“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 winners. Matt Fleury, president and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center, said, “Their innovation, dedication and leadership not only advance their fields, but also inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders. These honorees exemplify the transformative power of STEM, and we are honored to do so. highlight their extraordinary contributions to science and society. »
The 2024 STEM Achievement Awards are presented to an individual, group or organization contributing to STEM in the region, opening STEM careers to diverse audiences and impacting STEM education in the community.
New this year, the Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding K-12 educator who makes significant contributions to learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in her classroom. Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, a longtime educator and leader in Connecticut, served as founding president and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. He began his career as a teacher, which led him to the Connecticut State Department of Education, where he served as a commissioner for 9 years.
The 2024 winners are:
• Industry Innovator | Waste and recycling in the United States
• Lifetime Achievement Award in Innovation | Brand. R Gurvich, Ph.D, Principal Investigator, Structural Analysis, Collins Aerospace – An RTX Company
• Innovator to watch | Molli Bennett, Welder, Habco Industries, LLC
• Non-profit organization | Petals and stem
• Higher education laureate | Dr. Florian Carle, Institute Director, Yale Quantum Institute
• Winning 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 and Engineering
Petals and stem provides young women of color (doctoral level) with the representation, mentorship, and support network they need to overcome barriers to education and professional success. Founded in Connecticut in 2022, the organization’s focus increases diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; they also seek to provide academic support and resources to women of color in all areas of higher education.
THE 2024 Petit Family Leadership Foundation for Women and Science recognizes a professional woman and student who are leaders in the STEM field of their choice. Honorees were selected by the Women in Science Steering Committee based on their demonstrated commitment to advancing STEM through thoughtful engagement with diverse audiences and making meaningful efforts to support other women and girls in their pursuit of STEM as learners, teachers, and professionals.
The 2024 winners are:
• Women in Science Leadership Award | Dr. Nicole Wagner, President and CEO, LambdaVision, Inc.
• Women and Science Leadership Youth Award | Natalia V. Torres, senior, Bloomfield High School, Connecticut Science Center Teen Innovation Participant
LambdaVision is a biotechnology company developing a protein-based artificial retina to treat patients blinded by degenerative retinal diseases. Dr. Wagner was instrumental in securing over $17 million in funding to accelerate the research, development and commercialization of the technology. His research has recently focused on the production of artificial retinas on the International Space Station (ISS), which opens new commercial opportunities for manufacturing products in microgravity with direct clinical benefit.
Dr. Wagner received her Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Connecticut in 2013. During his Ph.D. research, she spent her academic career working on the optimization of light-activated proteins for applications in devices, and she played an integral role in the proof-of-concept experiments that helped found LambdaVision.
“On behalf of the Petit Family Foundation Board of Directors, I am delighted that Dr. Nicole Wagner and Ms. Natalia Torres are being recognized for their dedication and passion for science with the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Awards.” , said Dr. William Petit, Jr., president of the Petit Family Foundation,./
“Dr. Wagners efforts to treat and potentially cure retinal diseases while mentoring many young women are inspiring. Natalia’s work in high school is impressive and portends a productive future. I have deep respect for both of them and the work they do for our community.
Natalia Torres is a senior at Bloomfield High School and aspires to pursue a career in health sciences and business. Her passion for science was ignited when she began participating in the immersion program with the Girls Who Code organization in 2021. This experience allowed Natalia to use her coding skills to benefit her community by creating websites that address important issues such as human trafficking and women’s rights.
These websites not only informed students, but also helped raise money for Project Rescue and UNICEF through social media campaigns and fundraisers. In addition to community projects, Natalia also spends time teaching coding to younger students by volunteering in Hartford and Bristol, introducing children to the basics of coding. Natalia’s current project focuses on creating a step-by-step manual for coding and using AI to teach others.