Photo Credit: San Francisco 49ers
Hello, Science Cheerleader fans! As part of NFL Playoff season, we are interviewing some of the current professional cheerleaders who are cheering their teams in the playoffs while also pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Read on to learn more about Cynthia, a diagnostic medical sonographer and member of the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders squad.
How did you get interested in science?
We are constantly learning new and different facts about the world we live in through the discoveries of science and my academic pursuits have been inspired by that since a very young age.
Who had the most influence on your career choice?
Growing up, I was very fortunate to have a close relationship with my grandparents. As they age more and more, my goal is to obtain a career that will allow me to take care of them just as they have for me.
Photo Credit: San Francisco 49ers
How would you describe what you do?
In my work, I study what it means to age and the effects that aging has on a person’s mind and body.
How do you integrate your career with being a professional cheerleader?
One of my biggest takeaways through studying Gerontology is that our body ages in a way that reflects the decisions we are making now. As a result, I do my best to prepare for every rehearsal, game day, and event in a way that nurtures both my physical and mental health.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about having studied Public Health and Gerontology is the relevance that it presents within our daily lives. I currently work at a Women’s Health Education Center and love learning new things from the patients every day.
What’s been the best experience as an NFL cheerleader?
I am a strong believer that our environments are shaped by the energy of the people that surround us. Therefore, each and every person that I have encountered throughout my time as an NFL cheerleader has by far been the best part of the experience.
What’s one thing people find surprising about you?
I was a first-generation college student.