Katelyn France and STEM: Inspiring women to make tomorrow beautiful

By Molly Ovenden

"Hi,I'm Katelyn France. I have a cat named Switzerland and I speak German,” France said as she laughed at her favorite personal introduction.

A University of Minnesota Duluth pharmacy student, France, 21, is making a difference empowering young women, and through her own innovations, while pursuing a master’s degree in public health and doctorate in pharmacy.

France studied through PSEO in high school, managed early graduation from UMD, majoring in chemistry and biochemistry, minoring in German and quality science education.

France continues high level achievement academically and through her business, Scientists Making Your Life Easier, LLC.

She prioritizes spending time with people she cares about, too, loves hiking and crocheting hats to donate. She’s even hand embroidered a sweater: “Put it on my Google Calendar.” It’s how she accomplishes everything.

“I believe that what we create today is the inspiration for tomorrow and what a beautiful day tomorrow will be,” France said.

February is American Heart Month

Selected as one of the American Heart Association’s 2020 EmPOWERED to Serve Scholars, France won a financial scholarship and the opportunity to work with Briana Johnson, AHA development director.

“The AHA works to engage more women in STEM through a program called 'STEM Goes Red,’ drawing from our organization’s long history based in science, technology, engineering and math,” Johnson said.

National Wear Red Day is Feb. 4. France, AHA’s keynote speaker at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on Feb. 9, will discuss her career path and current projects in relation to the AHA.

“‘Go Red for Women’ is the AHA’s signature initiative to raise awareness that heart disease is women’s greatest health threat, and to educate and empower women to take action to lower their risk,” Johnson said.

France’s grandpa, mom and brother were all diagnosed with heart disease, so she’s “a passionate advocate” for the AHA, France said.

What is MAQR?

At the end of her ninth grade year, France saw an ad for a medical alert bracelet. At $100 for a simple piece of metal, she thought she could do better.

France remembered what her science teacher, Joe Ranger, said: “If you think you can make the world a better place, why aren’t you doing that right now?”

His words spurred her on.

France has been developing the Medical Assistance via Quick Response code bracelet since 2015.

MAQR’s tagline, “Help is only one scan away,” demonstrates how its design is intended to be easy to use, accessible to everyday people, and patient-focused. Anyone with a smartphone can scan it and be empowered to help someone having a medical emergency.

Scanning the code bracelet brings the user to a page with information about the patient’s emergency protocols, location of the patient’s medication and what help they’re likely to need. From the rural Hinckley area, France has experience waiting with family over 30 minutes for an ambulance. The

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Top: France works in the lab finetuning the MAQR bracelet features.

Middle: Katelyn France poses with her high school science teacher Dennis Boxrud and mentor Dr. Cynthia Welsh after winning a chance to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Bottom: Katelyn France has spoken on many occasions as a result of her invention, including as a keynote with the American Heart Association and presenting her MAQR bracelet to Governor Walz.

MAQR bracelet offers quick aid till emergency services arrive.

Inspiration for future generations

France began work on the MAQR bracelet prototype right away and presented her invention at the 2015 International Science and Engineering Fair.

“This is like the Olympics of science fairs,” France said.

For three years, France competed at the ISEF, alongside students from around the world who presented inventions, including a new sort of battery and lasers for curing Alzheimer’s.

At the first competition, a second grade girl visited France’s booth. After talking to France, the student told her mom she wanted to be just like France when she grew up. France nearly burst into tears.

“That’s what STEM is all about,” France said.

Strong women in STEM

France has always had strong women in her life, but not always in STEM fields. She’s grateful for the numerous men and women who’ve advocated for and encouraged her over the years.

When she began competing in science fairs, however, she met her mentor, Dr. Cynthia Welsh, regional director for Northeastern Minnesota science fairs. Welsh encouraged France to pursue opportunities which stretched her.

Her confidence grew and during her involvement with the AHA, the development director saw her as an inspiration.

“I have two young daughters and the moment I met Katelyn I wanted my girls to know her,” Johnson said. “She has an incredible thirst for knowledge and a creative curiosity, combined with a generous heart that is always thinking of ways to help others and make her community a better place for future generations.”

France is also excited to have another woman, Dr. Laura Palombi, as her research mentor in pharmacy school.

“Strong women in science really inspired me and got me excited about becoming that representation I lacked,” France said.

Representation and opportunities

While France is excited now to be in a predominantly female pharmacy class, it’s not simply about having women in STEM for the sake of it. It’s about having wider diversity in perspectives.

She remembers one class when they discussed a case study depicting a situation in a rural area, similar to her own community. Her fellow students didn’t understand the implications of the issue in the study. When France spoke up, describing her rural life experience, her perspective broadened her classmates’ viewpoints.

Bringing diverse perspectives means “solving it in a way that matters,” she said, “I think is really important.”

France wants to inspire those who might not naturally be exposed to STEM subjects. Through speaking opportunities, including at her high school, she also mentors young women who might be interested in a similar career path to her own.

“The support is not so much the hand reaching down, but the stepladder boosting you up,” France said.

She’s hopeful to make a difference, providing that boost and opportunities for future generations.

“(Volunteering) is a great way to make connections and can open doors like it did for Katelyn to scholarships, contests and even internships and jobs down the road,” Johnson said.

“There are so many opportunities that exist if you're willing to put in the time and the energy to look for them,” France said. D