8. MISS AMERICA: How Camille Schrier put STEM on the national stage

The STEM Class Podcast

The talent portion of the Miss America pageant typically consists of contestants singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. All that changed when the most recent Miss America, Camille Schrier, carried out a STEM demonstration during her talent portion.

The STEM Class Podcast host Anthony Arno talks with Schrier about her lifelong passion for science and her decision to showcase a STEM activity as part of her talent portion, and the reaction from other contestants.

Additional topics covered include:

• Early educators who made a difference
• Teachers as role models
• Earliest interest in science
• Entry into first beauty pageant
• Decision to present a STEM activity over performing arts during talent portion
• Following a passion for science
• Initial reaction from other contestants
• Most unusual talent segments through the years of Miss America
• The final seconds before the winner is announced
• Comparing Miss America journey to the scientific method
• Official platform as Miss America: Mind Your Meds
• How to encourage girls and minorities to consider STEM careers
• How the pandemic affected Miss America's reign
• Collaboration for 3M Science at Home series
• Cooking Up Science with Miss America (PBS 9 part mini-series)
• Most memorable story as Miss America while visiting schools
• Most memorable souvenir received as Miss America
• Passing the Miss America crown to the next recipient
• Does Miss America get to keep the actual crown?
• What other STEM demonstrations were being considered for pageant?
• Final Minute before the Final Bell
  • Morning Person or Night Owl: Morning
  • Mac or PC: Mac
  • Favorite Childhood Book: Millions of Cats
  • First Paying Job: Parents Company
  • Favorite TV Show: News
  • Latest Music Download: Podcasts
  • Unexpected Snow Day: Play with the dog in the snow
  • Next Item on Bucket List: Travel Internationally