People1 week ago
Greta J.
24-year-old biochemist Camille Schrier was crowned the new Miss Virginia recently, after showcasing her talents onstage in the form of a science experiment.
Virginia beauty pageant contestant Camille Schrier showed a rather unusual talent for these kinds of shows
Image credits: John Herzog / Miss Virginia
While the usual 'talents' in these pageants often amount to singing a song or pulling a rabbit out of a hat, Ms. Schrier stepped out in lab coat and goggles to wow the judges with a demonstration of the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
After carefully mixing a solution of chemicals into beakers, Schrier's experiment concluded with an explosion of blue and orange foam, which is known as the "Elephant Toothpaste" reaction.
Image credits: Rick Myers / Miss Virginia
Ms. Schrier said that it was the recent overhaul to the competition, which now places greater value on true talents and social impact over appearance, that encouraged her to enter the pageant circuit again.
"The evolution of the Miss America competition, which reflects greater inclusiveness, and an opportunity to make a difference and win scholarships inspired me to step forward this year and compete," she told IFLScience.
"I am more than Miss Virginia. I am Miss Biochemist, Miss Systems Biologist, Miss Future PharmD looking toward a pharmaceutical industry career."
Check out the video of Ms. Schrier's experiment in action below
Watch #VCUPharmacy student Camille Schrier wow the judges for Miss Virginia with her talent performance — the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide!
PS: she won. Next pageant: #MissAmerica #FuturePharmacist pic.twitter.com/MzqgZBUygl
— VCU School of Pharmacy (@VCUPharmacy) June 26, 2019
She won not only the crowd but also the crown
Image credits: Camille Schrier
Rather than the patronizing swimsuit competition, competitors in Miss America 2.0 will now spend more time highlighting their achievements and goals. Dress codes have moved on from the traditional evening gowns, with candidates allowed to choose clothing that expresses who they really are.
According to its website, Miss America now aims to be more inclusive to women rather than fitting into predefined stereotypes.
"We are no longer a pageant. Miss America will represent a new generation of female leaders focused on scholarship, social impact, talent, and empowerment" said Gretchen Carlson, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
"We're experiencing a cultural revolution in our country with women finding the courage to stand up and have their voices heard on many issues. Miss America is proud to evolve as an organization and join this empowerment movement."
Ms. Schrier, who will now represent Virginia in the nationwide competition, will be a strong candidate for the first 'Miss America 2.0.' She has dual Bachelor of Science degrees from Virginia Tech in Biochemistry and Systems Biology, and is currently studying a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.
She chose to do the science experiment as her talent because she wants to get others excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.
"I'm trying to be like Bill Nye," she said in a university blog. "That's what I'm going for. I want to get kids excited, but I don't want it to be boring."
This kind of awareness and encouragement for girls to get into science and engineering is important because the field is still dominated by men. Currently, 81% of the degrees earned in engineering in the U.S. go to males, despite girls and boys having no significant difference in their abilities in mathematics and science.
So it seems that Ms. Schrier's victory was also a victory for science. Let's hope it inspires many young girls to follow in her footsteps and be inspired to challenge themselves at the highest levels of scientific research!
Here's what people had to say about Camille Schrier's win
Leo H 1 week ago
Cool. But why are beauty pageants still a thing..this is 2019
Parmeisan 1 week ago
It's not my thing, but I don't see why it shouldn't exist. These are adults, making choices for themselves. If they enjoy making themselves look good and competing with others, let them do it.
Pervinca 1 week ago
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I think that this could be a right tipe of evolution for that contest. Non only judging your phisical appearance but also your talents and dedication.
-7points
AloofFox 1 week ago
Oh look, the downvoting trolls really ARE out in full force today... yes we understand that it's a simple experiment, but I believe in this instance it was about effect, not how complicated it was. It still doesn't change the fact that she's advocating for the sciences on a platform that many people, who might otherwise not have thought about doing a sciences degree watch.
Steve Cruz 1 week ago
This is "science" the way Mentos in a 2-liter bottle of cola is "science." The visual: she created a huge ejaculation spurting all over the stage.
Full Name 1 week ago
I agree with you AND them. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Also, please remove head from sphincter and realize that other people are allowed to have opinions too. Just because they disagree with you doesn't make them a troll. How that escapes you saddens me.
Si 1 week ago
No, but the fact that they over-scrutinise, bitch and undermine women to a far greater degree than men, does.
Memyselfand I 1 week ago
This is great! By choosing to do "the Elephant's Toothpaste" experiment which has a highly visible reaction, and can be replicated by children in classrooms, she's doing exactly what she set out to do...Making science fun and interesting for girls & boys alike. We need to stop putting women down, and raise them up, every chance we can get. STEM-Rosie...0f-png.jpg
Shireen 1 week ago
Science has always been interesting... it just depends on the teachers you have and inspiration you get.
Ben Smith 1 week ago
Yeah...and this person is teaching a huge audience. Not sure how you don't understand that.
Lola DM 1 week ago
funny thing is, boys and girls get the same science teachers. the main difference is that girls are not encouraged to pursue STEM studies like boys are but coaxed into arts and social sciences. especially if you show some skills at writing or languages! people will assume that it's because girls are more people-oriented (I am a terrific writer and speak 3 languages fluently yet I start fights two months in a new place)
MsM 1 week ago
I highly approve of your comment and pic. Thank you.
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