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!

As featured on the BBC this week. Reporter Jane O’Brien profiles the Science Cheerleader event at NASA:

NASA has put men on the moon and robots on Mars…but getting girls interested in science remains a struggle. Across America the gender gap is widening and the Obama administration is warning that the nation is falling behind other countries in science, technology, engineering and math.
Now NASA is trying a new, but controversial approach to the problem – enlisting the help of women who’ve made a career in these subjects, but who might be better known for their dance steps and ability to shake a pompom. The Science Cheerleaders are professional cheerleaders  but also chemists, engineers, biologists and doctors. At the request of NASA and the White House they’ve come to Washington to help raise awareness of science among girls.

Jane O’Brien reports: Science_CHEERLEADER_MIX

And, here’s a cool video NASA put together for its This Week@NASA series.

My guest post on Scientific American.

Cheerleader for science: A chat with Mireya Mayor, author of Pink Boots and the Machete

Today is the publication day of Pink Boots and the Machete, book by Mireya Mayor, physical anthropologist, National Geographic Explorer, and former NFL Cheerleader. For this occasion, Scientific American invited me to conduct a brief interview with the author.

Learn how she discovered the world’s smallest primate in existence in Madagascar, and what she thinks about including everyday citizens in science; and read her bold response to this question:

Darlene: Let’s talk about the objectification of women. Some folks have visceral objections to cheerleaders as science advocates, despite the cheerleaders’ credentials (science/engineering degrees), despite their very real connection to the estimated 3-4 million cheerleaders in the U.S. You’ve endured the ogling on-field and on-set. In your book, you recall the typical scene where you “shower beneath the waterfall.” The title of your new series “Wild Nights with Mireya Mayor” is indeed provocative. What do you say to critics who say this type of objectification does more harm than good?

Read the full interview here.

Dr. John here… If you’ve been reading my Science Cheerleader contributions during the past year, you know that I absolutely love science. What you may not know is that I love many other things, including but not limited to: free money. Hence, I’m pleased to share a few interesting funding opportunities for women in science and technology.

1. The L’Oréal USA Fellowships for Women in Science program is a national awards program that annually recognizes and rewards five U.S.-based women researchers at the beginning of their scientific careers. Recipients receive up to $60,000 each that they must put towards their postdoctoral research. The fellowship program aims to raise awareness of the contribution of women to the sciences and identify exceptional female researchers in the U.S. to serve as role models for younger generations.

This hyperlink will take you to the application. Please note that the deadline is December 13, 2010, so interested applicants will have to move fast.

2. Dr. Anita Borg devoted her life to revolutionizing the way we think about technology and dismantling the barriers that keep women and minorities from entering the computing and technology fields. In honor of Anita’s vision, Google established the Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, awarding scholarships to women who share her passion for technology.

Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship recipients will each receive a $10,000 award for the 2011-2012 academic year. A group of female undergraduate and graduate students will be chosen from the applicant pool, and scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of each candidate’s academic background and demonstrated leadership. All scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to attend the Annual Google Scholars’ Retreat in Mountain View, California in 2011. The scholarship is also offered in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, the United States.

3. The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship for First Years is open to current female high school seniors who are intending to enroll as full-time students at a university in the U.S. for the 2011-2012 academic year. Applicants should have a record of strong academic performance and plan to pursue a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical program. The winning scholars will be invited to attend the Google FUSE networking retreat in 2012.

Good luck!

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!

I met Natalie earlier this year in Berkeley, CA, where we meeting with other members of the Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science team. She’s beautiful, smart, passionate about science literacy, and a terrific role model for young women. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s hear from Natalie:
SciCheer: What turned you on to science?
Natalie: I always liked science classes in middle and high school, but truthfully, I always liked most of my subjects. Then in high school I got a chance to work for a summer in a research lab, and that was the experience that transformed me from someone who kind of liked science into someone who loved it. *Doing* real science made the difference and convinced me that I wanted to be a researcher. I still think that if people only knew how much fun it is to participate in science, to mull over data or to try out an experiment they’ve dreamed up, then when I tell people that I’m a biological engineer, I’d hear a lot fewer saying, “oh I hated science when I was in school.”
SciCheer: What degree(s) did you pursue for your current position?

Natalie: I studied dance and chemistry in college and then got a PhD in cell biology. And did a few years of post-doctoral training before starting in a faculty position.

SciCheer: What is your current position and what do you do?

Natalie: I develop and teach new classes for MIT’s undergraduate major in biological engineering. It’s an exciting and new field–and scary too. Genetic engineering has so much promise to do good things but there’s also a lot of uncertainty and nervousness: Genetically Modified Foods, nanotechnology, synthetic life forms…plenty of creepy movies start with biological engineering gone wrong. So I also spend time coordinating the local efforts to improve understanding of science and engineering. For instance the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) is a nationwide, grassroots effort to better connect science to society, and I help coordinate its Boston-area activities. Outreach is key to re-engaging the public with science. The websites, Understanding Science and BioBuilder, are also a resources that I try to talk about and promote in our local schools.

SciCheer: What forms of dance did you study/are you studying?

Natalie: Ballet…lots of ballet…and on that foundation I’ve studied Graham, Horton, and Cunningham technique, some musical theater, and these days lyrical jazz.

SciCheer: Do you find that being a dancer helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences? Were you taken seriously?

Natalie: There are lots of scientists who passionately pursue their artistic talents. Many scientists I know are musicians, others are fine artists. I haven’t met a lot who are dancers, but if I mention that I dance, then nearly everyone is very supportive and interested. The hardest part, for me, right now, is trying to find enough time for the two activities I love. I’m on the run most days, trying to be uber-efficient at everything. In some ways it helps me get more done, being this busy. But I’d be lying if I didn’t also say that there are lots of compromises. For instance, I don’t travel to as many scientific meetings as I might like and I definitely don’t get to as many dance classes as would be good for me.

SciCheer: Tell me a little about your favorite courses.

Natalie: I remember liking most of my classes, but I wish I’d worked harder at my writing and speaking skills early on. These turn out to be hugely important in any career, even more than grades and test scores. If you can’t communicate the work you’ve done, then you might as well not have done it, right?

SciCheer: Do you have any advice for middle or high school girls who might feel torn between following one dream (dancing) or following another (science) usually associated with, well, geeks?

Natalie: I like the Katharine Hepburn quote, “If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.” It’s hard to follow this advice when you’re in school since rules are everywhere and you’re always being judged or tested, and being “well rounded” is highly prized. But eventually you’ll be on a path that you can define and it’s really important to know what you’d like to do with that freedom and what it takes to make your dream a reality.

SciCheer: Best dance experience?

Natalie: Don’t ask me to choose a best! I’ve worked with wonderful teachers and choreographers who took a heart-felt interest in me. I’ve also danced with amazing companies and dancers. They feel like family. These days, I don’t dance with a company but every week I do take class with my dance family. I’m also able to support the younger dancers at the studio through Boston Youth Moves, the studio’s pre-professional training program.

SciCheer: Best academic experience related to science?

Natalie: I love coming into the lab in the morning to see if my overnight experiments worked. There’s something incredibly satisfying and fun about that. But even more, I love the teaching I can do in the lab. My students are so excited to be learning new things and investigating ideas themselves, and they’re so smart! Watching them discover that research could be a path for them is the best part of my job.

SciCheer: Anything else you’d like to add?

Natalie: I would spend my days exactly the way I do now, even if I didn’t get paid for it. Actually, maybe I don’t want people to know that!

It was announced today that Barbie’s newest career will be that of a Computer Engineer. Why?

“Girls who discover their futures through Barbie will learn that they – just like engineers – are free to explore infinite possibilities, and that their dreams can go as far as their imaginations take them,” said Nora Lin, President, Society of Women Engineers. “As a computer engineer, Barbie will show girls that women can design products that have an important and positive impact on people’s everyday lives, such as inventing a technology to conserve home energy or programming a newborn monitoring device.”

Barbie® designers worked with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering to “ensure that accessories, clothing and packaging were realistic and representative of a real computer engineer”.

Read the full press release here. GOOOO Barbie!

Meet Sandra, a former Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader who’s now an emergency room registered nurse.

Tell us about yourself, Sandra:

I’ve always loved science. I remember receiving a telescope and microscope science kit when I was in elementary school. I think all sciences are fascinating!

My favorite classes included Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology. In fact, while in nursing school, I took a microbiology course that I loved so much, I almost quit nursing to pursue a career in microbiology.

Unlike, Michelle, the former New Orleans Saints cheerleader-turned-chemist, I wasn’t as “into” chemistry and physics compared to biological sciences.
Some people think of  Cheerleading and Science as two worlds. In my opinion, I think being a former cheerleader may have helped my career.  As cheerleaders, we are ambassadors for our organization and we must have people skills. These also happen to be terrific qualities in nursing because we are so hands-on with patients, we stand behind the hospitals we work for, and it’s important our patients feel we are rooting for their recovery.

Whether someone is considering a career in science or not, nothing in this world is more empowering than to do what you love (dance/cheer) and back it up with a good education and awesome grades. Being smart IS beautiful and dancing/cheering will give you an outlet! I’ve danced and cheered with some of the most brilliant women in this world who have gone on to become doctors, engineers, science and math teachers, and nurses.  Nothing geeky about that!

GOOOO Science!

Signed,

Sandra from Atlanta

In our continuing effort to playfully challenge stereotypes and, well, turn people onto science, we present:
The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders-turned-scientists! Enjoy! (And GOOOOOOO EAGLES!) See how the Philadelphia 76ers Cheerleaders helped the cause and check out the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders, too. Thanks, ladies! And, of course, a big shout out to NFL’s man of science, Hugh Douglas!

That’s right! These four Eagles cheerleaders are big fans of science (one’s even a math geek). This past week, I interviewed these brainy cheerleaders and we talked about what sparked their love of science…and much more.  Stay tuned for that video! (Thanks to the Eagles for making this possible.)