while in college.  I also love just about every day in my 8th grade Earth Science classroom!