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 2024 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. Awards will be presented at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Close Encounters of the STEM Kind on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Connecticut Convention Center.
Nominations are now open for the following STEM Achievement Awards Categories:
- STEM Achievement Award – Innovator
- STEM Achievement Award – Organization (Non-profit)
- STEM Achievement Award - Industry
- STEM Achievement Award – Student
- STEM Achievement Award – Higher Education
Introducing the Dr. Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year Award
The Connecticut Science Center is proud to introduce the Dr. Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year Award This prestigious award recognizes exceptional K-12 Educators who are making significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning in their classrooms. Read More
This award is named for Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, a lifelong educator and leader in Connecticut, and founding President & CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. He started his career as a classroom teacher, which led him to the State of Connecticut Department of Education, where he ultimately served as Commissioner for 9 years. His vision and dedication were instrumental in shaping the educational initiatives in the state, including significant advancements in public school funding, state testing programs, and the integration of comprehensive educational data. After retiring from the state, Dr. Sergi became the first President & CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. Under his leadership, the Connecticut Science Center was transformed from a concept into a vital educational institution that engages and inspires generations through science. After leading its creation, Dr. Sergi retired as President & CEO when the Science Center opened in 2009.Hecontinues to serve as a valued member of the Board of Trustees, from which he will retire this year. Along with bringing to fruition Connecticut’s leading public science education destination, Dr. Sergi championed the Science Center’s partnership with schoolteachers to make science, technology, engineering, and math accessible and fun for all students.
Submit your nomination between now and May 24
For more information contact Whitney at wgray@CTScienceCenter.org
Meet the 2023 Honorees
K-12 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR HONOREE
Richard McCarthy
Frank Ward Strong Middle School
HIGHER EDUCATION
HONOREE
Rose Karvandi
UCONN Class of ‘23
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION HONOREE
Women’s League Child Development Center
INNOVATOR
HONOREE (INDIVIDUAL)
Christopher Allen, Sr.
iCleanse
INNOVATOR
HONOREE (ORGANIZATION)
General Dynamics Electric Boat
YOUTH
HONOREE
Nyasia M. Pitts
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Awards will be presented at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Close Encounters of the STEM Kind on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Connecticut Convention Center.
Submit your nomination between now and May 24
For more information contact Amy at asailor@CTScienceCenter.org
Meet the 2023 Honoree
HONOREE
Tracy Propheter-Hinckley
Aftermarket & Sustainment Engineering (ASE)
Pratt & Whitney
STUDENT HONOREE
Ashley Malkin
FINALIST
Christina Cho, PhD
Lieping Chen Lab
Department of Immunobiology
Yale School of Medicine
| Year | Name | 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 Barryn | 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 |