Center of Science and Industry hosts Miss America for The Color of Science program

In recognizing the importance of diversity in the world of science, the Center of Science and Industry will welcome Miss America 2020 winner Camille Schrier for the center’s The Color of Science Digital Series from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday.

Schrier, 25, who impressed the judges at the Miss America competition by performing a catalytic experiment that showcased the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide — also known as “Elephant Toothpaste” — will be interviewed by COSI President and CEO Frederic Bertley during the monthly series.

Airing the first Thursday of each month, the digital series will highlight women and persons of color within the modern science and engineering industry and give these professionals the chance to chronicle their contributions.

Bertley, who founded The Color of Science program 12 years ago while serving as the senior vice president for science and education at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, said his hope is that Schrier’s presence will inspire young men and women to explore their interests in modern science and engineering.

“We have to make sure that everybody, regardless of race, regardless of religion, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to pursue science if they want,” Bertley said. “It’s better the more diverse people get into science because there are geniuses in every population.“

Since its inception, Bertley has implemented the program in Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Diego, New York, Washington, D.C., and international locations such as Canada and Egypt, according to press materials.

Schrier, currently pursuing a Doctorate in Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University, will highlight her experiences as a young biochemist and her work in promoting women in engineering and technical fields.

COSI’s signature diversity and equity program has had other nationally recognized figures, such as former NASA astronaut and past COSI CEO Kathryn Sullivan and child-protege Caleb Anderson. Bertley said adding Schrier to that list of storied guests could help debunk the stereotypes attributed to the profession.

“There’s no question we’ve had national figures before, but Miss America is a whole other kind of piece,” he said. “You have somebody that traditionally is stereotyped as to not be connected to science — a pageant winner. Yes, she may be a beautiful pageant winner, but she’s also a scientist.

“I definitely expect it, but the average person doesn’t expect that they’re going to be a scientist,” he added. “So, to have her agree to do this show is so exciting and speaks to the diversity of science.“

The program will be live-streamed on the COSI website, where viewers can submit questions before and during the program. Free registration is available on The Color of Science tab located on the COSI Connections web page, cosi.org.

For those unable to watch the live program, the hour-long conversation will be archived and made available for further viewings on the center’s website.