Camille Schrier, a biochemist, won the Miss Virginia pageant on June 22, 2019.
She showcased her talent on stage in the form of a science experiment.
While many participants show their dancing, singing or other skills on the stage, Camille did what she is expert in and wowed the judges with her talent.
The 24-year-old biochemist arrived in a lab coat and safety goggles to demonstrate the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
After carefully mixing a solution of chemicals into beakers, her experiment concluded with an explosion of blue and orange foam known as the “Elephant Toothpaste” reaction.
She told the newspaper: “We are typically an organization that sees people that are fabulous dancers and really talented singers use that as their talent, and so for me to come out there and take a risk and do a science demonstration was very different,”
“As someone who is breaking the boundaries and breaking stereotypes for what talent looks like at Miss America, I wanted to be a little out of the box, and it really worked out.”
Camille is earning her doctor of pharmacy degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.
She told IFLScience: ‘’The evolution of the Miss America competition, which reflects greater inclusiveness, and an opportunity to make a difference and win scholarships inspired me to step forward this year and compete,”
“I am more than Miss Virginia. I am Miss Biochemist, Miss Systems Biologist, Miss Future PharmD looking toward a pharmaceutical industry career.”
Now the competitors in Miss America 2.0 concentrate more on highlighting their achievements and goals. The dress code has also changed to traditional evening gowns and participants are allowed to choose the clothing that represents who they really are.
Gretchen Carlson, Chair of the Board of Trustees said: “We are no longer a pageant. Miss America will represent a new generation of female leaders focused on scholarship, social impact, talent, and empowerment”
“We’re experiencing a cultural revolution in our country with women finding the courage to stand up and have their voices heard on many issues. Miss America is proud to evolve as an organization and join this empowerment movement.”
Camille Schrier has dual Bachelor of Science degrees from Virginia Tech in Biochemistry and Systems Biology and is currently studying a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at Virginia Commonwealth University.
She will now represent Virginia in the nationwide competition.
“I’m trying to be like Bill Nye,” she said in a university blog. “That’s what I’m going for. I want to get kids excited, but I don’t want it to be boring.”