Connecticut Science Center STEM Achievement Awards
Each year, the Connecticut Science Center celebrates the achievements of professionals, groups, advocates, businesses, students, and leaders who share our mission to inspire lifelong learning through interactive and innovative experiences that explore our changing world through science. Winners will be selected by the 2025 Gala Committee based on overall contributions to STEM in the region, opening STEM Careers to diverse audiences, and impacts on STEM Education in the community. Nominations are open through May 30, 2025, and awards will be presented at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Monster Mash on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Connecticut Convention. Center.
Nominate an exceptional STEM leader in one of the following categories:- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Innovator to Watch
- Industry
- Organization (Non-profit) Honoree
- Higher Education Initiative
- Dr. Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year Award
Submit your nomination between now and May 24
For more information contact Whitney at wgray@ctsciencecenter.org | 860-520-2124
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dr. Theodore S. Sergi | K-12 Educator of the Year |
| 2024 | Mark R. Gurvich, Ph.D | Lifetime Achievement in Innovation |
| 2024 | Petals and S.T.E.M. | Non-Profit Organization |
| 2024 | Molli Bennett | Innovator to Watch |
| 2024 | Dr. Florian Carle | Higher Education |
| 2024 | Jonathan Plona | Student |
| 2024 | USA Waste & Recycling | Industry Innovator |
| 2021 | Tara Jo Holmberg, MA, MEd, MS | Stem Achievement Individual Award Honoree |
| 2021 | Joel Torres | Stem Achievement Student Honoree |
| 2021 | UCONN Natural Academy Conservation Academy | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2020 | Carmen R. Cid Ph.D. |
STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2020 | The Hartford and the Cognizant U.S. Foundation | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2019 |
John D. Mertens Ph.D. Professor of Engineering, Trinity College |
STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2019 |
Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative UConn Health |
STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2018 |
Sharon Gusky Professor, Biology, Northwestern Connecticut Community College |
STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2018 | Girl Scouts of Connecticut | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2017 | Carolyn Begnoche UTC Aerospace Systems |
STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2017 | CBIA Education & Workforce Partnership | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2016 | Walter Nakonechny | STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2016 | Connecticut Invention Convention | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2015 | Mark Dixon | STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2015 | Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2013 | Jared Cohen | STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2013 | The Travelers Companies, Inc. | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
| 2012 | Governor Dannel P. Malloy | STEM Achievement Award Individual Honoree |
| 2012 | United Technologies Corporation | STEM Achievement Award Organization Honoree |
PETIT FAMILY FOUNDATION WOMEN IN SCIENCE LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Each year, the Connecticut Science Center celebrates the achievements of professionals, groups, advocates, businesses, students, and leaders who share our mission to inspire lifelong learning through interactive and innovative experiences that explore our changing world through science. The Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Awards recognizes a professional woman and a student who are leaders in their chosen STEM field. The winners will be selected by the Women in Science Steering Committee based on their demonstrated commitment to advancing STEM through thoughtful engagement with diverse audiences and by making a significant effort to support other women and girls in their pursuit of STEM as learners, teachers, and professionals. Nominations are open through May 30, 2025, and awards will be presented at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Monster Mash on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Connecticut Convention. Center.
Submit NominationSubmit your nomination between now and May 24
For more information contact Kelsey at krogers@ctsciencecenter.org | 860-520-2125
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dr. Nicole Wagner | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2024 | Natalia V. Torres | Youth Award |
| 2022 | Marisa Chrysochoou, Ph.D | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2021 | Andrea Kwaczala, Ph.D | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2021 | Sivani Arvapalli | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Student Leadership Award |
| 2020 | Jacquelynn Garofano, Ph.D | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2019 |
Kristen Govoni Ph.D. Associate Professor of Animal Sciences, UConn |
Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2018 |
Dr. Michele Dischino Professor, Technology & Engineering Education, Central Connecticut State University, |
Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2017 |
Claudine Phaire of Sikorsky Lockheed Martin Company |
Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2016 | Jonna Gerken | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2015 | Dr. Linda Barry | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2014 | Dr. Kristine Larsen | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |
| 2013 | Kimberly McLean | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award |