Camille Schrier, a biochemist from Virginia, says she hopes to “break stereotypes” about what it means to be Miss America in 2020.
The 24-year-old wowed the crowd at the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, with a science experiment, a first for a Miss America winner.
She wins a $50,000 scholarship.
Schrier's victory comes as the 99-year-old contest tries to change its image and focus on women's accomplishments and not appearance.
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The swimsuit competition is gone and candidates compete for the “job” of Miss America and scholarships. Organizers say the changes have encouraged more young women to participate.
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Inside Edition profiled Schrier's science experiment in July when she first won the crown of Miss Virginia.
After her crowning victory, Virginia Tech tweeted that "@MissAmerica can be a scientist because a scientist IS NOW #MissAmerica2020" to congratulate the Virginia Tech alumni.
TEGNA staff contributed to this report.
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