Miss America pageant that has last year onwards started judging contenders on the basis of their talents, passions and intelligence recently crowned a biochemist who conducted on-stage a science experiment that challenged stereotypes of the competition.
Camille Schrier, 24, from Virginia county has two undergraduate science degrees and is studying a doctorate in pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Her experiment, a catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide produced brightly coloured foam live on stage. At a table with three flasks containing a combination of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and food coloring, Schrier poured potassium iodine — her catalyst — into each one to show what she called "the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide."
Pouring the catalyst into each flask sparked a chemical reaction, producing colorful streams of foam that cascaded on the floor.
Miss America rebranded itself last year, ditching the swimwear segment and appearance-based judging criteria.
Five finalists of the 2020 pageant took the stage at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, to showcase their unique talents. Two contestants sang and two others danced, but Camille Schrier from Virginia took a completely different approach.
This isn't the first time Schrier has performed a science experiment during a pageant. In July, the Miss America winner also took home the crown at her state pageant after displaying the same talent.
Ms Schrier reportedly told judges: "Miss America is someone who needs to educate.â€Â
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