Connecticut Science Center Welcomes Three to Board of Trustees

Leaders from St. Francis Hospital, Pratt & Whitney, and Women’s League Child Development Center Elected

Hartford, CT (January 6, 2025) – The Connecticut Science Center Board of Trustees has elected three distinguished leaders. Beginning their terms in January 2025 are Jessica Abrantes-Figueiredo, MD, Chief of Infectious Disease at St. Francis Hospital; Amy Comer, Vice President of Geared Turbo Fan Programs at Pratt & Whitney; and Karen Lott, Executive Director of the Women’s League Child Development Center. “We are thrilled to welcome Jessica, Amy and Karen to our Board of Trustees,” said Len Wolman, Chair of the Connecticut Science Center Board. “Each of these remarkable leaders shares our passion for inspiring learners of all ages to explore science, technology, and innovation. Their diverse expertise and visionary leadership will play a vital role in advancing the Science Center’s mission to engage children of every background in science experiences and STEM careers.”

Jessica Abrantes-Figueiredo, MD, Chief of Infectious Disease at St. Francis Hospital and Regional Infectious Diseases leader for Trinity Health of New England, brings extensive expertise in patient care, education, and community advocacy. She leads the hospital’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence, served on Governor Ned Lamont’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Task Force, and is an Assistant Professor at UConn School of Medicine. A graduate of UConn Medical School and the University of Hartford, she has been honored as a Connecticut Healthcare Hero (2021) and with the UConn Health Teaching Award (2023). Dr. Abrantes-Figueiredo lives in Farmington with her family, including three young Science Center enthusiasts.

Amy Comer is Vice President of GTF Programs at Pratt & Whitney, overseeing program management for the GTF engine portfolio, including development, customer delivery, and strategic initiatives to enhance fleet performance. With over 20 years in the engine industry, she has held roles in engineering and leadership, including Chief Engineer for all Commercial Engine products, where she managed product development, airframer integration, and customer support. Ms. Comer began her career as a controls engineer at Collins Aerospace and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Cornell University.

Karen Lott is the Executive Director of the Women’s League Child Development Center in Hartford, where she champions high-quality early childhood education and equitable opportunities for children from low-income families. With more than 25 years in education, she has focused on transforming underperforming urban schools and eradicating achievement gaps faced by children of color. A lifelong learner, Ms. Lott holds a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College, a Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Certificate in School Leadership from Westfield State University. For more information about the Connecticut Science Center and its Board of Trustees, please visit CTScienceCenter.org.