Get to the fun faster! Purchase and use our Express Entry line when you arrive.

Annual Awards

Stem Awards 2019

Connecticut Science Center STEM Achievement Awards

stem achievement awards logo

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.

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

Submit Nomination

For more information contact Whitney at wgray@CTScienceCenter.org



 

Meet the 2024 Honorees

 

Industry Innovator

USA Waste & Recycling

Lifetime Achievement In Innovation

Mark R. Gurvich, Ph.D.

Senior Fellow, Structural Analysis
Collins Aerospace – An RTX Business

Innovator to Watch

Molli Bennett

Welder
Habco Industries, LLC
 
 
 

Non-Profit Organization

Petals and S.T.E.M.

Higher Education

Dr. Florian Carle

Managing Director
Yale Quantum Institute

Student

Jonathan Plona

Senior
Wolcott High School
 
 
 

Dr. Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year

Dr. Michelle A. Bellinger

Faculty of Physics and Engineering
Academy of Aerospace Engineering
 

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

logo, company name

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

Submit Nomination

For more information contact Amy at asailor@CTScienceCenter.org


 

Meet the 2024 Honoree

 

Women in Science Leadership Award

Dr. Nicole Wagner

CEO
LambdaVision, Inc.

Youth Award

Natalia V. Torres

Senior
Bloomfield High School

Year Name 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