We the Geeks: Miss America

All across the United States, there is living evidence that scientists and engineers are not the nerdy, all-male, lab-coat-wearing, wallflowers pictured in the history books but include the full diversity of the nation. Bringing these images out of the shadows will inspire further diversity in STEM fields, as young people see inspiration in their teachers, communities, and mentors. 

Some of the talented young women who competed for this year’s Miss America title have dreams not only of a crown but of solving the toughest health, technology, and environmental challenges facing the world. Competing for a coveted few STEM scholarships from the Miss America organization, the finalists have stories like many young women around this country inspired to pursue STEM. Sporting some serious STEM credentials, we will have a conversation about inspiration, goals, and overcoming challenges with these young women who are on career pathways to be scientists, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs.

On Wednesday, September 17 at 3:00 p.m. ET, the White House will host "We the Geeks: Miss America" to hear from the STEM scholarship winners as they share their stories from crowns to classrooms, personal role models, and advice for the next generation of women in STEM.

• Miss Georgia Maggie Bridges: Maggie studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology and is working to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a double minor in pre-pharmacy and information technology. She hopes to one day work for a pharmaceutical company in information technology.
• Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn: Lauren graduated from Gonzaga University and now attends the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She plans to graduate from Harvard in 2017 with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), with an endodontic specialty.
• Miss New Mexico Jessica Burson: Jessica studies at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell and hopes to attend medical school and obtain a degree in dermatology.
• Miss Ohio Mackenzie Bart: Mackenzie attends the Ohio State University and hopes to obtain a master’s degree in atmospheric science and one day become a meteorologist.
• Miss Vermont Lucy Edwards: Lucy is pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of Vermont and hopes to pursue medical school to become a neurosurgeon.

Viewers can join the conversation by asking questions on Twitter using #WeTheGeeks. And you can view the hangout Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. ET by visiting www.WhiteHouse.gov/WeTheGeeks.

Phil Larson is Senior Advisor for Space and Innovation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.