Join us at the Dulles Town Center on Friday 9/27 and Saturday 9/28 for an event involving science, cheerleaders, and the International Space Station. Cosponsored by Congressman Frank Wolf and the National Science Foundation for middle and high school students, teachers and families.
The Science Cheerleaders (current and former pro cheerleaders pursuing science and engineering careers) will talk about their STEM careers and engage visitors in Project MERCCURI. by helping them collect microbes from shoes and cellphones. Samples will be analyzed at UC Davis and Argonne National Lab and all findings will later be shared along with related learning tools. Some microbes collected as part of this study will be sent into space for testing and analysis on the International Space Station.
Science and cheerleaders?! That’s right. The Science Cheerleader organization works with more than 250 current and former NFL, NBA, and university cheerleaders who are working as scientists and mathematicians or are pursuing advanced science degrees. They playfully challenge stereotypes, inspire kids to consider STEM careers, and encourage everyday people to get involved in real science activities.
Event Details:
National Science Foundation STEM Careers Day
Dulles Town Center
21100 Dulles Town Circle
Dulles, VA 20166-2400
Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Science Cheerleaders will be there:
Friday, September 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stage time: noon
Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stage time: 11 a.m.
Meet the cheerleaders just inside the main entrance and at the Project MERCCURI table 147 SA (Stage Area, near Starbucks on the Lower Level)
Cheerleaders Attending:
September 27
Hillary – Washington Eagles Cheerleader, M.S. in Economics, pursuing Ph.D. in Coastal Resources Management, works at NOAA
Meredith – Former Washington Redskins Cheerleader and Software Designer
Devon – Former Washington Wizards Cheerleader and Software Engineer
September 28
Madison– Washington Redskins cheerleader, Health Science degree
Rita– Washington Redskins cheerleader, Systems Engineer
Margaret – Former Baltimore Blast Cheerleader with a Ph.D. in Chemistry
Tynesha– Baltimore Blast Cheerleader and Food Technology/Chemistry Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
Hillary – Washington Eagles Cheerleader, M.S. in Economics, pursuing Ph.D. in Coastal Resources Management, works at NOAA
Meredith – Former Redskins Cheerleader and Software Designer
Suzanne – Former Washington Wizards cheerleader with dual degrees in Math and Computer Science
About Project MERCCURI
The microbes collected will be used by Dr. Jonathan Eisen and his colleagues at UC Davis (including Science Cheerleaders) in their research on the microbial ecology of the built environment (the buildings we work and live in and on the surfaces we touch). A subset of microbe samples will be sent to the Space Station this winter for a growth rate study and for comparison to microbes collected at the Space Station (a controlled environment). All findings will be shared with the public. Learn more about the significance of this project at www.SpaceMicrobes.org.
About the NSF Science and Engineering Careers Fair:
Change the World!
Cosponsored by Congressman Frank Wolf and the National Science Foundation for middle and high school students, teachers and families
Are you aware of the latest careers in science and engineering? Come see how scientists and engineers create innovations that improve our health, address future challenges and enhance the quality of our lives. On September 27 and 28, more than 100 scientists and engineers will share interactive demonstrations of the work they do. Talk with the experts and experience hands-on activities that illustrate the wide range of careers in science and engineering.
Meet the Science Cheerleaders at the National Science Foundation's STEM Careers Fair in Dulles, VA
