Biochemist crowned Miss America 2020

A Virginian biochemist has been crowned winner of Miss America 2020 after using the talent portion of the contest to perform a live science experiment, with the goal of defying stereotypes.

She's more than a pretty face. Twenty-four year old Camille Schrier has two undergraduate science degrees and is studying a doctorate in pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. As part of her prize, Schrier won a $50,000 scholarship. Her science experiment — the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide — was another progressive step away from Miss America's traditional beauty contest format.

In her role as Miss America, Schrier will spend a year advocating for Mind Your Meds, a non-profit dedicated to education to reduce the harmful effects of prescription drug abuse.

Read the BCC coverage and watch the video