Connecticut Science Center Recognizes Outstanding STEM Achievement, Leadership
/The Connecticut Science Center has recognized honorees of the 2024 STEM Achievement Awards and the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Awards. These exceptional individuals were saluted this fall at the Connecticut Science Center's Annual Gala: Close Encounters of the STEM Kind on October 5. All honorees were selected due to their significant contributions and leadership in STEM fields, showcasing their dedication to advancing science and inspiring future innovators.
"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.” Said Matt Fleury, Connecticut Science Center President & CEO “Their innovation, dedication, and leadership are not only advancing their fields, but also inspiring the next generation of scientists and leaders. These honorees exemplify the transformative power of STEM, and we are honored to shine a spotlight on 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 exceptional K-12 Educator who is making significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning in their classroom. Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, a lifelong educator and leader in Connecticut, was 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 served as Commissioner for 9 years.
The 2024 Honorees are:
• Industry Innovator | USA Waste & Recycling
• Lifetime Achievement Award in Innovation | Mark. R Gurvich, Ph.D, Senior Fellow, Structure 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 Honoree | Dr. Florian Carle, Institute Manager, 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 S.T.E.M. provides young women of color (grades 8-Doctorate's level education) with the representation, mentorship, and support network they need to surpass barriers to education and career success. Founded in Connecticut in 2022, the organization’s concentration is increasing diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; they also seek to provide academic support and resources to women of color in all areas of higher education.
The 2024 Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership recognizes a professional woman and a student who are leaders in their chosen STEM field. The 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 by making a significant effort to support other women and girls in their pursuit of STEM as learners, teachers, and professionals.
The 2024 Honorees are:
• Women in Science Leadership Award | Dr. Nicole Wagner, President and CEO, LambdaVision, Inc.
• Women in 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 retinal degenerative diseases. Dr. Wagner has been integral in securing more than $17M in funding to accelerate research, development, and commercialization of the technology. Her research has recently involved the production of artificial retinas on the International Space Station (ISS), which is establishing new commercial opportunities to manufacture products in microgravity with direct clinical benefit.
Dr. Wagner obtained her Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from the University of Connecticut in 2013. During her Ph.D. research, she spent her graduate career working on optimizing light-activated proteins for applications in devices, and she played a critical role in the proof-of-concept experiments which helped to found LambdaVision
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Petit Family Foundation, I am ecstatic that Dr. Nicole Wagner and Ms. Natalia Torres are being recognized for their dedication and passion in science with the Petit Family Foundation’s Women in Science Leadership Awards,” said Dr. William Petit, Jr., President of the Petit Family Foundation,./
“Dr. Wagners’s efforts to treat and potentially cure retinal diseases while mentoring many young women are inspirational. Natalia’s work through high school is impressive and portends a productive future. I have profound 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 was ignited when she began participating in the immersion program with the organization, Girls Who Code in 2021. This experience allowed Natalia to leverage coding skills to benefit her community by creating websites that address important issues such as trafficking and women’s rights.
These websites not only informed students but also helped raise funds for Project Rescue and UNICEF through social media campaigns and fundraisers. In addition to community-focused projects, Natalia also dedicates time to teaching coding to younger students by volunteering in Hartford and Bristol, introducing kids to the basics of coding. Natalia’s current project is focused on creating a step-by-step manual for coding and using AI to teach others.
