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.

Meet Melissa, a Tennessee Titans cheerleader and a medical researcher at Vanderbilt University, specializing in molecular neuroimaging. Last we heard from Melissa, she and her co-cheerleading/scientist pals sent us this greeting:

Melissa’s back as a participant in our ongoing effort to playfully challenge stereotypes and inspire young women to consider careers in science and technology. Our favorite quote from Melissa: “I wish I had a knack for Newton’s laws, but I’m much better with action potentials!” Goooo Melissa!

What type of scientist are you, Melissa?

I am currently working as a clinical research coordinator specializing in neuroimaging. I was a neuroscience major at Vanderbilt University and since graduating, have devoted myself to full time medical research at Vanderbilt. I worked in a molecular neuro/psychiatric lab for two years, studying genetic expression of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease, and since then, I joined the aforementioned neuroimaging group, specializing in PET, fMRI, and fat-water imaging. I am trained in various molecular techniques, including but not limited to qPCR, primary tissue culture, DNA and RNA extraction. With regard to neuroimaging, I am trained to use many imaging analysis tools such as statistical parametric mapping and voxel based morphometry. My title is Research Assistant II: Neuro Radiology.

You’re also a veteran cheerleader?

Yes, I am currently in my third season with the Tennessee Titans! While I was a student at Vanderbilt, I danced for the Vanderbilt Commodores for four years, serving as Captain in my final year.

What turned you on to science and when?

I became interested in science and medicine at a very young age. I would say that my pediatrician is responsible for sparking my interest
in a medical science career. I remember idolizing him and wanting to learn everything he knew. He encouraged me to pursue my interest by providing me with answers, textbooks, then a full-time summer job for several years when I was in high school.

Did you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? (Were you taken seriously?)

Unfortunately, I would say that cheerleading stereotypes have, to a certain degree, hindered my studies and professional experiences. It has been quite challenging to mesh two contrasting interests, and I have encountered many critics along the way. As a blonde cheerleader, I feel that I have had to prove that I am an intelligent woman to be taken seriously. It is a constant effort to alter the preconceptions of many. Especially in the world of academic science, women and moreover, women who cheer or dance professionally, are an under-represented demographic, and it is sometimes very difficult to convince colleagues that it is possible to be talented in such starkly different areas.

How did your fellow cheerleaders accept your interest in science?

Women with whom I’ve cheered are fully supportive of my interest in science and the career paths that I have chosen. I am so lucky to be surrounding by such bright women who are goal oriented and encouraging.

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?

I encourage young girls to follow their dreams! If that means becoming a professional cheerleader and a biomedical engineer, even better! Stay focused on your priorities, and create your own recipe for success and happiness.

Can you describe a “typical day” at work?

The wonderful thing about my job is that no two days are exactly the same. New developments in medical research emerge daily, so it is very important for me to stay up to date on what is happening in the world of science and technology. I love working in a field that enables me to constantly soak up new knowledge. Currently, I am working on a study that combines elements of radiology, endocrinology, and nutrition. Throughout this clinical trial, I am responsible for coordinating our human volunteers. Specifically, I am interested in the neuroimaging component of the study. Several types of imaging data are obtained, and it is my job to collect, sort, organize, and finally analyze those data. Exciting discoveries are on the horizon!

How big of a role can citizens without formal scientific training play in real scientific research?

Clinical research is completely dependent on the participation of volunteers. If you would like to get involved, seek out a nearby
research center and inquire about opportunities. That is a great way to play a major role in scientific research without any training.
Study participants enable formally trained scientists to better apply their knowledge.

What are your plans for the future?

I aspire to continue my education as a graduate student. I am interested in medical school, pharmacy school, as well as the PhD
track.

Best cheerleading experience?

I have had so many wonderful experiences as a cheerleader. I will never forget the first time I stepped out onto LP Field for my first
Titans game as a cheerleader. The roar of the enthusiastic fans in the stadium, the energetic football players, the photographers…it was
wonderfully overwhelming. But the excitement doesn’t stop on game day. We are able to become involved in the community and personally interact with our fans. I have had the opportunity to visit our troops in Ft. Lewis, Washington, speak at youth leadership conferences in middle Tennessee, and visit a number of hospitals and schools. Each opportunity is so special and unforgettable.

Best science-related experience?

I was on the Neuroscience Executive Board at Vanderbilt as an undergraduate. It was fantastic to be a leader within the neuroscience
field at my university. I was able to recruit students to pursue an interest in neuroscience and encourage the science major. As a full
time researcher, my favorite experiences come from analyzing data. There is something so exciting about not knowing what result an
experiment will yield and watching it unfold on a computer screen. Every data set I analyze is a new puzzle being pieced together. It is
the culmination of so much work, and it’s exhilarating.

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

My favorite courses were The Biological Basis of Mental Disorders and Brain Damage and Cognition. I love to study the brain and the way it works. My least favorite courses were my physics classes. I wish I had a knack for Newton’s laws, but I’m much better with action potentials!

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.