That’s right: six!

Dr. John Ohab had the opportunity to interview the cheerleaders from his hometown NFL team before their season ended. Check it out!

This is a guest blog post from Science Cheerleader Summer (NASA engineer and former Houston Texans cheerleader). Below, Summer shares her interview with Dr. Sandra Magnus who was the last female astronaut to fly on the last Space Shuttle mission.

The final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, ended on July 21st when Atlantis rolled to its final stop at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Space Shuttle program spanned an era of 30 years (as long as I’ve been alive) and achieved many great things for our nation, including technological advancement and building one of the most amazing structures that remains above us – the International Space Station. Thousands of bright, committed and passionate men and women contributed with perseverance and endurance of challenges which resulted in such a successful part of our United States space program – NASA. As a member of the NASA team for 8 years now and as a Science Cheerleader, I decided to find a just few small facts about female astronauts in the Space Shuttle Program to share with all of you Science Cheerleader fans. (You can go learn more about NASA astronauts here.)

• 1983 – Dr. Sally Ride was the first woman to fly on a Space Shuttle
• 1995 – Eileen Collins was the first woman pilot of a Space Shuttle
• 1999 – Eileen Collins was the first female Space Shuttle Commander
• 49 women flew on Space Shuttles
• 44 Americans
• 2 Canadians
• 2 Japanese
• 1 Russian
• 2011 – Sandra Magnus was the last female astronaut to fly on the last Space Shuttle mission

Sandra Magnus is an astronaut I was particularly interested in hearing from because in November 2008, she was part of the crew that installed Crew Quarters on the International Space Station. Crew Quarters was a project I worked on as an engineer for just over four years here at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX and my greatest engineering achievement to date! When the opportunity arose to interview astronauts on the history-making, very last Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, I decided to ask Sandra questions about her first experiences with science, becoming an astronaut, challenges she faced, her interests outside of science and engineering and, of course, her experience with my project, Crew Quarters. Read the interview below and see what you might have in common with an astronaut and if there is anything you can learn from Sandra.

Summer: What was your first real experience with science/engineering?
Sandra: I remember dissecting frogs in my middle school science class. I am not sure why I remember that so clearly but that definitely was one of my first formal experiences. We also studied the solar system. I think, though, that I have always been curious about how the world works. I remember my parents purchasing a book for me titled “200 Questions Why” when I was very young.

Summer: Why did you decide to become an astronaut?
Sandra: I wanted to explore and work on the edge of technology and of course, see the planet from space!

Summer: What education and experiences brought you to where you are now?
Sandra: Well I started off in Physics. When I was in high school and formulating my plan for how I was going to get someday, hopefully, to the Astronaut office I really did not know anything about Engineering. So I latched on to Physics as my means. Physics was a great fit for me because it explains how the world works and as I mentioned before that was something that always intrigued me. When I got to college I discovered Engineering and that became interesting to me. I also got tired of school so I decided to work for a while and get a masters, in Electrical Engineering at night. I worked in stealth technology at McDonnell Douglas helping to design a new kind of aircraft. It was there that my interest in materials and how they work matured. At that point I decided to do my PhD in the study of materials. In some ways this was the perfect intersection of science and engineering. After my PhD I applied to the Astronaut program and was lucky enough to get selected. So I started with one plan, go Physics all the way, and as I got out into the world and broadened my horizons, I discovered other interests and changed my plan. I think it is important to have a plan but not to be afraid to change it or alter as you pursue your goal and broaden your experience base.

Summer: What challenges did you face growing up and/or in school as a girl?
Sandra: Well in high school I was considered one of the “smart girls” and did not ever go to a prom or date much. At the time that was kind of tough but it is probably not outside of the norm for most teen-agers. It is an age where we all feel awkward no matter who we are and what labels are applied to us. You just have to believe in yourself and be yourself!
Summer: Describe your interaction with ISS Crew Quarters delivered to the station on STS-126. {I am personally curious since I was an engineer on the Crew Quarters team and would like to share it with the girls} How do the Crew Quarters affect life on the Space Station?
Sandra: First of all my I actually built both of the crew quarters that we delivered on STS-126. They arrived “some assembly” required with lots of piece parts. It felt like Christmas a bit! The procedures were well done and they went together fairly straightforwardly. The only issue that I really had to deal with mechanically was the use of torque tip fasteners as launch restraint devices. These kinds of fasteners should never be used in applications where they are expected to be removed, especially in space. The physics involved in applying the necessary force and direction is difficult is space and these fasteners strip very easily. But, in any event, the crew quarters are essential for life on the space station. It is very important to have your own private space to keep your stuff and have a place to have “quiet” time. At the end of the day I would retire to my personal space and talk to my family, write journals, review photos, watch a movie on the computer and things like that. The quiet and private space an individual crew quarters provides in extremely important!!

Summer: What advice would you give to girls considering careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math fields?
Sandra: I would encourage any young person interested in the STEM fields to follow their interest. There is so many interesting and exciting things going on in science, technology and exploration that I sometimes wish I had more time on my hands so I could branch out more. There are whole fields in existence now, such as biotechnology and nanotechnology and the intersection of the two, that were just emerging as I finished my studies. It is just fascinating! But more than that, I think one of the most valuable skills that you gain from studying in the STEM area is the ability to solve problems. That is what all of the training is about- looking at a problem, understanding how to break it down into small manageable chunks and then solve each chunk to finally get to the solution to the problem. This is a valuable life skill applicable in every aspect of everyday living!

Summer: What are your future plans?
Sandra: Well at the moment we are still finishing out the last of our STS-135 duties and I see that continuing for several months yet. After that I will have to look to the future so you may have to check back with me towards the end of the year. I have not had much time to think about it and probably will not until then.

Summer: What are your interests outside of STEM?
Sandra: I like to exercise, mainly running, swimming and weight lifting. I am also a soccer player although I have not been able to play for the last few years due to flight assignments (they don’t want us to get hurt while we are in training). I am hoping to start playing again early next year. I love to cook, bake, read and travel as well.

I now know that I have a few things in common with Sandra. I was just like her when I was growing up – considered a “smart girl” and didn’t date much. Sandra also taught me that the Crew Quarters are very useful in space, which really makes an engineer feel good, but that more appropriate fasteners should have been used in the design. (I plan to store that in my memory bank for my next big space flight project. Thanks, Sandra!)

What did you learn from Sandra? What do you have in common with this history making astronaut? Leave a comment!

I encourage you to absorb her advice on considering a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math-related field. Remember, if she can be an astronaut, so can you! Girls, we can do anything!

As Sandra said, she is wrapping up her STS-135 duties and still making plans for her future. Hopefully, we can touch base with her in a few months to see where STEM takes her next!
Goooooooooooooooo Science!!
Summer
Science Cheerleader and Aerospace Engineer

Science Cheerleader Engineering Technology Magazine

Science Cheerleader is featured in the current issue of Engineering and Technology Magazine. Be sure to check out the Q&A with Summer (Texans cheerleader-turned-NASA engineer!) towards the bottom of the article!

The Science Cheerleaders are a group of scientists and engineers who are also current and former US professional cheerleaders. They came together last year to promote and celebrate women in STEM careers.

Darlene Cavalier is the founder of ScienceCheerleader.com, a blog that aims to promote the involvement of citizens in science and science-related policy. She is also a former professional cheerleader for the basketball team the Philadelphia 76ers. In her mission to improve science literacy, she decided to enlist the help of the 2009 76ers cheerleaders to promote “18 things you need to know to be science literate”. This zero-budget collaboration with George Mason University put her blog on the map and spawned the Science Cheerleaders in 2010, a group of scientists and engineers who are also current and former professional cheerleaders for the NBA, NFL and other pro sports leagues.

Here Darlene tells us how it all began and why the group’s members are such powerful ambassadors for science and technology careers and we meet a cheerleading engineer from NASA.

How did you form the Science Cheerleaders?

I started receiving emails from professional cheerleaders pursuing science careers and I decided to profile these remarkable women on the blog. Shortly after that, I received an invitation for them to perform at the USA Science and Engineering Festival (the Burroughs Wellcome Fund sponsored their appearance). That was the first time I had met any of the women. I could hardly believe the reaction from festival-goers: overwhelmingly positive. Long lines of people waited for their autographs and hundreds of little cheerleader-wannabes learned why these women are so passionate about their science and engineering careers. That’s when I knew we were onto something big. The Science Cheerleaders are powerful ambassadors of the site and, it turns out, have been very influential in challenging stereotypes and inspiring young girls to consider careers in science and technology.

Read full story, including a Q&A with Summer!

Dr. John here…  As one of the few lifelong Arizona Cardinals fans, it is a real honor to introduce Marcie, Pro Bowl Cardinals Cheerleader and electrical engineer at Intel®. She’s the latest superstar in our series featuring professional cheerleaders and athletes who are pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

Marcie is in her fourth year with the Cardinals and previously cheered at Arizona State University (ASU) while completing her engineering degree. She’s currently a Technical Marketing Engineer managing an architectural conversion program at Intel® Corporation in the Embedded and Communications Group. She assists the sales teams win designs in embedded markets, converting them from PPC, SPARC, ARM and MIPS to Intel architecture.

Arizona Cardinals and Cheerleaders to the Super Bowl and BEYOND! Take it away Marcie…

Marcie, who or what experience turned you on to science and engineering?
I have always been intrigued by science based careers. In high school several of my mom’s friends were engineers so she had me talk to them and spend a day on the job with one. From a little exposure and a summer job working at a technology start-up company, I was hooked on the fact that I could be involved in the next technological advancement which shapes the way we live.

Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream associated with beauty or physique (cheerleading, baseball, etc) and following a STEM career usually associated with, well, geeks?

I encourage girls of all ages to do what excites and motivates them, no matter what it is! If it is something as diverse as cheerleading and engineering, go for it! You will only be a more well rounded individual! Also, having an engineering degree gives you a foundation that you can use anywhere and will enable a long, stable career path.

Did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences?

Having the diversity of cheerleading and engineering has been an extremely positive experience for me personally and professionally. Having the ability to perform and cheer while pursuing a career in engineering has been a perfect physical outlet and allowed for a great work/life balance. I have been lucky enough to have a ton of support from my boss and co-workers. Although there may be some who stereotype the capabilities of cheerleaders, others stereotype engineers. We can’t let their negativity or comments stop us from pursuing our dreams. It’s our responsibility to break down false assumptions around us.

How do you encourage people to become more interested in science and engineering?

It is important to me to raise awareness and encourage young people to be interested in science and engineering. I stay involved in community activities such as Jr. Achievement and CompuGirls which promotes continued education and intertwines fun and engaging projects that teach science basics.

What are some ways that science and engineering impact our world that people may not think about?

We all encounter science and engineering regularly and don’t even realize it! Products that require science and engineering surround us every day, influencing the way we live and communicate with one another. This is especially prevalent in my career.

Think about your day. From the time you wake up in the morning to the time you get to work or school you interact with technology in embedded devices in your home, in your car, digital signs in the store or on the side of the highway, making a phone call, and getting cash at the ATM. These are all areas where Intel technology continues to grow and impact each and every one of us.

Best cheerleading experience?

Being a part of the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleading organization has given me a tremendous amount of experiences that I would not have had otherwise. One of my best and most memorable experiences has to be the opportunity to perform for the troops. More specifically, performing for the troops in Iraq this past September was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Giving back to the men and woman who serve our country by bringing a little piece of home and some entertainment was priceless!

Wildest engineering moment?

The level of intelligence I encounter every day at work is always wild to me. It’s mind-blowing to think that I get to work with the smartest engineers on the planet and get insight into what consumers won’t have access to for years!

Favorite and/or least favorite courses you took to prepare for your work?

I have always enjoyed my math based course work best, especially statistics and differential equations (Diffi Q). However, there were several deadly hard classes I had to complete for an engineering degree. I didn’t necessarily like them all and I wasn’t always the top of the class, but sometimes it’s just about proving that you can finish a task. Don’t quit because of a couple difficult courses. The same goes for dance and cheer. You may not be able to do as advanced tumbling tricks or as many pirouettes as the next girl, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t going to succeed!

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As part of our continuing effort to playfully challenge stereotypes and inspire young women to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, math, and health, we present Jennifer! Jennifer was a star pro-cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans. Now, she’s an automotive engineer at Nissan. She’s got a great message to share.

S.C.: When did you first became interested in engineering?

 Can you recall who inspired you?
Jennifer: My Father. I remember sitting at home with my dad as he worked on anything and everything that was broken. He had an itch to fix. He worked on cars, electronics, instruments, you name it. I thought he was the smartest person in the world. I eventually developed a desire to be like him, a “problem solver.” And, really, that’s what engineers are! I should add that my father didn’t just solve mechanical or electrical problems. He also fixed our familial problems, and, quite frankly, we had plenty.

S.C.: What  type of engineer are you?
Jennifer: Manufacturing (Mechanical). I’m a central engineer at Nissan.

S.C.: What turned you on to this particular field?
Jennifer: I have a crazy interest in physics and heat transfer.

S.C.: We’ll get back to that in a moment! Which team(s) did you cheer for and when?
Jennifer: Tennessee Titans –NFL – 2001-2006; Nashville Kats – Arena – 2003-2006; Nashville Predators – Hockey – 2007-2009

S.C.: Do you find that your looks (or being a former cheerleader) helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? (Were you taken seriously?)
Jennifer: Both. Initially, I was not taken seriously and the bar was set pretty low. Once I proved my competency and desire to achieve, I gained respect from my colleagues and superiors.  On the flip side, my former hobby also proved to be an ice-breaker during many initial professional  encounters.  See, everyone  loves the home team and everyone wants to talk to someone who they feel has the “in” or behind the scenes “top secret” info!

S.C.: Tell me a little about your favorite courses you took to prepare for your work. Let’s get back to the heat transfer!
Jennifer: I LOVE physics and the study of dynamics. I excelled in these courses, but I have to say I favored thermodynamics (shout out to Dr. Decatur Rodgers!). He not only wanted to produce great technical engineers, but also, what he called “life” engineers. His wisdom reminded me of my father, I suppose.

S.C.: Can you describe a “typical day” at work?
Jennifer: I wish I could, but you never know what to expect in the automotive industry. I have had responsibilities from root-causing current production process concerns, to studying new model part additions and modifications that have yet to go into production.

S.C. I have no idea what that all means but I’m glad you do. Here’s a key question: Do you have any advice for middle or high school girls who might feel torn between following one dream (cheerleading or dancing) associated with beauty and  following another (science/engineering/medicine) usually associated with, well, geeks?
Jennifer: Never feel torn. Learn the value of time management and you will understand that ALL of your goals are within reach. Time management really is about balance. So is your own identity.  You are not defined by one adjective.  You love to dance? Then be a dancer. You love to cheer? Then be a cheerleader. You also love science? Then be a scientist or at the very least, embrace that passion, too. If you love  them all…DO THEM ALL! And, seriously, girls, let’s be real.  Guys love cute geeks! J

S.C.: At the risk of getting a little corny here, is there other advice you would give your former 12-year-old self, now that you have the benefit of hindsight?
Jennifer: Absolutely. Don’t look back or place blame on other people or situations for why you aren’t happy, etc.  Never listen to “never,” be kind,  love all, and stay focused and committed. Bottom line is that integrity will take you further than you can possibly imagine right now. Don’t give up on your dreams.

S.C.: Best cheerleading experience?
Jennifer: Easy: 1. My entire experience as the 2007 Tennessee Titans Probowl cheerleader 2. Getting the opportunity to tour Hawaii, Japan,  Guam, and Korea as a cheerleader for the troops.

S.C.: Best engineering-related experience?
Jennifer: Funny you should ask that. Just recently, the vice president of manufacturing at my plant mentioned me during her speech at the Southern Automotive Women’s Forum. That was incredible for me.

S.C.: Cool! Anything you’d like to add that you want our readers to know?
Jennifer: Yes, and I know this might not resonate with all of your readers, but, I know my faith in God has brought me to where I am now. I owe it all to Him! I have dedicated my life to serving God and my community and loving others. Shout out to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and Judah Generation Dance team. Love you guys!!!

Note from S.C.: Jennifer and nine other Science Cheerleaders will be performing in Washington, D.C. Oct 23-24 as part of the U.S.A. Science and Engineering Festival. Come meet them as they inspire young women to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, math, and health! Here’s more info.

Dr. John here… During Science Cheerleader’s ongoing effort to challenge stereotypes and inspire youngsters, we’ve searched the globe to find cheerleaders and athletes who are pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.  Little did I know, I spend every workday sitting right across the hall from a high-tech hybrid that has mastered the world of Internet technology and the rigors of personal physique (refer to image of ridiculously toned, bikini-wearing woman).

I’d like to introduce you to my friend and colleague, Arlene, a Google Search Appliance Analyst at the U.S Department of Defense. She manages both the business and technical aspects of the Google search engine on www.defense.gov and is my go-to person for insight on virtually anything related to the Internet (and apparently fitness as well!)

As you’ll learn in the interview below, Arlene has also spent her entire life competing in a variety of sports and cheerleading, culminating as a competitor in National Physique Committee Figure competitions.  She also shares some of her first experiences in the science and technology, and gives away her secret to getting people interested in STEM.

And now I think I need to hit the gym!

Which teams did you cheer or play for and when?

I’ve always been an avid athlete since I was very young: Little League left fielder, Pee-Wee League cheerleader in primary school; softball in Jr high school and indoor and outdoor track and cross-country running in Sr high school. Later on I was an amateur level competitor in National Physique Committee Figure competitions (think bodybuilding with less muscle bulk mixed with a swimsuit presentation).

Who or what experience turned you on to STEM careers?

My dentists, doctors, and my parents turned me on to science as a very young child. I was ill often, had very poor vision, and bad teeth. To help me understand the “why” of all these things, my parents took the time to explain everything to me with the help of books and games. This desire to learn how things work coupled with subscriptions to OMNI Magazine and National Geographic throughout most of my childhood fueled my interest in all things science.

From astronomy to chemistry – I received my first kit when I was 7 – to zoology, I could never get enough science. My biggest love was astronomy and space science, though. I had ambitions of becoming an astronaut when I grew up, but then I learned at university that my inferior vision would keep me from achieving that dream. I turned my attention to web technology and innovation instead.

Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream associated with beauty or physique (cheerleading, baseball, etc) and following a STEM career usually associated with, well, geeks?

My biggest advice: Ignore the labels and go after everything you desire. I feel very fortunate that my parents encouraged me to do whatever I wished. They never told me to choose between math and running track, or between biology and ballet dancing. In their eyes I was capable of doing it all, and so I did.

How did your fellow cheerleaders/athletes accept your interest in STEM fields?

I was fortunate to have known a lot of fellow athletes with brilliant minds throughout my life so my interest in science was often shared. It was always nice to be able to discuss that day’s biology homework while running laps.

What are typical reactions you’ve received when people learn about your figure competition days?

Because I’m soooo smart [kidding. not really. yes I am.], people are either shocked or in disbelief when I tell them about my National Physique Committee figure competition days. When they see the pictures they’re still shocked, but not so disbelieving. Then when I start to explain the science behind competition training (and there’s a lot of it), they become utterly fascinated.

How do you encourage people to become more interested in STEM careers??

I always like to ask people, “Do you ever wonder WHY something is the way it is?” and provide them with all the resources I can to learn the answer to the “why”. Especially children since young ones are still discovering life. More informed = better choices.

Best athletic experience?

Placing second in my class at my final figure competition. In the four years that I competed I’d always been 4th and had busted tail switching up my training regimen to finally move up to 2nd!

Best science experience?

Getting the highest grade in my freshman biology class at university for the fruit fly DNA experiment because no one else in the class could figure how to keep their flies in their containers.

Favorite sports team and why?

Auburn Tigers football. Why? WHY?! Cut me in half and I’ll bleed orange and blue. And it’s where I went to university. WAR EAGLE!

In our continuing effort to playfully challenge stereotypes–and inspire young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, math, and health–I, Dr. John, would like to introduce you to Erica, a San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush cheerleader and a software engineer with a masters in Instructional Technology.

In between nailing double pirouettes, Erica works as an Instructional Designer for online classes for graduate students. As distributed e-learning becomes more and more common, it’s great to know that multi-talented women like Erica are working hard to improve online education and training.

I recently had a chance to ask Erica a few questions about her passion for engineering, the challenges of balancing two different worlds, and her future ambitions. Thanks to Erika and the 49ers Gold Rush for spending some with ScienceCheerleader!

Erica, what experience turned you on to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers?

I went to a Math, Science, and Technology High school where I could take programming and advanced math classes. Math was my favorite subject but wasn’t my best. I asked one of my teachers if I could be an engineer if math wasn’t my best subject — he said no. From then one I was determined to prove him wrong, which I did.

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?

I think you experience the best of both worlds when you pursue both STEM careers and beauty/physique-centered activities. I am constantly challenged by both, but one is a mental challenge and the other a physical challenge.

How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in engineering?

My fellow cheerleaders accept my interest in engineering. I don’t think they know how much I’m into it. It’s funny because they find what I do to be amazing and challenging when I think of them as just as smart as me and able to do it just as easily. We all find qualities in each other that we wish we had.

Is there advice you would give your former 10-12-year-old self, now that you have the benefit of hindsight?

If there were advice I could give my former 10 year-old-self it would be to accept my talent and not follow the crowd. I was in advanced math and science class throughout elementary and middle school. When I entered middle school, I wanted to be in classes with my friends so I complained to my mom that I didn’t understand my teachers and the work was too hard. She eventually pulled me out of the advanced classes. I was taking Pre Calculus and Physics in 6th grade.

Can you describe a “typical day” at work?

I usually come in and check emails. After emails I work on the Xserve for about 3 hours. I have lunch and watch tourist out on the Pier for about an hour. The rest of my day is working with instructors to design online classes for graduate students.

What are your plans for the future?

In the future, I would like to get my PhD in Instructional Design and become a college professor.

Best cheerleading experience?

My second best cheerleading experience is when I made the Gold Rush finals. My best cheerleading experience is when I actually made Gold Rush. I couldn’t wait to tell my family and especially my Dad who was the most excited.

Favorite and least favorite courses you took to prepare for your work?

My favorite courses were Calculus, Physics, and Probability and Statistics. I liked these courses because I could teach myself. Also, these were the only courses where I could concentrate and listen to music at the same time.

My least favorite course was Differential Equations, hands down. Thinking of Laplace Transform of F(s) = f(t) just makes my skin crawl. I hated it because I wanted to get it so bad but instead I struggled with it.

More exhilarating: positive experimental results or nailing a cheer move?

I am always excited when I nail a double pirouette. Often times I sneak to the bathroom while at work and practice them. Actually, as I am responding to these questions, I took a break to go and practice, ha-ha.

Steady as She Goes? Three Generations of Students through the Science and Engineering Pipeline

In October 2009, Rutgers University released an important (if not provocative) report that didn’t make the headlines and was barely mentioned by the usual STEM chest-pounders (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). I mean that in a good way–we need those folks. Wait, I’m one of them.

But why haven’t we heard much about this report? It may have something to do with a key finding that, in some ways, seems to contradict some of the common pull quotes of STEM-related press releases where we often hear about the need–and, more recently, read about the financial investments–to turn more kids onto STEM careers. Rightly so, especially given the fact that the number of STEM graduate degrees earned in the U.S. in 2006 ranked among the lowest of the G-8 countries. (Digging up recent stats now. If you have info, would you kindly send it to me?)

Here’s where the confusion sets in. Based on the findings of the Rutgers report, a HUGE problem is being dissed. From the report:

Yet, is there evidence of an actual long-term decline in the proportion of American students with the relevant training and qualifications to pursue STEM jobs? We have argued elsewhere that the United States actually supplies more than enough students prepared for STEM jobs and that there is little evidence of a current domestic supply bottleneck (Lowell and Salzman, 2007).1 We found that universities in the United States actually graduate many more STEM students than are hired each year. We also found that the U.S. education system produces large numbers of top-performing science and math students.2

But….?

“Highly qualified students may be choosing a non-(science, technology, engineering and mathematics) job because it pays better, offers a more stable professional career, and/or perceived as less exposed to competition from low-wage economies,” writes Georgetown University demographer Lindsay Lowell and colleagues, in the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation-funded study. “The problem may not be that there are too few (science) qualified college graduates, but rather that (science) firms are unable to attract them.”

In an April speech at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), President Obama seconded years of concern over the U.S. scientific workforce, particularly a 2005 NAS report, by calling for more engineering and science graduates from U.S. colleges.

However, the supply of technically-capable students has remained level over the last three decades, find the researchers, producing “many more” science graduates than are hired by industry. Turning to federal surveys from 1972 to 2005, they instead find that the best students are moving out of science and engineering careers, “at a substantial rate, and this decline seems to have come on quite suddenly in the mid-to-late 1990s.”

Many of the  best STEM graduates follow the money, at least they did in the  90s, per this report. And, there was a lot more money to go around back then, in non STEM areas. Regardless,  this paper provides a nice argument in support of raising salaries for STEM-related positions. Now. Industry: are you listening? I know you like to hire cheap labor overseas but…”Wo jue de ni yao ting wo shuo!  Zenmeyang? Xie, xie, ni.”

On the bright side, it’s possible this bad economy will be good for STEM. Money’s not what it used to be in the investment banking world these days. In fact, current currency among the leaders in that realm is traded in Marlboro cigs if my sources are correct.

This ain’t yo’ daddy’s NASA no mo’.  Today, NASA launches Mission Science, a site designed specifically for teens “who have their own unique language and style,” according to this morning’s NASA press release. Teens can access real-time spacecraft data, conduct experiments with NASA scientists, find space-related summer internships, and participate in a host of social networking initiatives. And, yes, it’s also designed to showcase NASA’s vast “collection of educational resources and encourage students to study and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.” Yes, yes, there are still shades of yo’ daddy’s NASA but this is a great start. True fact: NASA has accounts on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. NASA, you da bomb!

I’ve hinted at a special announcement the White House was expected to make today and here it is:

President Obama Launches “Educate to Innovate” Campaign for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (Stem) Education. This nationwide effort includes over $260 million in public-private investments to move American students to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade.

You can read the “official” White House press release on this but it’s only fair to tell you, it’s nothing but good-old safe facts. I, on the other hand, am about to fill you in on who’s REALLY behind this huge effort to improve science education. Ready? OK!

Kudos to President Obama and:

-his Office of Science and Technology Policy staff (my guess is, based on some conversations I’ve had with her, the unbelievably effective Beth Noveck had a big role in this)

-the MacArthur Foundation, (here’s hoping they support little people with big ideas, too, not just Obama-sized proposals)

-Dean Kamen (the real hero here even though he spilled red wine on my borrowed shoes)

-Jack Hidary (kindly took a break from his squash game a few weeks ago to talk me through these plans)

-The Discovery Channel (an independent production company of theirs called me Friday to talk about my family starring in a Science Family reality TVshow–not sure it’s going to fly since I don’t have one scientist in my family)

-and others I’m sure I’ve come in contact with along the way….OH! and Tim O’Reilly who seems to be taking over the world through his Gov 2.0 and Web 2.0 conferences and now it looks like his giant Maker Faire will take over the White House in May (as part of National Lab Day). THAT’s going to be cool.