Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/404977
Courtesy sCIeNCe CHeerLeADer "People want to know, 'How is it possible that you're a cheerleader with a Ph.D.?' But, you know, the things that make me a great dancer and cheerleader are the things that make me a great scientist, that make me a great col- league at work. It's about teamwork, about discipline, about time management. Those are all skills you have to have in the normal EDUCATION To learn more about Science Cheerleader, visit www.sciencecheerleader.com To learn more about the USA Science & Engineering Festival, visit www.usasciencefestival.org To learn more about SciStarter, visit www.scistarter.com To learn more about the National Science Foundation, visit www.nsf.gov JOSEPH GUINTO is a freelance writer who is based in Washington, D.C. workforce and also as a cheerleader." Still, stereotypes that suggest female sci- entists are the dour antithesis of personable cheerleaders do have an impact on keeping women from pursuing science careers. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean in the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech Universit y, says when those stereot y pes are combined w ith the ways that women are sometimes discouraged from pursuing STEM education a nd ca reers, it "erodes women's confidence … all the way from pre- school to the corporate boardroom." A 2013 report from the National Science Foundation may prove that point. It found that, although women make up 48 percent of the overall workforce, they hold just 24 percent of jobs in STEM fields. A nd since many STEM jobs pay better than jobs in the majorit y of other industries, that means women who turn away or are turned away from science may be losing out financially. Whether "woo-ing" for women in science is going to change, that remains to be seen. But as long as little girls continue to line up for their autographs, Science Cheerleaders like Richards and Brown say they will keep cheering for science, even if they have to do a little explaining in the process. "I like com- ing to events like these science fairs because people will tell me, 'You look out of place,' " Brown says. "I love seeing the expression on their face change when I tell them that, 'Actually, I'm not. I'm a scientist.' " GrEETING THE faNS: Science Cheerleader Joanna Tippett signs autographs at the USA Sci- ence & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. 6 4 N ov e m b e r 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY We're looking for a few ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. Are you ready for a positive change? ® Join our unique franchise community that believes in the Power of Love ® and has an equally strong focus on the bottom line. ©2013 Seniors Helping Seniors. Each off ce is independently owned and operated. All trademarks are registered trademarks of Corporate Mutual Resources Inc. Join our unique franchise partnership. Do good and make money. ® E-mail us today! opportunities@seniorshelpingseniors.com www.seniorshelpingseniors.com Receive substantial f nancial and emotional rewards. • Help seniors live independently in their own homes by matching them with other loving, caring, compassionate seniors • Provide non-medical services such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, companion care and more • Serve one of the fastest growing markets – the Boomers and their parents • Easy startup backed by our marketing expertise and ongoing management support • Be part of our strong community of like-minded social entrepreneurs