Please welcome Brianna, one of 13 Science Cheerleaders to be found on the New England Patriots cheerleading squad.Look for them on TV on Super Bowl Sunday!

Chemistry, Brianna?
Brianna: Chemistry enables you to explore what goes on at the molecular level that gives rise to what we observe. And it is a spiraling curriculum that builds upon previous semesters, resulting in the synthesis of information and thus fulfilling my expectations.Of all the chemistry classes that I took during my college years, organic chemistry has interested me the most. I liked being able to follow reactions step by step and understand the movement of electrons.

Tell me a little more about your majors.
Brianna: I am a double major in chemistry and biology and a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Health Pre-professional Honor Society as well as the Liberal Arts Honors Program at Providence College where I’m a recipient of the Liberal Arts Honors St. Catherine of Siena Scholarship and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship. I am pursuing a minor in dance, as well, and will be graduating in May 2012.

Why did you try out to be a professional cheerleader?
Brianna: All members of my family are devout Patriots fans, even the dogs! For Christmas, my mom even got me Patriots scrubs. Being a Patriots Cheerleader has always been a dream of mine. I looked into it online and found that the auditions were the weekend I was home for spring break. My mom was the only person I told about this far-fetched goal. Then I made it! It has been such an honor to be a part of the CNBC #1 ranked NFL squad and to cheer for the reigning AFC Champions, the New England Patriots! What a season! Along with the indescribable feeling of being on the field at Gillette Stadium, my favorite part of being a Patriots Cheerleader would have to be the many opportunities to partake in promotional work, which oftentimes consists of meeting with business owners who sponsor the team. From visiting children at hospitals to participating in cancer walks, volunteerism is a fundamental part of being on the cheering squad. In particular, working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is one experience that I’ll never forget.

Which came first, your interest in science or cheerleading?
Brianna: I was always considered a “geek” at school, there is no doubt about that. I quickly garnered that reputation in high school, especially after taking seven Advanced Placement courses.But dance has always had a profound impact on my life. One of my fondest childhood memories was dancing the role of Clara in Boston Dance Company’s, The Nutcracker

What’s a typical day like?
Brianna: I wake up and go to classes, which consist of Comparative Anatomy with a lab, Physiology with a lab, Cell Signaling, Liberal Arts Honors Tolstoy Colloquium, and Intermediate Ballet. On Tuesdays, I’ll be working on either my cat or shark dissection in Anatomy Lab before heading off to either practice or a promotional event. Practice can include public speaking and media preparation as well as partaking in fitness training which includes Insanity, P90X, and running the ramps at Gillette Stadium. After a long day, I return to my residence hall where I am on duty as a Resident Assistant. I am responsible for over 50 freshman girls, and besides upholding the mission of Providence College, I also act as an important resource to engage the girls in campus involvement, enforce college policy, and provide counseling when dealing with different situations. Each year I bring residents to volunteer at the Special Olympics basketball tournament as well as the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. During the holidays I organize a Support Our Troops program to make cards for deployed alumni of the Providence College ROTC program. This past year, a stationed alumnus actually wrote back to the ROTC office saying how much the cards from my residents meant to him. From these service experiences, I’ve definitely learned how important it is to use your gifts and talents to give back and make a difference in the community. Working both as an RA and as a Patriots Cheerleader while being a chemistry and biology double major definitely takes a lot of time management and planning in advance.

How do you balance your interests?
Brianna: In college, I discovered that dentistry is one health career which embodies the union of both science and art. I find this dual nature to be the most intriguing facet of the dental profession. My whole life, I have felt like a walking contradiction as a result of my appreciation for science as well as art, which I thought to be at opposite ends of the career spectrum. I grew up with an interest in chemistry and biology, but at the same time I excelled in dance and took great pride in the creative process of the visual arts. In the field of science, it is compelling to view the world at the atomic level in order to better understand the natural phenomena which we observe. Conducting research at the UCONN Health Center provided a rewarding experience in which I studied the dimerization within subunits of the PRC1 ubiquitin ligase complex. Being able to investigate and explain in a methodological manner why and how reactions take place is fascinating to me. With regard to dance, I was accepted to Boston Ballet at a young age and have always been moved by using the body as an instrument. In my high school AP Psychology class, learning about the lateralization of brain function was confounding to me as I related it to my own personality. If you are right-brain dominant, then you are abstract and favor the arts, while those left-brain dominant individuals are more concrete and achieve in the sciences. Was I supposed to fit the mold of one of these categorizations? Last year at UMDNJ, the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) illuminated the fact that dentistry integrated science with art. I found myself in the dental lab using different instruments to meticulously sculpt wax to form a crown, and that is when I discovered dentistry would fulfill both of my desires for a profession.

Do you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences?
Brianna: Even in the twenty-first century, growing up as an independent young woman who appreciates physical fitness and fashion while valuing the meaning of hard work and commitment to one’s education seems to be an oxymoron to a lot of people. When considering the term, “geek,” one stereotypically imagines a socially awkward, disheveled individual with glasses and pocket protectors who is always doing homework. Yes, it is true; I always stay in to do homework and typically attend class in my glasses without any makeup, but it just so happens that I also love to put on the Patriots Cheerleader uniform and proudly represent the Kraft Organization in cheering on the best team in the AFC! It has been challenging, however, as there is still a very pronounced double standard.

Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream and another?
Brianna: You should never let people categorize you or put you in a mold. Be proud of living life as a nonconformist, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams, and always remember to stay true to yourself.

What are your plans for the future?
Brianna: My career goal is to become a dentist! I received a full four-year tuition and fees fellowship for the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine entering in the fall of 2012. The dental school admissions process, however, is still underway and I have been invited for interviews at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine as well as New York University College of Dentistry.

Best cheerleading experience?
Brianna: Along with the indescribable feeling of being on the field at Gillette Stadium, my favorite part of being a Patriots Cheerleader would have to be the many opportunities to partake in promotional work, which oftentimes consists of meeting with business owners who sponsor the team. From visiting children at hospitals to participating in cancer walks, volunteerism is a fundamental part of being on the cheering squad, and working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is one experience that I’ll never forget.

Best science-related experience?
Brianna: I encountered my best science experience when pursuing a career in dentistry. Not only did I spend 56 hours shadowing and assisting a dentist, I was accepted to the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) for the summer of 2010. I spent six weeks at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey for an academic enrichment program that provided intensive dental school preparation. There was a weekly clinic in the dental school lab where we were able to practice drilling and try doing amalgam fillings. I observed such dental procedures as an alveoplasty and attended guest lectures on endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, humanism, nutrition, and forensic dentistry. It was really interesting to learn about different branches of the dental field, and it was such a wonderful opportunity to gain the clinical exposure. Also as part of the summer program, I took a physiology course at the medical school and had anatomy lab where we worked on cadavers. At the end of the program, I was recognized for having one of the highest averages in physiology. I gained a lot of insight regarding what it takes to succeed in the dental profession and became even more confident in my decision to become a dentist.

What’s one thing people might find especially surprising about you?
Brianna: I love food! Being of Hispanic and Italian decent, I take pleasure in pork and empanadillas on Christmas Eve just as much as I enjoy homemade Italian soup and lasagna on Thanksgiving. Growing up with a bilingual father with family in Puerto Rico as well as traditional Italian uncles who all cook better than master chefs, my life has been rich with culture. It is family that has taught me to appreciate my nationality and to live out the values which my heritage represents.

Why do you want to be a Science Cheerleader?
Brianna: I’d love to be a Science Cheerleader to show little girls that they don’t have to choose between doing well in school and pursuing a career in dance or cheering. Commitment, focus, and time management are all qualities attained through the rigorous schedules of a dancer/cheerleader that will transcend into any goal you may pursue in life. If you work hard and stay true to yourself, anything is possible!

Meet Brooke, our latest Science Cheerleader who cheers/dances for the NBA Charlotte Bobcats AND works full time as a chemical engineer.

Why chemistry?
Brooke: I’ve always had a love for science, but I fell in love with chemistry during high school thanks to my wonderful chemistry teacher, David Vernon. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject matter were unsurpassed! He made chemistry relevant and fun to learn!!

What is your degree in and from where?
Brooke: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. I graduated from North Carolina State University. Go Wolfpack!!

Favorite and/or least favorite courses you took to prepare for your degree?
Brooke: Favorites: Analytical Chemistry because it was easy for me to understand and apply the concepts that I learned. Also, Biochemistry because it dealt with things related to how the human body works, like proteins, lipids, fatty acids, etc. My least favorites would probably be all of the Math courses (and yes there were tons of them LOL) because I’m just not a big fan of math.

Why you tried out to be a professional cheerleader?
Brooke: I currently dance for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats as a “Ladycat.” This is my second season on the team. I decided to try out because I love cheering/dance and I love the style of dance that my coach teaches!! Being a part of my team gives me a chance to completely let my hair down and dance my heart out. My day job can be very stressful and technical, so dancing as a Ladycat allows me to turn on my “Sasha Fierce” side by relaxing, performing, and having fun!! I’ve had so many amazing opportunities because of it!

Which came first, your interest in science/engineering or cheerleading?
Brooke: My interest in science came first! The importance of education and learning was instilled in me at an early age thanks to my parents. I can still remember attending summer science camps as a kid. And yes, I was the girl wearing glasses, sitting in the front row! I was a complete tomboy when I was younger, so my cheerleading interest definitely came much later.

What’s a typical day like for you?
Brooke: My typical day involves writing protocols, documents, and reports, while also monitoring the cleaning activities taking place as different pharmaceutical products (softgels, chewels, etc.) are being made. Basically, I’m responsible for making sure that we use good cleaning procedures so that our drugs are safe for people to use. After work I head to the Time Warner Cable Arena (aka my second home ) for practice or for our games. Game days are always super exciting because we arrive at the arena early, do our hair/makeup, run through a quick rehearsal on the court, meet & greet our fans before the game starts, and perform the entire time!!

Best part of your day job or studies?
Brooke: The best part of my day job is when I complete all of my different tasks. I have a “type A” personality, which means I’m a perfectionist, so I get excited when I cross things off of my “To do” lists!

Do you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered you?
Brooke: I don’t think stereotypes have hindered my professional experiences at all! I think people are often surprised to learn that I dance professionally because it’s so extremely different from my day job, but my colleagues always treat me with respect.

What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Brooke: I would tell my 12-year-old self that it is absolutely okay to be smart and have interests in science and things considered different or “geeky”. Never sell yourself short and always, always pursue your dreams and passions! Embrace your love for academics and allow it to help set you apart.

What are your plans for the future?
Brooke: I’m really happy with where my career in science has taken me! I would like to continue to work as an engineer in the pharmaceutical industry and also balance that with my passion for dance. I would eventually love to start my own business, so I’m excited and curious to see what different opportunities I can explore.

Best cheerleading experience?
Brooke: This summer I had the most amazing opportunity to travel to Milan, Italy to represent the Charlotte Bobcats!!! Me and 5 of my teammates were selected by the NBA to participate in the 5United Tour. We got the opportunity to meet and interact with tons of fans, tour the beautiful architecture/buildings in Milan, and of course eat tons of delicious Italian foods. Ciao!!

Best science/engineering-related experience?
Brooke: While working as a chemist in the cosmetic industry, I got to test and use some of the different samples and products. We made tons of body washes, face scrubs, lotions, shampoo, facial creams, and makeup so it was pretty exciting!

What’s one thing people might find especially surprising about you?
Brooke: I’m a vegetarian! Well actually I’m a “pescetarian” which means that I also eat fish/seafood.

If you could rewind the clock and change your degree, would you?
Brooke: I definitely would NOT have changed my degree. I like Chemistry and I enjoyed learning about it!

Why do you want to be a Science Cheerleader?
Brooke: I think that this is a wonderful opportunity to reach out and inspire so many young girls! It is so important for us to encourage and show them that they can pursue a technical career like science/engineering and also pursue a more artistic dream like dancing. I really admire and support the initiative that being a Science Cheerleader entails. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to help inspire, encourage, and change the lives of our young women!

Meet  our newest Science Cheerleader, Allison. She cheered for NC State and the Philadelphia Eagles (captain for 2 years).  She holds two degrees: biology and chemistry. While cheering for the Eagles, she was a preclinical scientist at Merck Research Laboratories.  Today, she’s a Science Cheerleader who works for biotech company in Philly…and she’s loving it!

S.C.: What turned you on to science and when?
Allison: Ever since my very first science and math classes in elementary school, I was hooked.  I always knew science would be a part of my life.

S.C.: What is your degree in and from where?
Allison: I have two bachelor’s degrees, Biology and Chemistry, from North Carolina State University.

S.C.: Two science degrees? May I have one? Ok, what was your favorite and/or least favorite courses you took to prepare for your degrees?

Allison: My literature requirement was by far my least favorite.  I love to read, but writing is not my forte’, therefore, the numerous papers involved in this course were probably about as painful to me as Physical Chemistry would be to a History Major.  My favorite course was Biochemistry.  I am fascinated with the biological and chemical processes of the human body.

S.C.: When did you cheer for the Eagles?
Allison: I cheered for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2004-2008 (I was a team captain 2006-2008)

S.C.: I do believe our hometown made it to the Super Bowl during that time.  Must have been so exciting! What were some other highlights?

Allison: In 2006, the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders traveled to Hong Kong to perform in the Chinese New Year’s Parade.  This was such an incredible experience.  Not only did we get to perform in such a prestigious event, we were submerged into the Chinese culture for a week.  Everyone was so hospitable and so proud of their culture.  It was an incredible life and learning experience for all of us.

S.C.: Very cool! Now how about your best science-related experience, so far?
Allison: Immediately post-graduation in Raleigh, NC, I had the opportunity to work as a Study Director for a small research facility, Burleson Research Technologies.  This was a family owned company, and they treated their employees as family too.  I would have never learned as much as I did so quickly, if it weren’t for this position.  They gave me the responsibility of running my own studies from start to finish, even submitting the reports to the FDA and/or pharmaceutical company who contracted the work.  I had the honor of working with them as an intern while I was still in school, and then as a scientist until I moved to Pennsylvania to work for Merck.  Because there were so few of us working on studies, we were able to learn multiple areas of research, and gain incredible experience in a very short time.

S.C.: So, which came first:  Your interest in science or cheerleading?
Allison: It was separate, but simultaneous.  My love for cheerleading was sparked by my sister, Karen.  I idolized my sister, who cheered in college and helped establish and run a cheerleading camp.  When I first fell in love with science, it was because I wanted to be just like my Dad, who was a physician.  I was obviously a very impressionable child, but luckily, these interests became my own rather quickly.

S.C.: I bet your family is very proud of you. Tell me, did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? (Were you taken seriously?)
Allison: I believe the typical cheerleader stereotype helped both my studies and professional experiences.  People would always want to stereotype me, but once they got into a conversation and realized that the majority of us were so much more than just “Eagles Cheerleaders,” it really opened their eyes to what modern professional cheerleaders are.  It was always such a great feeling to crush this stereotype.

S.C.: How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?
Allison: They were very supportive!  Every girl on the team was so much more than just a cheerleader.  I could go on and on about how special each girl was that I was honored to cheer with, but that would take forever.  Science was the thing that set me and a few of the other girls apart from cheerleading.  It was truly a professional group of girls, and we all knew and respected what each girl had to offer beyond her dancing and cheerleading skills.

S.C.: Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one  dream (cheerleading, etc) associated with beauty and following another (a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math career) usually associated with, well, geeks?
Allison: My advice is to go for it all!  There are so many of us who do it, and it is possible.  It certainly takes a lot of dedication, but it is definitely worth it.

S.C.: Here, Here! Along these lines, what advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Allison: At 12, like most girls, I was not the person I am today.  It took me until my adult years to truly be comfortable in my own skin.   At some point, you will truly be yourself, so, you should start doing it now.  It doesn’t matter if you fit in with one particular crowd, in the long run, it really won’t matter.

S.C.: What are your plans for the future?
Allison: I really enjoy surgical sales.  I love the pace of the operating room. Having the opportunity to work with surgeons everyday, and share the benefits of my product is very rewarding.  I am constantly learning, which is very important to me.  The surgical device industry is constantly changing, and keeps me on my toes.  As far as cheerleading goes, I have been very active with the NFL Alumni Cheerleaders-Philadelphia Chapter, and I continue to take dance lessons and network with other alumni.  I have no doubt that cheerleading and science will always continue to be a part of my life, especially now that I am a Science Cheerleader helping to inspire the next generation of scientists!

S.C.: You sure are, Allison! Thanks for your time and welcome aboard!

You know the drill. We introduce you to some rockin’ pro cheerleader-turned-scientist to help shake up stereotypes and inspire young women to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Today we introduce Alyson, a TN Titans cheerleader who has bachelors degrees in biology and chemistry. She hopes more girls will show their inner geekness! If you’re in Washington, D.C. for the USA Science and Engineering Festival 10/23-24, stop by the Science Cheerleader exhibit and meet Alyson and nine other pro cheerleaders-turned-scientists and engineers. They’ll be performing science-themed routines and talking to festival-goers about…careers in science and engineering of course!

S.C.: Alyson, Please tell us when/how you first became interested in science.
Alyson: Science is often described as the study of the natural world and how it works. It is very interesting because the subject is so broad and many areas can be studied—it can range from observing plants to operating on a human brain. As a child I was always curious and wondered how things worked. I would explore nature and observe all the plants and animals around me to figure out how they lived. As I got older, I became very interested in my father’s profession—a physician. I would ask him questions about the human body, what caused diseases, and how to cure illnesses. All my questions needed answers so I often snuck to my father’s bookshelf and read his medical books. My father saw my ambition for medicine so he brought me to work with him several times to see how he worked daily in the medical field. It was all so fascinating to me and from that point forward, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.

S.C.: What degree are you pursuing or have you earned?
Alyson: I just graduated from Belmont University in May 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in biology and chemistry. I am currently waiting for acceptance into medical school to earn a degree as a Medical Doctor.

S.C.: Pretty exciting! What do you do while you wait for that to happen?
Alyson: My title right now would be science graduate and student. After graduation I have been preparing my application to medical school, studying for the MCAT, and working with various physicians around the area. Hopefully next year my title can be medical student.

S.C.: We’ll be rooting for you. Which team did you cheer for and when?

Alyson: I started cheering for the Tennessee Titans in 2008 while I was an undergraduate at Belmont University. Upon graduation, I decided to try out for the team one last time while I wait for acceptance into medical school next year.

S.C.: Which came first: your interest in cheerleading or your interest in science?

Alyson: My interest in dance and science actually started around the same time. I took my first dance class at the age of 4 following my older sister’s footsteps (she’s also a TN Titans cheerleader-turned-scientist!). After that first experience in the studio I knew that dance was for me. I continued to take studio classes for 15 years and was on my high school dance team for four years. When I went to college I missed dance so much that I tried out for Titans cheerleading and have been a part of the team ever since. At this same age, I became interested in science. While my passion for dance grew, my enthusiasm for science flourished in the same manner.

S.C.: Do you feel your work as a professional cheerleader helped or hindered your career? (please elaborate)

Alyson: I think there is a balance between both. With all of the appearances I have the opportunity to do; I meet so many interesting people who work in a science setting. Over the years I have established relationships and made connections with people in science that I probably would not have otherwise. At the same time, people’s perception of cheerleaders is not great, so when people find out I am a professional cheerleader, I have to work that much harder to be taken seriously and be respected as a scientist.

S.C.: Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream associated with beauty or physique (like cheerleading) and pursuing a science and engineering career usually associated with, well, geeks?
Alyson: Do what you love to do and follow your dreams. Often young girls feel that they have to choose between science and dance but it is possible to do both. If the passion is there then great things can happen. Also people really appreciate a well-rounded individual so don’t let the beauty be afraid to show some inner geek!

S.C.: Nice! How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?
Alyson: The women that I cheer with are so supportive and encouraging. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing career driven women.

S.C.: Is there advice you would give your former 10-12-year-old self, now that you have the benefit of hindsight?
Alyson: If I could talk to my former 10-12 year old self I would just tell her to keep following her dreams and do what she loves to do.

S.C.: Can you describe a “typical day” at work or school?
Alyson: My typical day at school was always interesting because I learned something new every day. I had a variety of classes ranging from history to pharmacology—I even took dance classes! School was so much fun because I could sit in biochemistry in the morning and then fulfill another passion in the studio later that day.

S.C.: What would most people find surprising about your field of interest?
Alyson: Most people are surprised at how much hard work and studying is required to succeed in a science related field, especially pre-med. After someone takes a science class they ask me how I have time to be a science major and cheer at the same time.

S.C.: Best cheerleading experience?
Alyson: I have had so many great experiences on and off the field. The first time I danced at an NFL game was unforgettable, and the many community appearances I have been a part of have touched my soul. However, one experience that stands out is when I traveled to Mexico City, Mexico last season. It was so exhilarating to see how many fans the NFL and Titans Organization have outside of the U.S. During my time there, I attended many appearances and performed for hundreds of fans.

S.C.: Favorite and least favorite courses you took to prepare for your work?
Alyson: I really enjoyed all of my science courses but my favorites would have to be pharmacology and organic chemistry. My least favorite course was physics.

S.C.: More exhilarating: positive experimental results or nailing a cheer move?
Alyson: This is a tough one but I’d have to say getting positive experimental results. You can practice a dance move until it’s perfect, but sometimes you can spend all day in a lab doing one experiment; so, it is very exhilarating when you get the results you are looking for.

S.C.: Anything else you’d like readers to know?
Alyson: Just make sure to follow your dreams and keep on doing what you love!

John Takao Collier writes:

A few months ago my 11 year old daughter (we’ll call her “E”) and I attended a lecture at Fermilab on “Green Fluorescent Protein” (GFP).  The talk was given by Martin Chalfie, chair of the department of biological sciences at Columbia University.  Dr. Chalfie shared the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Osamu Shimomura and Roger Y. Tsien “for the discovery and development of GFP”.  GFP has turned out to be an incredibly powerful biochemical tool; with it you can tag a gene and actually see in real-time when the gene is “on” or “off”. This ability can be used for biosensors or to see if genes are expressed under particular conditions.  You can also buy glowing zebra fish at Wal-Mart based on GFP.  If your discovery swims around in an aquarium at Wal-Mart, it’s got to be worthy for a Nobel Prize.

Dr. Chalfie peppered the lecture with amusing anecdotes.  For example, he slept through the phone call from the Nobel Prize committee and the next morning he thought to himself “OK, who’s the schnook that got the Prize this time?”  He then checked the Nobel Prize web site and discovered that he was the schnook.  Makes me think that a new reality show is in order; instead of “Jersey Shore” with “Snooki”, maybe SciCheer fans would enjoy “Columbia University  Shore” starring “Schnooki”.

Refreshments (cookies and juice) are served after the lecture; while the audience noshed on crème-filled delights, Dr. Chalfie patiently answered question after question.  Previous events have revealed that the guest of honor is surrounded by a relentless swarm of question-askers; therefore the lecturer can’t get to the goodies.  This may explain why the lecturers are usually slimmer than the audience.

“E” and I did our part to decrease the total number of available calories in the universe.  Done stuffing our faces, we pilfered some SWAG – a copy of the event poster – and headed towards the parking lot.  However, I had a sense of unease, a feeling that some business was not finished.  I finally put my finger on this sense of incompleteness:  Being a science fan-boy, I desperately wanted Dr. Chalfie’s autograph, but was too damned chicken to ask the famous Nobel Laureate for his signature.

In the time-honored tradition of cowards throughout history, I attempted to convince my daughter that she wanted the autograph.  At first she demurred, so I used reason, guile and subterfuge to change her mind.  When that didn’t work, I resorted to whining and pleading.  I pointed out that we had the nice poster that Dr. Chalfie could sign.  After a minute or so of my pitiful begging, she said “OK”, spun her little 4 foot, 8 inch body around and headed back into the building.

I then began to feel uneasy again, but now for a completely different reason:  I was using my daughter to get what I wanted – what kind of crummy father was I, anyway?  And what if the great Nobel Laureate replied to her “Autograph?  YOU want an autograph?  Why should I give an autograph to a mere mortal?  And a short one, at that?”  My poor, dear, wonderful daughter would be psychically scarred for life and, worst of all, it would be my fault.  I would have reached the pantheon of crummy dad-hood.  So, like the coward I am, I began to panic.

I now tried to un-convince her.  “You know,” I said “You don’t have to do this.  Get his autograph only if you really, really, REALLY want to.”  Since E was made of sterner stuff than her lily-livered father she said “I really want the autograph” and continued into the building.  She planted her little self near Dr. Chalfie, waited for a break in the conversation and politely asked for his autograph.

Dr. Chalfie’s face brightened as if he were a fluorescing zebra fish under a UV light; he was absolutely delighted to give “E” an autograph!  Our ballpoint pen wouldn’t write on the poster’s slick surface, so Dr. Chalfie ran around like an excited puppy dog asking people if they had a suitable writing device.

E’s Grandpa (who also attended the lecture) came to the rescue with a roller-ball, and Dr. Chalfie wrote “Good Luck & Keep Glowing!” on E’s poster (see the photo, above).

Now that E broke the ice, the autograph floodgates burst open (well, sort of) since 2 or 3 other adults saw that it was safe to ask.  Adults can be quivering, jelly-legged cowards in the face of imagined social rejection, but a child can show us that you don’t need to have rippling muscles and wear tights to be a science superhero.

Here is the promised, sure-fire recipe for getting an autograph from a Nobel Laureate:

1. Have paper and (hopefully working) pen ready.
2. Bake scientist for 20 or 30 years in order to win Nobel prize.
3. Add one cute, science-interested little girl to ask for the autograph.

P.S. – This has added to our extensive collection of Nobel Laureate autographs; we now have a sum total of one.  Any Nobel Laureates who want to increase our collection are encouraged to send us a signature (preferably on a check, but the back of a envelope will do).

Image credit:  John Takao Collier

Meet Michelle C.  Today, she’s an Analytical Chemist at DuPont. Not too long ago she was a New Orleans Saints cheerleader. Surprised? For crying out loud how many times have we told you about the pro-cheerleaders-turned-scientists? Wait until you see how many more we’ve uncovered! I still think my home-town Eagles cheerleaders would win a Cheerleaders-as-Scientists Superbowl.

Back to Michele C. Here’s her story:

“Why chemistry? I can’t explain it but I just fell in love with chemistry in high school and by the time I was in college, I looked forward to going to chemistry labs. I didn’t care how much time I spent in the labs, I loved it! I did so well in my first couple of labs that the professor approached me and asked me if I ever considered getting a degree in chemistry. (At the time I was planning to go to pharmacy school.) When she told me I could get a job doing lab work analysis and instrumentation it caught my interest. I went home and discussed this with my Dad who worked in a chemical plant and he explained to me that there were chemists who worked in the labs at his plant. Before this, it wasn’t clear to me what a chemist did.

Once I approached my final year of college I applied for a co-op program with a local chemical company. Many people suggested I add “NFL Cheerleader” to my resume because it would demonstrate that I was able to earn good grades, manage a job, and find time to handle the responsibilities that come with being a cheerleader.

Well, it almost cost me my first job! I found out later that one of the chemist was dead set against interviewing me because he didn’t think I’d be smart enough and I’d be “too worried about my hair and makeup” as he later told me. Fortunately for me, he was out the day I was interviewed and offered the job. Turns out the company extended my employment beyond the traditional term of one semester.

I will never forget my “farewell” gathering. The chemist who was dead set against hiring me stood up and told me he owed me an apology. He said he immediately stereotyped me as a “dumb cheerleader” and assumed I would be an awful chemist – he said I proved him wrong and he said I was one of his favorite and best students to ever come through the program. I just smiled. Knowing that I helped break a stereotype made me feel great. (Although still today I get “wait, you were an NFL cheerleader? And you are a chemist? That just doesn’t sound right”. )

I danced with several girls who had their PhD’s, Masters etc and it’s our obligation to share this duality with the public in an effort to help young girls feel comfortable following all of their dreams (and to help them understand how important education is and frankly how much fun science can be).
GOOOO Science and GOOOO Saints!

Meet Kristie Minton, a chemist at Eli Lilly and former Indianapolis Colts cheerleader. I enlisted Kristie’s help in my effort to challenge some long-held stereotypes of cheerleaders and scientists. Here’s the first in a series of related posts.

Kristie: I am thrilled to be able to help you shake up some stereotypes, Science Cheerleader! I cheered for the Indianapolis Colts (2001 – 2007) and attended classes at the University of Indianapolis towards a degree in chemistry. It was a long road and tough schedule for several years, but I finally graduated in May of 2008 (3 months before I had my son) with a BS in Chemistry, GPA 3.6. I am a chemist at Eli Lilly and will celebrate ten years there in April 2010! My work is analytical development of new drugs coming down the pipeline. I work on method development for release testing, sample analysis for cell culture and purification processes, serve as the chair for my entire department’s safety committee, among other smaller initiatives.

While I was a cheerleader, many people would remark, “You don’t look like a chemist! Do you really wear a lab coat and safety glasses?” (I guess a chemist is supposed to wear a pocket protector and high water pants?)

Advice for young girls?Try to be as well rounded as possible. Do well in school because it is an investment in your future. In order to earn respect from others, especially if you fit the “cheerleader profile” in regards to looks, you must demonstrate intelligence and an ambition to want to succeed in other areas of your life.
Most memorable cheerleading experience? The cheerleaders traveled to Tokyo Japan in 2005 to cheer at the American Bowl game. While I was there, I was chosen to take part in an appearance that involved riding with coach Tony Dungy and several of the players on Black Hawk Helicopters! We flew to a naval ship where we met some of the men and women serving our country! We mingled and signed autographs. It was an amazing experience! I was also fortunate my last year of cheering to participate in the NFL Cheerleader Challenge. That same year, I was chosen to serve as a captain for one of the squads performing at Super Bowl XLI in Miami! The Super Bowl was amazing, rain and all, and those of us who cheered that year are so thankful to have Super Bowl rings to remind us of the special event that we were a part of! I was so blessed that year to also be chosen to represent the Colts at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. The night after the Super Bowl I didn’t sleep.. I showered, packed up my bags and caught a flight to Honolulu. I spent all week meeting wonderful women from the other teams, performing, doing appearances and making memories that I will cherish forever!
Most memorable experience as a chemist? Everyday is thrilling knowing that what I do at work helps people who are suffering from diseases and illnesses. I’ve witnessed the transformations in patients as a result of the medicines we’re developing at Eli Lilly and it’s a constant reminder of the importance of what I do.

GOOOOO Science! And GOOOO Sexy Scientists and Engineers!

From Science Cheerleader report, Dr. Ohab:

On Saturday, July 11, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA), the Defense Agency responsible for protecting the Pentagon, conducted an operational response test to a simulated outdoor airborne biological attack on the Pentagon grounds. The study consisted of the release of a harmless gardening powder into the Pentagon parking area, where nearly 100 citizen volunteers were positioned, followed by subsequent decontamination and surface sampling of the volunteers. The results will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of various emergency personnel and guide future operational responses to attacks on the Pentagon.

Best of all, Pentagon security relaxed its usual restrictions on photography and permitted media to film virtually all aspects of the operation. I had an opportunity to interview various subject matter experts, including Mr. Paul Benda and Dr. Christina Murata, Director and Deputy Director of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Directorate at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, as well as some of the volunteers for a SciCheer video report.

If you’re interested in learning more about the operational response test, check out “Armed with Science”, the Defense Department’s weekly science podcast, this Wednesday at 2pm ET on Pentagon Web Radio. I’ll be interviewing Mr. Benda and Dr. Murata live, and anyone can submit questions before or during the show by posting to the Armed with Science podcast or the Twitter page.

All Matter is Made of Atoms

Professor James Trefil (author of Science Matters, Why Science?, and 30 other books on science literacy) identified 18 key science concepts every adult should know to be a science literate. We’re here to reintroduce adults to science, in a fun way! It’s all part of our Brain Makeover project to increase adult science literacy. Here’s concept #4, presented by 76ers Cheerleader Lauren and explained by Professor James Trefil.  We’ll post one each week (more or less) and it to the Brain Makeover collection.

#4. All matter is made of atoms.

As the science of chemistry developed in the eighteenth century, it became clear that there are two kinds of  materials in the world: there are materials that can be broken down by chemical means (think of wood burning) and those that cannot. The latter class of materials are called ‘elements’. In the early nineteenth century, it was proposed that to each of these elements, there is a small structure called an atom (the term was borrowed from classical Greek philosophy), and that all the other materials are made by combining atoms.

In the early twentieth century, experiments showed that the atom has a definite structure. In the center is a small, massive, positively charged nucleus, which the electrons circle in orbits. The development of the science of quantum mechanics further showed that electrons can change orbits in the atom, absorbing light when they move away from the nucleus, emitting it when they move in the opposite direction.

Watch as the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders describe what Titan is and why it’s so cool. (Note: the girls speaking are current or soon-to-be scientists. Talk about sexy scientists.) Thanks, girls! I appreciate your assistance in Making Science Sexy! Next up: the 76ers Cheerleaders play a lead role in our Brain Makeover project.