I was so excited to learn that a former Lerner editorial colleague, Joan Freese (left), won an Emmy this June for producing the web component of the  PBS science program SciGirls. The program won the category of “New Approaches” for its creative and unique way of merging television and the web.

SciGirls is a production of our own Twin Cities Public Television station for nationwide distribution on PBS channels and on its website. Its mission is to encourage girls to view STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills as fun and girl-friendly.

For example, the website invites viewers to network on the site, connect with other girls who are interested in science, create personal profiles and avatars, share science projects, and watch episodes of the TV show. My favorite science project from the website has to do with—you guessed it–merging fashion and technology. Via the link above, see how a team of three girls created an inflatable skirt and outfits that light up!

All this thanks to Joan, whom we editors at Lerner once knew affectionately as “Dr. Freeze.”

Check in next week for more from TFCB!

[Photo: courtesy of Joan Freese]