Career Pathways: Meet Madame Chaos - Kris Krattiger

CAREER PATHWAYS: Women in Science PortlandA series of interviews with local extraordinary womenwhose stories need to be told as a source of inspiration

MEET: Madame Chaos – Mad Science Instructor

 "Thank you so much for allowing me to share my story.  Inspiring children especially girls into enjoying and learning science is one of my greatest joys." - Kris Krattiger What is your background and what brought you to Portland?I was born and raised right here in Portland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Oregon State University. I’ve been fortunate to have worked in several wonderful outdoor education programs as a science teacher including both Multnomah and Washington county outdoor school programs and Nature’s classroom in New England. What influenced you to pursue a degree in science? Did you have any science role models?I first fell in love with science in the 6th grade and had a great teacher, Miss Jenkins. After experiencing outdoor school at Camp Collins that same year I wanted to “grow up and become a scientist”. I had another great biology teacher in high school that kept me focused on the sciences. Tell us about your current role at work.I have been doing a lot of elementary school assemblies that focus on energy and water conservation. I also participate in school field trips and science themed birthday parties. What future goals do you have for your career?I just recently auditioned for a spot in an upcoming Mad Science television program for Mad Science Group which is our parent company. I would like to be able to reach a greater audience, especially girls. Do you have any advice for women who are pursuing careers in science?Stand up, follow your dreams, be persistent, and don’t let anyone tell you that being a scientist is not a good choice for you. What are some challenges you faced along the way as a scientist? Have you ever experienced discrimination at work?In high school, I had math and chemistry teachers that did not feel that it was worth making sure that women excelled at math or should choose a science career. Fortunately, I have experienced no discrimination in any of my science education jobs which felt very inclusive for women. What is the impact you are making or would like to make in your field?Typically in the style of science teaching that I have done for the past 25 years, we rarely get to hear of our own impact or influence on others. But last summer I was fortunate enough to experience something very confirming and amazing. I was walking into the mad science office as a woman was walking out. She immediately recognized me and called me by name. She told me that her daughter was in one of my after school programs about 6 years ago and was greatly inspired by the experience and ended up pursuing a degree in science! I especially enjoy working with the Girl Scout program and do a lot of science badge workshops. I love to show them that science is fun! What made you get involved in WIS and why is it important to you?I really believe that the more women scientists come to the forefront, become predominant as speakers in the media, educate young people, etc. the more young women and girls will feel that their pathway to science is open. What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?I am a member of the Portland pirate community where I am known as “Henrietta Hornswoggle” I have participated in events such as the starlight parade, Portland Marathon, and Lake Oswego senior center lunches. Author BioKylia Ahuna is originally from Colorado and moved to Portland in 2019. She studied neuroscience in undergrad at the University of Colorado Boulder and is currently a research assistant at a pediatric neurology lab at Oregon Health and Sciences University. Kylia is also passionate about making research more accessible to the public and, as such, she is pursuing a graduate degree in Science Writing. She is excited to be a part of the Women in Science organization and looks forward to sharing stories of women in STEM fields through this blog series!