Earlier this month, Scholastic received a letter from a Magic School Bus superfan. Adrianna just graduated with her B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla. This fall, she will begin work toward her Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.
In her letter to Scholastic, Adrianna attributed her love for the sciences to watching The Magic School Bus on tv as a child. Adrianna's letter was so inspiring that we decided to follow up with a short interview, which is below.
What about the Magic School Bus appealed to you as a child?
My introduction to The Magic School Bus was my mother. She’s a teacher and she understands that you are never too young to start learning. What I loved most about the show was that when the students put their heads together they could solve any problem with the power of research, critical thinking and fun. Also, Ms. Frizzle encouraged her students to “take chances, make mistakes and get messy” -- an essential in the process of scientific discovery.
Why do you attribute your love for science to watching the show?
No one in my family is a professional scientist. The only introduction to science I had was from watching The Magic School Bus as child. It was especially important that Ms. Frizzle was such an empowering female character. She appeared to know everything and could do just about anything.
Do you have a favorite episode of The Magic School Bus?
My favorite episode of The Magic School Bus is “Get Ready, Set, Dough”. It discussed the molecular components of organic matter and how chemical reactions occur. It made me realize that everything around us is made up of smaller components that have reacted in different ways to make a full-fledged organism.
This fall you’ll be entering a Ph.D. program. What will you be studying?
My main research interests are in the field of development. How do major organs come to be (for example: skin, lungs, heart, intestines, etc.), and how can we replicate those actions in a controlled laboratory setting?
What advice do you have for young girls and women who are interested in science?
My advice is to pursue it passionately and whole-heartedly. People who have insatiable curiosities and willing hands uncover the truth behind the enigmas that trouble the world, pioneering the most amazing scientific discoveries. Who says that cannot be any one of you?
I asked Adrianna if she had anything else she wanted to share, and she wrote about an exciting project she conducted to help get girls interested in STEM:
I was troubled by the fact that gender imbalance is still prevalent in STEM fields, so I decided to become Ms. Frizzle to a group of girls ages 9-12 at a public school in Aguada, Puerto Rico. For six weeks, I visited the school and discussed in detail everything children should know about STEM and performed several experiments. The main goal of this project was to remind girls that they are capable of doing amazing things, which is why I called the project #PrettyIncredible. (A website launch is expected in late September). Together, we can begin to build a world where boys and girls alike can enjoy the beauty of science.
Thanks, Adrianna!
Photos provided by Adrianna.
