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 were selected by the 2022 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 were presented at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Back to the Future on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Connecticut Convention Center.
The STEM Achievement Awards are presented by Stanley Black & Decker.
K-12 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR HONOREE
Steven T. Arnold
Renbrook
HIGHER EDUCATION
HONOREE
Diane C. Hillyer
Manchester Community College
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION HONOREE
Athena’s Warriors
Team #3182
INNOVATOR
HONOREE
David Grew MD MPH
PRIMR
YOUTH
HONOREE
Francisca I Barria-Lopez
Teen Innovation Program
Hartford Resident
| 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
These annual awards recognize a woman and young girl working in STEM who are leaders in their fields, and who makes a significant effort to support other women and encourage girls' interests in STEM. The honoree is selected by the Connecticut Science Center's Women in Science steering committee
Awards will be presented at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Back to the Future on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Connecticut Convention Center.
The STEM Achievement Awards are presented by Stanley Black & Decker.
Click here to learn more about the Connecticut Science Center Women in Science programs
HONOREE
Dr. Maria Chrysochoou
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Connecticut
FINALIST
Sarah Koenig
Manufacturing Cost Modeling
Pratt & Whitney
FINALIST
Danielle Weber
Stamford Public Schools
| Year | Name | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Andrea Kwaczala, Ph.D | Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award Honoree |
| 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 Honoree |
| 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 |