“We are proud to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 2024 STEM Achievement Awards and Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Awards honorees.” “Their creativity, dedication, and leadership not only advance their fields, but also inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders who are honored by the University of Connecticut,” said Matt Fleury, Connecticut Science Center President and CEO. example of the transformative power of STEM, and we are proud to shine a light on their unique contributions to science and society.”
The 2024 STEM Achievement Awards are presented to an individual, group or organization that contributes to STEM in the region, opens STEM Careers to a diverse audience, and impacts STEM education in the community.
New this year, the Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Teacher of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding K-12 teacher who makes a significant contribution to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in their classroom . Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, a lifelong Connecticut educator and leader, was founding President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. He began his career as a classroom teacher which led him to the Connecticut Department of Education, where he served as Commissioner for 9 years.
The 2024 honorees are:
• Industrial Design | USA Waste & Recycling
• Lifetime Achievement in Innovation Award | Mark. R Gurvich, Ph.D, Senior, Structural Analysis, Collins Aerospace – RTX Business
• Visual Designer | Molly Bennett, Welder, Habco Industries, LLC
• Non-profit organization | Flowers and STEM
• Higher Education Honoree | Dr. Florian Carle, Institute Director, Yale Quantum Institute
• Student Honoree | 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 and Engineering
Petals and STEM provide young women of color (8-Doctorate level education) with the representation, mentorship, and support network they need to overcome barriers to education and career success. Founded in Connecticut in 2022, the organization’s focus is increasingly diverse in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; they also want to provide educational support and resources to women of color in all areas of higher education.
The 2024 Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership recognizes an outstanding woman and student who are leaders in their chosen STEM field. The honorees were selected by the Women in Science Steering Committee based on their commitment to advancing STEM by engaging thoughtfully with diverse audiences and by making strong efforts to support other women and girls. in their STEM career as students, teachers and professionals.
The 2024 honorees are:
• Women in Science Leadership Award | Dr. Nicole Wagner, President and CEO, LambdaVision, Inc.
• Young Women in Science Leadership Award | Natalia V. Torres, Senior, Bloomfield High School, Connecticut Science Center Youth Invention Participant.
LambdaVision is a biotechnology company that develops a protein-based artificial retina to treat blind patients from diseases that damage the retina. Dr. Wagner has been instrumental in securing more than $17M in funding to accelerate research, development and commercialization of the technology. His research recently included the production of artificial retinas on the International Space Station (ISS), which is creating new commercial opportunities for manufacturing products in microgravity with direct medical benefits.
Dr. Wagner received his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Connecticut in 2013. During his Ph.D. research, he spent his graduate work working to develop light-enhanced proteins for device applications, and played a key role in the proof-of-concept experiments that helped found LambdaVision.
“On behalf of the Petit Family Foundation’s Board of Directors, I am happy that Dr. Nicole Wagner and Ms. Natalia Torres are being recognized for their dedication and passion for science with the Petit Family Women in Science Leadership Awards,” he said. Dr. William Petit, Jr., President of the Petit Family Foundation,./
“Dr. Wagners efforts to treat and cure potential retinal diseases while guiding many young women is inspiring. Natalia’s high school career is impressive and bodes well for a successful future. I have a lot of respect for both of them and the work they do for our community.”
Natalia Torres is a senior at Bloomfield High School with aspirations to pursue a career in health sciences and business. Her passion for science ignited when she began participating in an immersion program with the organization, Girls Who Code in 2021. This experience allowed Natalia to use coding skills for the benefit of her community by create websites that deal with important issues such as business and women’s rights.
These websites not only informed students but helped raise money for Project Rescue and UNICEF through social media campaigns and fundraising. In addition to community-based projects, Natalia also volunteers her time to teach coding to young students in Hartford and Bristol, introducing kids to the basics of coding. Natalia’s current project is focused on creating a step-by-step guide for coding and using AI to teach others.
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