In the fall of 2012, three million more young American women entered college than their
male counterparts. That’s a
significant number, considering the entire population of the state of
Connecticut is barely over three and a half million. Women outnumber men
in an even greater scale in postgraduate education. In 2009, 60% of Master’s
degrees in the United States were given to women.
Yet, despite the formidable head start American women seem to have over
American men by count, these institutions of higher learning continue
to churn out more male than female scientists, engineers, mathematicians,
computer scientists, and other high-tech, high-paying, highly-sought after
graduates. About three to one, in fact,
according to the US Department of Commerce.
We at
the Connecticut Technology Council have been striving to equalize this
imbalance in Connecticut for a decade now.
Our Women of Innovation® program will be entering its 10th year in
2014, recognizing dynamic,
ground-breaking women in science, engineering, entrepreneurship, and other
fields who have stood out as innovators in fields traditionally and
historically occupied by men.
Our
goals are simple- to acknowledge the exceptional work of regional women who are
leaders in their industries and communities, and to teach by example the next
generation of would-be Women of Innovation® that being a researcher,
engineer, physicist, or CEO is not only something they’re capable of, but something society truly wants to see them become.
Mark
your calendars for the 2014 Women of Innovation® awards on March 27, 2014. Our 10th anniversary celebration will be
bigger and better than ever.
Nominations are open now!
Early
nominations for finalists are already being accepted on our website. We hope you’ll nominate an inspirational woman you know!
For any curiosities, comments, or clarifications, please contact Paige Rasid at 860.289.0878 x 335 or [email protected].
The Connecticut Technology Council is pleased to share with you this press release, presented by Projects for a New Millenium, a non-profit co-founded by Joy Wulke, a Women of Innovation® Award
Winner in our Community Category:
PRESS
RELEASE
JULY
25, 2013
TERRA TRACTUS : The Earth MovesA
Dynamic Multimedia Epic!
Projects2k (Projects for a New Millennium), well known
for its “Quarry Spectacles” produced in the Stony Creek Quarry, is
collaborating with the Stony Creek Quarry Corporation and geologists from the
Yale School of Geology and Geophysics to bring TERRA TRACTUS : The Earth Moves to this
spectacular quarry location in September 2013.
This is Projects2k’s 20th anniversary year as an
Art/Sci/Environmental not-for-profit. The performance will feature the
geological and human history of the Quarry, Connecticut and our geological
connection to world through a dynamic multi-media spectacle including light,
lasers, projections, music, and more.
Our last multi-media show, TERRA MIRABILA – If rocks could dreamin 2005 told the geological story of the recipe of
Stony Creek Granite from the beginning of know time into the future. P2k’s events are always widely anticipated
and continue to amaze all who attend.
WHEN
TERRA TRACTUS : The Earth Moves will have 4
performances only--Thursday-Sunday September 19-22nd (Fall Equinox)
. There will be food trucks on site to include
renowned New Haven restaurants Caseus and Lunch Box for audience
pre-performance dining. General
admission is $35.00 with very limited seating.
Tickets available at Neighborhood Music School,
203-624-5189 and Shoreline
Arts Alliance, 203 453-3809, with your check.
More information and tickets available by calling 203-415-5613 or
203-215-2227, emailing [email protected],
and visiting Projects2K.org.
HISTORY
The magnificent awe-inspiring Stony Creek Quarry in
Branford, Connecticut. This active quarry has been providing their unique pink
granite for over 150 years and is estimated to have enough granite for another
200 years. The granite can be found at the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central
Station, Grants Tomb and West Point Monument, to name a few.
ABOUT
PROJECTS2K
Projects2k has received a $30,000.00 matching grant
from the Connecticut Department of Economic Development Office of the Arts and
a $10,000.00 grant from The David Bermant Foundation towards the match. Join us
at any level to help make this very special and high profile event happen. Visit Kickstarter for our 30 day
crowdsourcing campaign.
Become a Sponsor! All donations are tax
deductible to the extent of the law.
Please check out our short P2k introduction video
and our “20 years in 10 minutes” video .
In elementary school, about as many girls as boys have a
positive attitude toward science. But shortly thereafter, more girls than
boys begin to turn away from Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM). This results in the significant underrepresentation of women in
many STEM careers. (Credit: Author. 2004. Science and Engineering
Indicators 2004. National Science Foundation)
Studies of cultural beliefs indicate that girls begin to
conclude that STEM is not for them in middle school, and these beliefs
influence choices they make throughout their school years. Stereotypes of
who is a scientist are changing, but not quickly enough.
A key message from the Girls of Innovation program is to
show them scientists who are “like me” and to inspire girls with the confidence,
enthusiasm and persistence to continue pursuing their scientific
interests. We do that by bringing the girls together with women working
in STEM careers who can talk with the girls about their own career path and
interests and choices they made while growing up.
On Saturday, June 15th, the Girls
of Innovation Science Challenge took place at the Connecticut Science Center.
We had 36 great girls entering grades 7 & 8 that came to explore science
and its challenges in a fun, interactive way. An offshoot of CTC's Women of
Innovation® program, Girls of Innovation inspires today's middle school
students to consider studies in science and technology-related research, health
services and business areas.
In the morning the girls played ice
breaker games and heard fromJackie Jones and Kristen Langois from Covidienabout what it's like
to be a woman in a STEM field and what inspired them to follow that path.
Teams then spread out into the
science galleries to complete six team science challenges, and then met back
together to explore Covidien's surgical displays. After lunch, the girls had
team photos taken and completed the Cultural Pursuits Scavenger Hunt.
Next, they set off to explore the
Connecticut Science Center with their teams. The mentors who spent the day
supporting teams of girls were drawn from the Connecticut Women of Innovation®
program and CTC membership. They took time to talk with the students about
their careers and helped guide them through the science challenges created by
the CT Science Center Staff Scientists.
The Connecticut Technology Council would like to thank Covidien for supporting this event and our effort to inspire girls to go into the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Biology Teacher, Greater
Hartford Academy of Math and Science and Academy of Aerospace and Engineering
Lili
received her Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Biochemistry at UCONN and
continued her research training as a Post-doctoral fellow at Yale
University. She has since been teaching
at GHAMAS/AAE and has developed an extensive research program that allows students
to design and conduct research projects. She seeks to inspire a love of science, not only with high school
students, but also with young people through the Girl Scouts.
Kathy is
responsible for developing and executing Proton’s research and development
strategy in new materials and has been awarded numerous government research
grants supporting this strategy. She received her Ph.D. from the
California Institute of Technology and now serves on the Scientific Advisory
Board for their $125 million Energy Innovation Hub. Kathy was part of a
Department of Energy Hydrogen Production Expert Panel in 2012 and was awarded
the 2012 R&D Award from their Hydrogen Production Team.
Cynthia is the founder of Saturday Academy, a scientific and
educational enrichment program designed to create an interest in science and
technology. Previously she worked in the Norwalk Public Schools for more than
30 years as a teacher, guidance counselor and assistant high school principal.
Now retired, her mission is to spark an interest among girls for science,
technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M).
Lisa is the
CEO and a founder of Appen Butler Hill, a leader in linguistic technology
solutions. She is a seasoned
entrepreneur experienced in accelerating technology to global markets. Her expertise includes 25+ years of
experience in technologies with cultural and linguistic components. In her
spare time, Lisa has acted as Coordinator for the Fresh Air Fund for her
hometown of Ridgefield. She has
sponsored several children throughout the years. She enjoys Pilates and writing.
Meghan, a military veteran and
military spouse, is the Co-Founder of Combat2Career, a technology start-up developed to assist military veterans in pursuing
higher education by providing them with an online work flow solution to
facilitate the college search and application process. The system maintains services to veterans
throughout their academic career and through the transition from student life
to the civilian workforce.
Staff Scientist, United Technologies
Research Center
Treese is a staff scientist at United Technologies
Research Center and has published and patented work in catalysis and fire
suppression materials. Inspired by her
past mentors, Dr. Campbell is actively involved in organizations that promote
science and engineering. She is
currently the Chief Judge for the Connecticut Science Fair, organizes events
for the Connecticut Science Olympiad and has served as president for the New
England Catalysis Society.
Kate Donahue | Small Business Innovation
and Leadership
President, Hampford Research, Inc.
Kate is President of Hampford Research, Inc., a specialty
chemical manufacturer serving Fortune 500 companies in the electronics, dental,
personal care and industrial adhesives markets. During her six year
tenure at the helm of the business her father founded, she has turned the
company around by focusing relentlessly on constant improvement, collaboration,
teamwork and employee development. The firm is well positioned for
significant growth in the years to come.
Alicia is a second year graduate student pursuing a Master
of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Connecticut. She is originally from Paradise Valley, Nevada,
and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada. Her research program entails studying the
multi-hazard resilience of conventional and innovative reinforced concrete
bridge columns. Alicia is also the co-founder and CEO of Advanced Column
Solutions LLC.
Zoe is the patented inventor of the ‘Ice
Device,’ a device that tests ice thickness. She credits the CT Invention
Convention (CIC) for exposing her to a future in technology, and works to
expand CIC and STEM education in Newtown schools. Zoe is the student board member
for CIC, captain of the NHS swim and track teams, a lifeguard, swim coach, and is a motor
head. She hopes to pursue mechanical engineering and make it known that Newtown
is a proud place to call home.
Alysia is a
Lead International Black Hawk Program Engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft. Alysia has
worked at Sikorsky since 2005 and currently manages contracts to deliver Black Hawk
to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and serve as the main technical
interface for them. Alysia holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute and a MBA in Strategy and Finance from New York
University Stern School of Business.
Science Department Chair, Amity Regional
High School
Estelle is
the Science Department Chairperson at Amity Regional High School. She has
overseen the expansion of its science program to introduce STEM based courses,
including Science Research and Physics for Engineering, Studies of Subtropical
Ecosystems, and Science Mentorship. She has developed curriculum materials for
the Connecticut State Department of Education and served on the state’s
Advisory Committee for First and Second Generation Science CAPT. Estelle received the Connecticut Science
Supervisors Association (CSSA) Fred J. Scimone Award in 2008.
Lynn Fraga | Large Business Innovation and
Leadership
General Manager, Customer Services
Operations, Pratt & Whitney
Lynn joined United Technologies
in 2000 and has held positions of increasing responsibility at Hamilton
Sundstrand, International Aero Engines and Pratt & Whitney. She has
been a leader in transforming Pratt & Whitney’s Commercial Engines customer
support infrastructure. Significant contributions include transforming
the 24-hour Customer Help Desk into a World-Class Global Operations Center,
modernizing the customer portal and replacing technical communication IT
systems. Lynn holds a B.S. from Northeastern University and an MBA from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Sonja Glavaski |Large Business Innovation
and Leadership
Control Systems Group Leader, United
Technologies Research Center
Sonja joined United Technologies Research
Center in 2010 as the Control Systems Group Leader. She is an
internationally recognized expert in the field of control systems for
commercial and defense applications. Since joining UTRC, she has made
significant technical contributions to UTC’s world-class product/technology portfolio,
advancing new knowledge and technology critical to the implementation of
cutting-edge control systems. Sonja currently serves as the IEEE Control
Systems Society Women in Control Chair.
Angela is a project manager at Pratt & Whitney in East
Hartford. She has a Masters in Business
Administration from the University of Hartford, a Masters in Project Management
from Boston University and is a Certified Project Management Professional.
Angie is the Chair for the Career Development and Mentoring Team on the Pratt
& Whitney Women’s Council, and the Vice President of her local Women at
Work group and a Vernon Greenway Volunteer.
Jordan participates
in many outreach programs sharing her science knowledge with elementary and
middle school students. In the 2012 CT Science Fair, she received first place
in computer science and several awards for her independent research. She is
captain of the local swim team, a member of the Robotics Club, and President of
the Anime Club. An amateur black and white photographer, she was inducted into
the National Arts Honor Society and won a silver key in the CT Scholastic Art
Awards.
VP, Commercial Engines Customer Support & America Sales Pratt & Whitney
Mary Ellen is Vice President, Commercial Engines Customer Support and America Sales
for Pratt & Whitney. She also chairs the Connecticut Airport Authority,
which sets direction and strategy for Bradley International Airport and five
general aviation airports in the state, chairs the P&W – Korean Air
Institute for Collaborative Engineering and serves on the Board of Governors of
the Wings Club. Mary Ellen is a graduate
of Michigan State University and Johns Hopkins University.
High School Senior, Greater Hartford
Academy of Math and Science
Krista participates in a half-day program at the Greater
Hartford Academy of Math and Science where she has developed a great love for
the interconnectedness of math and science. She hopes to pursue environmental
science and math in college next year. Krista plays lacrosse, participates in
4-H, the National Honor Society and the school newspaper. She loves
snowboarding, water skiing and hiking.
Delaney is a
senior at Glastonbury High School. For the past two years she has conducted
research and this year she is working in the Biology department at the
University of Hartford. Her research involves examining immune responses in
shark livers that reflect the health of an ecosystem. Delaney is also the
captain of her softball team, a peer tutor, and a member of both the Spanish club
and National Honor Society.
Maria Keilich | Large Business Innovation
and Leadership
Manager, Systems Engineering, United
Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)
AT UTAS, Maria leads a team of engineers developing software
specifications and systems analyses for complex, space-qualified Environmental
Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS). Maria created a system model of the
‘Personal Life Support’ model, which tracks water consumption for extra
vehicular activities (EVAs). She is also Lead Systems Engineer on the Stratolaunch
vehicle, part of the new wave of “commercial” space travel, designing a thermal
management system for launch vehicle interface.
Deborah has studied
food her entire life; learning to cook at age four, becoming a chef and then
obtaining her doctorate in nutritional biochemistry. She is the founder of Build Healthy Kids®, which is currently used in over 240 schools nationwide. She founded the Integrative Therapies Program, for Children with Cancer at
Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. Deborah has written three books: Beat Picky Eating, Nutrition Bites, and Beat
Sugar Addiction Now! for Kids.
Yvonne’s
company, Why Science, provides customized inquiry-based learning systems that
empower educators to teach STEM effectively. The Why Science® Learning System
promotes science literacy and problem-solving skills aligned with frameworks
and standards in any classroom. Inspired
by the critical need to improve methods of teaching STEM topics and produce a
sustainable STEM workforce, Why
Science creates learning systems that more fully engage educators and students.
Kerry is a member of several diversity initiatives at UTC,
and served as chairperson of the Connecticut Stonewall Speakers. She
donates her artwork to non-profit organizations supporting equitable practices
and respectful treatment of people and animals. Kerry earned a BFA in
Illustration at the University of Connecticut, and an MBA from Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute. She currently supports Pratt & Whitney’s Materials
Engineering lab.
Brittney is a member of National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta
Math Honors Society and Chinese Honors Society. Her research, using the
luminescence properties of bee venom, suggests an economical, more accessible,
and simpler method to detecting explosives and pesticides through a portable,
battery-operated LED device. This research sparked her interest in pursuing
engineering in college. Brittney also tutors several students and volunteers
for the International School at Dundee’s Homework Club and the Adopt-A-Dog
shelter.
Jamie is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate studying biomedical
engineering at the University of Connecticut. She currently works in Dr. George
Lykotrafitis’ lab to study the signaling and adhesion mechanisms of red blood
cells from patients with sickle cell disease using atomic force microscopy.
Jamie received a highly competitive American Heart Association predoctoral
fellowship for support from 2011-2013. She is first author on four publications
for her work.
Mallory is a senior at Greenwich High School and is enrolled
in the Science Research program. Her previous research focused on core
mediation of PCB soil contaminants with Pluerotus ostreatus. This year she
focused on creating a dual component dressing. She is active in her school’s student
government and has also started a chapter for her youth group. Mallory plans to
major in engineering in college next year.
Stacy Malecki | Large Business
Innovation and Leadership
Design Integration Manager, UTC-Pratt
& Whitney
Stacy is the Design Integration Manager for UTC Pratt &
Whitney. In this role she is responsible
for Configuration Management and Control of all Pratt & Whitney Products
and Processes. Her 27 year career has developed from its roots in Mechanical
Design and Project Engineering, and has included a variety of technical and
management roles including the distinguished role of Pratt & Whitney Fellow
in Turbine Design.
CT Clean Energy Fund Professor
of Sustainable Energy, University of Connecticut
Radenka is a noted Professor
in Sustainable Energy in the UCONN Department of Chemical
& Biomolecular Engineering. She has introduced innovative approaches
to nanomaterial synthesis that have led to a number of industrial projects. Her most significant
contributions is the development of a new manufacturing process for fuel cells
that could make highly efficient, fuel cell-powered vehicles a viable
commercial option. She is passionate in her commitment to nurturing and
educating female engineers, contributing time toward mentoring female students in soft skills, as well
as technological skills.
Susan Marotta | Large Business
Innovation and Leadership
Executive Director, Quality
& Records Management Unit, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Sue is
Executive Director, Quality and Records Management at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. She is responsible for directing compliance
functions within Development US and ensuring a vision of outstanding quality,
compliance and ethics in accordance with the global strategy. She has 27 years experience in Pharmaceutical
Development, managing clinical trial supply and quality functions. Susan earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics
and an MBA in Finance from Kent State University.
Vice President, Personal Lines,
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Beth is
a results-oriented leader with 25 years of financial, operational, and
technical delivery experience in a variety of complex financial services
organizations. She is the VP, Personal Lines at Travelers and is responsible
for investment prioritization, governance, portfolio controls, and the linking of
critical business initiatives to the company’s strategic roadmap. Beth is President-Elect for the Insurance
Accounting & Systems Association (IASA), a trade association with 1000+
members and 26 chapters.
Paiyz Mikael | Collegian
Innovation and Leadership
Sandra has served 25 years on the Connecticut
Science Fair Board, and as President she chairs scientific review, secures
annual grants, and oversees 700 students from 120 schools. A retired nursing
administrator, she worked in Houston with Dr. DeBakey performing heart
transplants. Sandra has been honored as Woman of Year in Healthcare, appointed
as Chair of Commission on Aging, and recognized by Cromwell for her 25 years of
volunteering on the School Board and the Water Pollution Control Authority.
Phyllis Pierce |
Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
CEO and Founder, My Luck Club
A seasoned entrepreneur and marketing guru, Phyllis is the
founder and CEO of My Luck Club, a new patent-pending, crowdsourcing website
that provides a monetary and social incentive for people to help one another
find what they need – including jobs, homes, services, things, even love. Prior
to My Luck Club, Phyllis founded two successful startups– a television
production company and a gourmet pie company and café.
Teresa is CEO of Technical Consulting & Research (TCR)
and founder of Best We Can Be (BWCB). BWCB helps high school students prepare
for college and careers by helping students interact with mentors and industry
experts, providing them a variety of hands-on experiences. BWCB also helps
close the achievement gap, and provides a safety net for at-risk students.
Teresa holds a B.S. from the University of Illinois, an Iona College MBA, and a
Ph.D. from Polytechnic University. She has held appointments in Computer
Science and Management of Technology departments at Polytechnic Institute of
New York University and Iona College. The author of many scholarly books and
publications, she is a recognized educator, entrepreneur, and industry
consultant.
Donna Ray | Large Business
Innovation and Leadership
Manager, General Engineering, United
Technologies Aerospace Systems
Donna leads a cross-functional team at UTAS to
design, develop and deliver complex space-qualified Environmental Controls and
Life Support (ECLS) Systems for NASA’s next space exploration vehicle, Orion.
She played a key role in systems management for the Environmental Mobility Unit
(EMU), also known as ‘the space suit’. In 2004, Donna received the
distinguished NASA Space Flight Awareness award and has also received 14 other
awards from peers and customers.
Assistant Professor of Software
Engineering, Fairfield University
Amalia was named the 2008
Frontiers in Education (FIE) New Faculty Fellow by the National Academy of
Engineering Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education
(NAE CASEE). Her activities include three years leading the partnership with GE
on the joint outreach program for the Connecticut High School Computer Science
Contest and organizing a Google workshop for local secondary STEM teachers. She
also participates in the ASAP AVANCE project for advancing the careers of women
in STEM at undergraduate institutions. Amalia received her Ph.D. in Computer
Science and Engineering from University at Buffalo.
Director, Pipeline Marketing, Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Born and raised in communist Bulgaria, Kremena came to the U.S. as an
internal medicine doctor looking to bring more health to patients. Inspired to
affect global health through work at the WHO, she graduated as an international
MBA from USC. Later Kremena was recruited by Merck, where she spent seven
years, followed by five years at Regeneron Pharrmaceuticals before joining
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
Lindsay is a doctoral student in Environmental Engineering
at Yale University working with Dr. Julie Zimmerman. After completing her bachelor’s degree at the
University of California, Berkeley, Lindsay moved to Yale, where she focuses on
her dissertation research on biodiesel production from algae. Her forthcoming research interests involve
the application of green engineering towards sustainably producing biofuels and
bio-based commodities. Besides research,
Lindsay is also passionate about teaching, music, and the outdoors.
Renee has been working at Pratt & Whitney as a Design
Engineer for the Compression Systems Module Center for almost two years. She has been cross-trained as a structural
analyst while providing support to integrally bladed rotors on the
manufacturing floor. In the community,
she is serving as Chairperson to the Southern New England Association of Technical
Professionals (SNEATP). Under her leadership she has taken on its mission to increase
the number of black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally
and positively impact the community.
Maria is a registered architect in Connecticut, New York and
New Jersey, and is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. She received a
Masters of Architecture from Warsaw Polytechnic in 1976. She has worked on some
large-scale projects including the American Airlines Terminal and ESA project,
which will bring Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Terminal. Since 2008,
Maria has lived in Clinton, CT. She has two children.
Angela Throm | Large
Business Innovation and Leadership
Senior Biomedical Engineer, Covidien
Angela is a Staff Development Scientist at Covidien where she leads a
team of biologists and chemists in the evaluation of biomaterials. At Covidien
she serves as Development Committee co-lead for the Women’s Leadership Alliance
and is a member of Covidien Cares. Angela has a doctorate degree in Biomedical
Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and UMass Medical School. She
has a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Saint Louis University.
Senior Vice President of
Enterprise Business Intel, The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Julie is Senior Vice President leading eBusiness where she is
accountable for the digital strategies and capabilities across Travelers
Insurance. She also sits on the Achieve Hartford Board of Directors and
Executive Committee - a nonprofit established to monitor, support and serve as
a catalyst for education reform and community involvement in the Hartford
Public School District. Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication
Disorders from the University of Wisconsin.
Director of Client Services, Prometheus
Research, LLC
Amanda
joined Prometheus Research in 2008 as a junior analyst. Today, she holds the
title of Senior Director of Client Services and manages a team of business
analysts. Amanda’s innovations have led to numerous company-wide improvements
in the areas of professional development, hiring, onboarding, business
development, and project delivery. Amanda holds a B.S in Biological Sciences
from the University of Pittsburgh and plans to pursue a PMI certification.
Group Leader, Physical Sciences
Department, United Technologies Research Center
Jodi has been at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC)
for ten years, holding roles in the areas of chemistry, materials, and
characterization. Jodi’s responsibility is to lead the group that provides
technical expertise across UTC in the area of Measurement Science advancement
and Materials Characterization. Jodi received a B.A. in Chemistry from the
College of the Holy Cross, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of
Massachusetts.
Carol Wallace | Small
Business Innovation and Leadership
President & CEO, Cooper-Atkins
Corporation
Carol Wallace is Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cooper-Atkins Corporation, a
leading manufacturer of temperature, time, and humidity instruments for global
foodservice, healthcare, HVAC/R, industrial and OEM markets. Prior to joining
Cooper-Atkins Corporation in 1991 as Director of Planning, Carol spent 12 years
in the manufacturing field. She currently serves on the Boards of the following
Connecticut companies and organizations: Connecticut Water Service, Inc.,
Zygo Corporation, The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, and Middlesex Hospital.
Zhaohui Wang | Collegian
Innovation and Leadership
Ph.D. Candidate, University of
Connecticut
Zhaohui received her B.Sc. degree from Beijing University of
Chemical Technology in 2006 and her M.S. degree from the Institute of
Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, in 2009, both in electrical
engineering. She is currently a Ph.D candidate in Electrical and Computer
Engineering at the University of Connecticut, under the direction of Dr.
Shengli Zhou. Her research interests lie in the areas of underwater acoustic
communications and networking.
Temeka White | Large
Business Innovation and Leadership
Manager, Global Supply Chain, UTC
- Pratt & Whitney
Temeka is an 11-year veteran at Pratt & Whitney,
currently leading global project management efforts for large resource-based
projects along with the change management process for work transitions. Temeka is Co-Chair of the BOD for All Star
Gymnastics, fundraising and obtaining grants to aid competitive gymnasts ages
(6-17).
Yvonne began her industry career in 1999 at MitoKor in San Diego, a
company dedicated to finding mitochondrial drug targets to cure Alzheimer’s
disease and diabetes. She joined Pfizer in 2003 where she pioneered many of the
mitochondrial toxicity assays, new technologies and engaged in colleague career
development. When she is not at work, she and her nine-year old daughter
Natalia can be found at a nearby stable spending time with their two horses.
Zengmin, a doctoral candidate in Wei Laboratory at the
University of Connecticut, is conducting research that will help pave the way
for faster, longer-lasting and more successful bone and tissue regeneration and
repair. Zengmin received her B.S. from
Zhejiang University, M.S. from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and
then joined Invensys Process Systems, China.
She is currently working on the fabrication of novel polymer/ceramic
tissue engineering scaffolds and eventually commercialization of the material.
Shiyu is a representative of the Clean Energy Task Force and
president of the Amity's Global Warming Club. She is also secretary of Amity's National
Honor Society and student council vice-president. Outside of school, she has
been performing ballet since age three.She is an avid enthusiast of the
sciences and has pursued multiple research projects, winning 2nd place at CT
JSHS. Shiyu currently interns at the Malone Engineering Center at Yale and
hopes to continue studying biomedical engineering in college.
Associate Professor of Green
Engineering, Yale University
Julie is an Associate Professor jointly appointed to the
Department of Chemical Engineering and the School of Forestry and Environmental
Studies. Her research interests broadly focus on green chemistry and
engineering with specific emphasis on green downstream processing and life
cycle assessment of algae biomass for fuels and value-added chemicals. She is
also studying novel bio-based sorbents for purification of drinking water and
remediation of industrial wastewater.
Women leaders in technology, science and engineering to be honored March 19th
Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid, Ph.D., President of University of Saint Joseph will give keynote
HARTFORD,
Conn., Feb 5, 2013 -
The Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) today announced 52 finalists for the
ninth annual Women of Innovation Awards Program. The program recognizes women
across Connecticut – those in the workforce and students – who are innovators,
role models and leaders in the fields of science, engineering and technology.
A
winner in each of the eight awards categories will be announced during the Women of Innovation Awards Dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on March 19th. The complete list of 2013
Women of Innovation awards finalists is posted on the CTC website, www.ct.org. Ticket purchases and registration
for the 2013 event may be handled online through the CTC website.
Finalists
were nominated by their peers and selected based on their professional
experience, history of innovation, ability to think creatively and solve
problems, and demonstration of leadership. Students were judged on
inventiveness, accomplishment in science and technology, and academic
achievement.
“These women are
extraordinary and outstanding contributors to their professions, to their employers,
and in many cases to their communities” said Beth Alquist, planning committee
chair for the Women of Innovation Awards Program.
This year’s list of 52
finalists includes researchers, educators, engineers, managers, and
entrepreneurs who work in biotech, pharmaceuticals, software, computer
hardware, advanced materials, medical devices, and Information technology.
High school,
undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated extraordinary and
unique achievements in their technology studies disciplines are also among the
finalists. The winner in the Youth Innovation and Leadership category will
receive a scholarship from Covidien, one of the event’s presenting sponsors.
The keynote
speaker for the awards ceremony is Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid,
Ph.D., president of the University of Saint Joseph since 2008. She is nationally known as a scholar in the area of gender and
racial issues and also as an active participant in scholarly organizations, with numerous published book chapters and articles in journals of psychology.
Dr. Reid currently serves on the boards of the MetroHartford
Alliance, the iQuilt Project for Downtown Hartford, and the Wadsworth Atheneum
Museum of Art. She is on the executive committees of the Connecticut Conference
of Independent Colleges and the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education; the
board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; and
the Division III Presidents Council of the NCAA. In July 2012, she was
appointed to the Capital Region Development Authority by Governor Dannel
Malloy.
The
Women of Innovation Program is sponsored by the Boehringer Ingelheim USA
Corporation, Covidien, manufacturer of medical devices, the law firm of Day Pitney
LLP and United Technologies Corporation. Contact Mike
Scricca at (860) 289-0878, ext. 334 or [email protected]
with questions regarding the program, sponsorship or the awards dinner.
Registration is open for The Girls of Innovation Science Challenge for girls, grades 7 & 8, to explore science and it's challenges in a fun, interactive way.
There is no fee for the students to attend, but they must pre-register here and get confirmation from CTC.
About the program: An offshoot of CTC's Women of Innovation program, Girls of Innovation inspires today's middle school students to consider studies in science and technology-related research, health services and business areas.
Our sponsor, Covidien Surgical Devices and volunteers actively encourage Connecticut's talented young women to prepare for key roles that will enhance organizational innovation and achievement. We thank them for their support of this effort.
When:Saturday, June 9 - 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Where: Connecticut Science Centre , 200 Columbus Blvd., Hartford CT
Connecticut Technology Council Announces Winners of the Eighth Annual Women of Innovation Awards Program
Women leaders in technology, science and engineering honored at March 1st gala
Fifty three women from across Connecticut were honored for their innovation and leadership during the eighth annual Women of Innovation awards dinner held March 1st at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. Category Award winners are listed below.
These women have broken through the glass ceiling. And not only have they broken through it -- they are keeping it open for other women to come through. -Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman
The Connecticut Technology Council held the awards program to recognize women in the workforce who are innovators, role models and leaders in the fields of technology, science and engineering. Outstanding young women in high school and college were also recognized. More than 500 guests attended this year’s event, which was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation, Covidien, the law firm of Day Pitney LLP, and United Technologies Corporation.
“Many of Connecticut’s most extraordinary and talented women working in technology are here tonight,” said Matthew Nemerson, President and CEO of the Connecticut Technology Council. “This awards event puts a spotlight on exceptional innovators and leaders, while also introducing them to a professional network of peers who are equally accomplished.”
The keynote speaker for the awards ceremony was Dr. Alicia Abella, executive director of the Innovative Services Research Department at AT&T Labs and chair of its Fellowship program. Dr. Abella manages a group of researchers specializing in data mining, user interfaces, IPTV, mobile services, SIP/VoIP technology, and environmental sustainability. She is also executive vice president for the Young Science Achievers program and a strong advocate of fostering the development of minorities and women in science and engineering. In 2011, President Obama named Dr. Abella to his Presidential Advisory Commission for Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
The 2012 Women of Innovation category award winners:
Academic Innovation and Leadership
Susan Brown, Teacher - Applied Technology, New Haven Public Schools-Mauro Sheridan Magnet School. As a science, technology and robotics teacher for middle school students in New Haven, Ms. Brown is passionate about teaching children how to think, create, and find their authentic selves.
Joan Feigenbaum,The Grace Murray Hopper Professor of Computer Science, Yale University. Ms. Feigenbaum conducts research that includes Internet algorithmics, security and privacy, massive data-set algorithmics and the interplay of economics and computation.
Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Nicole Wagner, Graduate Student- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut. As CEO of LambdaVision, a company that is a direct outgrowth of her graduate studies, Ms. Wagner is working on getting her company’s protein-based retinal implant through preclinical trials.
Community Innovation and Leadership
Kimberley McLean, Principal Engineer, Electric Boat. Ms. McLean has been working with the Girl Scouts for almost 20 years to develop and present STEM programs for girls of all ages. She has provided opportunities for girls at camp to learn about astronomy and the use of telescopes.
Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
Jyl Camhi,Founder and President, Great Play. Ms. Camhi has developed a unique interactive children's gym called Great Play that helps develop motor skills, sport skills, fitness and coordination. Great Play has been named one of the most innovative brands in youth fitness worldwide.
Small Business Innovation and Leadership
Betsy Didan, Vice President, COCC. Ms. Didan develops, promotes and supports technologies to reduce paper and increase payment speed and security for community banks and credit unions for COCC customers in the Northeast.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Elizabeth Garypie,Black Hawk Chief Engineer, Sikorsky Aircraft. As chief engineer for Sikorsky’s Army & Air Force programs, Ms. Garypie provides overall technical leadership for domestic BLACK HAWK development and production programs, including the UH-60M, HH-60M MEDEVAC, UH-60M Upgrade, and future product requirements.
Research Innovation and Leadership
Amy Anderson, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut. Ms. Anderson leads a UCONN research group to discover and develop novel drugs for treating infectious diseases and cancer as well as understand and overcome mechanisms of drug resistance.
Youth Innovation and Leadership
Mary Kuchenbrod, High School Student, GHAMAS (Greater Hartford Academy of Math and Science). Ms. Kuchenbrod conducted her own high school research to test the early development of zebra fish embryos in environments that mimic that of a developing human fetus whose mother is consuming alcohol or caffeine, as well as environments that test the effects of progesterone pollution in water systems.
Public Sector Innovation and Leadership
Deb Santy, Director, Connecticut SBIR Office. Under Ms. Santy’s leadership, the Connecticut SBIR Office has helped high-tech small businesses and entrepreneurs compete for and win federal SBIR/STTR awards. Her office also facilitates commercialization by collaborating with industry, government and academia.
About the Connecticut Technology Council
The Connecticut Technology Council (www.ct.org) is Connecticut’s industry association for the technology sector. CTC’s mission is to “connect people, ideas and opportunities to the global technology and innovation community.” CTC provides members with business assistance and specialized programs, in addition to promoting and supporting public policies that globally position Connecticut’s “culture of innovation” that helps attract great ideas and entrepreneurs to develop new jobs and wealth for the state.
Attention Media: Photos and full bios for each winner are available upon request.
CONTACT: Michael Scricca Connecticut Technology Council 860-289-0878, x334; [email protected]
Women leaders in technology, science and engineering to be honored March 1st, Dr. Alicia Abella of AT&T Labs to keynote awards ceremony
The Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) today announced 53 finalists for the eighth annual Women of Innovation® Awards Program. The program recognizes women across Connecticut – those in the workforce and students – who are innovators, role models and leaders in the fields of science, engineering and technology.
A winner in each of the eight awards categories will be announced during the Women of Innovation® Awards Dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on March 1, 2012.
Finalists were nominated by their peers and selected based on their professional experience, history of innovation, ability to think creatively and solve problems, and demonstration of leadership. Students were judged on inventiveness, accomplishment in science and technology, and academic achievement.
“Our 2012 finalists represent an outstanding group of women who are excelling in their careers in technology,” said Beth Alquist, planning committee chair for the Women of Innovation® Awards Program. “These women are extraordinary and outstanding contributors to their professions, to their employers, and in many cases to their communities.”
This year’s list of 53 finalists includes researchers, educators, engineers, managers, and entrepreneurs who work in biotech, pharmaceuticals, software, computer hardware, advanced materials, medical devices, and Information technology.
High school, undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated extraordinary and unique achievements in their technology studies disciplines are also among the finalists. The winner in the Youth Innovation and Leadership category will receive a scholarship from Covidien Medical Devices.
The keynote speaker for the awards ceremony is Dr. Alicia Abella, executive director of the Innovative Services Research Department at AT&T Labs and chair of its Fellowship program. Dr. Abella manages a group of researchers specializing in data mining, user interfaces, IPTV, mobile services, SIP/VoIP technology, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Abella is also executive vice president for the Young Science Achievers program and a strong advocate of fostering the development of minorities and women in science and engineering.
A presentation by Dr. Abella:
The Women of Innovation® Program is sponsored, in part, by the Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation, the law firm of Day Pitney LLP and United Technologies Corporation.
Contact Mike Scricca at (860) 289-0878, ext. 334 or [email protected] with questions regarding the program or awards dinner or visit http://www.ct.org
Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Yvonne Akpalu CEO/Founder Why Science
Dr. Akpalu is the CEO & Founder of Why Science, an education technology company igniting students’ passion for science/technology/engineering/mathematics learning. Why Science’s ground-breaking Poly & Mer technology makes STEM more accessible by combining the power of the “cloud” with state-of-the-art learning practices, programs and interactive media for the modern classroom of today. An innovator whose work has earned recognition through multiple awards, Yvonne mentors undergraduate Women in Science at Yale.
Research Innovation and Leadership Amy Anderson Associate Professor University of Connecticut
Amy Anderson is an Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Connecticut where she leads a research group to discover and develop novel drugs for treating infectious diseases and cancer as well as understanding and overcoming mechanisms of drug resistance. She received her B.S. from M.I.T. and a Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard before completing a postdoctoral fellowship at UCSF. Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and children at the beach in Rhode Island.
Small Business Innovation and Leadership Katherine Ayers Director of Research Proton OnSite
Kathy Ayers is responsible for executing Proton's technology roadmap to achieve cost effective production of hydrogen for energy applications. She has been awarded several Small Business Innovative Research and other grants for DOE, NSF, ARPA-E, and ONR. Kathy holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology and has mentored several female students through Mentornet. She also has two young daughters and enjoys running, swimming, and music.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Lisa Bongiovi Vice President, Intellectual Property Counsel UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems
Lisa Bongiovi is Vice President, Intellectual Property Counsel at UTC Climate, Controls and Security Systems. In this role, she is responsible for managing all intellectual property matters, including management of over 7,000 pending and issued patents and over 4,400 pending and registered trademarks worldwide. Lisa also oversees all intellectual property matters associated with the product development process, and all licensing and enforcement matters involving patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Academic Innovation and Leadership Susan Brown Teacher - Applied Technology New Haven Public Schools-Mauro Sheridan Magnet School
Susan Brown is a science, technology, and robotics teacher for middle school students in New Haven, CT. She adores teaching children how to think, create, and find their authentic 'selves'. Her past careers as an author, college educator, business owner in advertising and fitness, have given her the opportunity to work with youth to find their way through education and their passions. She has created an award winning robotics program and instituted a Women in Engineering partnership. She is team lead for her school's NASA Explorer Program, and is a recipient of numerous education awards and Michael Jordan Fundamentals Grants.
Entrepreneurial Innovation and leadership Jyl Camhi Founder and President Great Play
Jyl Camhi's company, Great Play, is a patented interactive gym for children that helps develop motor skills, sport skills, fitness and coordination. Great Play has other patents pending and is franchised in metro cities around the U.S. Jyl worked with Microsoft in the 1990's, creating systems, teams and infrastructure, and receiving the Bill Gates Microsoft manager of the year award in 1996. Inspired by today's childhood inactivity crisis, Jyl's alternative approach combines technology and fitness to appeal to youngsters who are not natural athletes, encouraging physical development.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Kim Carpenter Global Vice President of Human Resources Covidien
Kim Carpenter serves as Vice President, Global Human Resources for the Surgical Solutions Business Unit of Covidien. Ms. Carpenter has more than 25 years of comprehensive HR experience. Prior to joining Covidien in 2007, she served as head of Global Leadership Development for Bayer Healthcare. Ms. Carpenter earned a B.A. degree in psychology from Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Teresa (Terry) Cowles Integration Manager, 787 Program Hamilton Sundstrand/UTC
With 28 years at Hamilton Sundstrand's Air Management Systems (AMS), Terry Cowles has contributed to the evolution of standards, methods and requirements management across AMS. As project lead for their largest 2011 program, Airbus A380 Air Generation and Temperature Control Systems, her work resulted in the certification of the aircraft. She received UTC's highest level of recognition for the formation of her Integrated Product Development Team. Terry's system level requirements management process is now the standard across HS, applied to multiple programs including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Small Business Innovation and Leadership Manon Cox President and CEO Protein Sciences Corporation
Manon Cox is President & CEO at Protein Sciences Corporation. She joined the company in 1998. Previously she was with Gist-Brocades, where she held positions in BD, Production and R&D. She holds a Doctorate in Virology from the University of Wageningen; received her M.B.A. with distinction from Nijenrode and Rochester, NY Universities; and holds a Doctorandus degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry from University of Nijmegen. Her passion and career goal is to bring global innovation to the vaccine industry by using recombinant DNA technology.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Renee Davis VP, Chief Actuary Bond & Financial Products The Travelers Companies, Inc
Throughout her career at Travelers, Renee Davis has been focused on strong performance by applying analytics to business problems in order to improve business results. As part of the Actuarial and Analytics Leadership team, Renee has served as senior advisor for many strategic initiatives in advancing analytics and talent for the company. Outside of work, Renee enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, especially on the beach in Rhode Island.
Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Caroline Dealy Chief Scientific Officer Chondrogenics Inc.
Dr. Dealy’s work is dedicated to research and technology to understand and treat debilitating human conditions including osteoarthritis. Chondrogenics is a Connecticut biotechnology company established with the support of UConn to develop the potential of human stem cells for cartilage repair. Through a major grant from the State, Chondrogenics is conducting preclinical studies to investigate the ability of the cells to repair damaged cartilage, with the goal of developing a stem cell based approach for osteoarthritis treatment.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Mary-Ellen Devlin Executive Director & Executive Counsel of Intellec Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
After graduating from Fordham University Law School, Mary-Ellen Devlin worked as a patent litigator for six years with both trial and appellate experience. In the early 80s, she went 'in-house' first at American Cyanamid Company and then Boehringer Ingelheim. Mary-Ellen became the first woman officer of the largest intellectual property law association in the U.S.
Small Business Innovation and Leadership Betsy Didan Vice President COCC
Betsy Didan develops, promotes, and supports innovative technologies to reduce paper and increase payment speed and security for community bank customers and credit union members throughout the northeast, improving bank efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Her system to eliminate paper check processing for 140 financial institutions has saved thousands of gallons of fuel used to transport physical checks. Her electronic payment processes have accelerated check processing and verification, reducing opportunities for fraud. Betsy speaks at nationwide conferences on advanced payment technologies.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Edith DiFrancesco Vice President, Engineering Methods UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems
Edith DiFrancesco is an executive with 26 years at UTC. Edith joined Carrier in 2008 as the VP, Engineering Methods after 23 years with Otis in Engineering, Safety and Quality leadership positions. Significant contributions include development of the LVM and Gen2 elevator products, the Otis Product Development Process and the Carrier Product Safety Process. Edith holds a BEng Mechanical from McGill University and an M.S. Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Academic Innovation and Leadership Joan Feigenbaum The Grace Murray Hopper Professor of Computer Science Yale University
Joan Feigenbaum received an A.B. in Mathematics from Harvard and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford. Her research interests include Internet algorithmics, security and privacy, massive-data-set algorithmics, and the interplay of economics and computation. She is a Fellow of the Association of Computing Machinery and was an invited speaker at the 1998 International Congress of Mathematicians.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Elizabeth Gandza Sr. Project Manager The United Illuminating Company
After graduating UConn in 2000 with a B.S. in civil engineering, Liz Gandza worked as an engineer on transportation projects for URS in Rocky Hill. In 2002, she worked as an engineer and project manager on transportation and electrical transmission infrastructure projects for BL Companies in Meriden. In 2008, Liz joined UI to manage electrical transmission infrastructure projects. Liz lives in Southington with her husband CJ and their son, Nichola
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Elizabeth Garypie Black Hawk Chief Engineer Sikorsky Aircraft
Liz Garypie is Chief Engineer, Army & Air Force Programs at Sikorsky Aircraft. In this role, she provides overall technical leadership for domestic BLACK HAWK development and production programs, including the UH-60M, HH-60M MEDEVAC, UH-60M Upgrade, and future product requirements. Liz has worked for Sikorsky Aircraft since 1999, holding positions of increasing responsibility in both Engineering and Programs. Liz holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College, Hartford, and is an active member of the Society o Women Engineers (SWE).
Collegian Innovation and Leadership Ramona Georgescu Graduate Student University of Connecticut
Ramona Georgescu received her B.A.s in Computer Science and Physics from Connecticut College in 2004 and her M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Boston University in 2007. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of Connecticut, working under the direction of Dr. Peter Willett. Her area of interest is statistical signal processing, with a focus on estimation and multi-target tracking.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Kristina Givens Process Innovation Program Manager Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Kristina Givens is the Process Innovation Program Manager for Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. She has been instrumental in the implementation and deep adoption of Lean principles at Lawrence & Memorial, the alignment of Lean with IT Projects, and the integration of the Production Preparation Process (3P) to ensure the success of the hospital’s strategic growth initiatives. Kristina holds a B.S. in International Business, and has studied language and business at Salamanca University, Salamanca, Spain and holds a Six Sigma green belt certification.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Amy Harper, PhD 2VP, Research & Product Development The Travelers Companies, Inc
In 2006, Dr. Amy Harper joined Travelers Risk Control, a group that exists to aid underwriters in account selection and retention, as well as to collaborate with policyholders and their agents to reduce losses and promote prevention initiatives. Amy received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Social and Organizational Psychology from Temple University and holds a B.A. degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. She has been developing and implementing products and services for the insurance industry for nearly fifteen years.
Community Innovation and Leadership Dionne Henry Repair Develop Engineer Pratt & Whitney
Dionne Henry is a 12-year veteran at Pratt & Whitney, providing repair development expertise to commercial aircraft engine customers world-wide. Decisions made in this leadership role directly contribute to flight safety. A dedicated humanitarian and volunteer; she is currently chairperson of CPEP's Board of Directors. She spearheads the growing non-profit that designs programs to promote interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for under-served youth in CT. Additionally, Dionne has aided schoolchildren and families as one of the Church Missionaries to Guatemala last summer. "I want to inspire young adults to embrace STEM disciplines.”
Youth Innovation and Leadership Emilia Hernandez High School Student Hopkins School
Emilia Hernandez is a senior at Hopkins School in New Haven. She is one of the captains of her school's Science Olympiad team. In addition to her scientific interests, she is President of Junior Statesmen of America, participates in Model U.N., and is an active member of the Fencing team. For the last two summers, she has done research in Genetics at Yale about the protein-protein interactions involved in ribosome biogenesis.
Academic Innovation and Leadership Sally Hill Principal Designer Eli Whitney Museum
At age five, Sally Hill began appropriating her mother's The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzles to pencil constructions of the squares. She has loved grids ever since. Sally trained in graphic design at Yale just as the computer equipped the profession with powerful tools. Now she converts 20 years of learning project designs at the EWM into the 3D grids of CNC production while introducing her undergraduate graphic design students to the art of layering information with traditional and modern book folds.
Youth Innovation and Leadership Areej Jahangir High School Student Glastonbury High School
Making periodic visits to the Middle East and South Asia as a Pakistani-American, Areej Jahangir has seen first-hand the issues gripping developing nations in the areas of education and the quality of life. Her ambition is to combine policy and technology tools to close the gaps between developed and developing countries. One such specific study that she is currently working on is water purification through locally producible ceramic filters.
Youth Innovation and Leadership Morgan Jordan High School Student Joel Barlow High School
Morgan Jordan is a senior at Joel Barlow High School, and has a passion for chemistry and biology. Morgan recently conducted extensive research on environmentally-friendly surfactants through an independent research program. She is a member of the varsity debate, tennis and mock trial teams, president of the Serving Our Underprivileged Club, and is a classically-trained pianist. She enjoys volunteering at the Special Olympics, leading drives for the homeless, tutoring, and participating in the Girl Scouts.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Arianna Kalian Vice President, Engineering & Manufacturing UTC Power
Arianna Kalian, P.E., is responsible for overseeing UTC Power’s engineering activities and manufacturing operations for the company’s stationary and transportation fuel cell systems. Kalian joined UTC Power in 2008 from GM, where she led a range of product design and development efforts during her 19-year tenure, including an international assignment in Germany. A member of SWE, she holds a B.A. and an M.A. degree in mechanical engineering and an M.S. in management of technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Research Innovation and Leadership Monika Kinstler Principal Engineer Pratt & Whitney
Monika Kinstler has worked in the aerospace industry as a metallurgical engineer for 26 years. Currently a principal engineer at Pratt & Whitney, she has been approving aircraft engine repairs on behalf of the FAA as a Designated Engineering Representative since 2002. She holds multiple patents, and has developed an engineering information knowledge management system that has been widely emulated within UTC. She has two children, and is a performing violinist.
Youth Innovation and Leadership Mary Kuchenbrod High School Student GHAMAS
Mary Kuchenbrod conducts her own high school research. She is testing the early development of zebra fish embryos in environments that mimic that of a developing human fetus whose mother is consuming alcohol or caffeine, as well as environments that test the effects of progesterone pollution in water systems. This research has increased her passion for biology, and led Mary to help develop a Biotechnology and Bioengineering class at her school.
Collegian Innovation and Leadership Heather Leask Undergraduate Student University of Connecticut
Heather Leask is an aspiring chemical engineer currently attending the University of Connecticut. She began researching memristor electrical components at UConn in high school. She is currently researching mechanical properties of hydrogels at UMass and is co-authoring a paper for publication this year. Outside of her academics, Heather is an avid long distance runner. She completed a marathon in Philadelphia in November and is training for the D.C. Marathon in March 2012.
Community Innovation and Leadership Kim McFadden Systems Engineering Pratt & Whitney
A Georgia Tech graduate, Kim McFadden started at Pratt & Whitney 13 years ago, focusing on engineering equipment for the testing of development engines. Since then, she has worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer, an Operations Engineer, an Industrial Manager and now as a Project Manager on the company's latest Geared Turbofan Engine. Kim uses her engineering skills as an active volunteer with Athena's Warriors, a young womens' robotics team. She supports their projects and mentors and coaches the girls to encourage the importance of physics and mechanical concepts.
Community Innovation and Leadership Kimberly McLean Principal Engineer Electric Boat
Kimberly McLean has spent 27 years working in Engineering and Information Technology at Electric Boat. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and has been working with SWE and the Girl Scouts for almost 20 years to develop and present STEM programs for girls of all ages. She works with the Girl Scouts to provide girls at camp with opportunities to learn about astronomy and the use of telescopes.
Youth Innovation and Leadership Maeva Metz High School Student Brookfield High School
Maeva Metz created the first Biology Club and Green Team at her school to help others. This is her second year in a medical internship, and she has participated in Boehringer’s Partners in Science Program. Her interests take her beyond science as a Future Global Leader with extracurricular activities such as tutoring, being Tutoring Coordinator of National Honors Society, being President of French Honors Society, and being Concert Band Head Mistress.
Community Innovation and Leadership Sandra Millan-Tripp Co-Founder Tributary Mill Conservancy
Ms. Millan-Tripp is the co-founder of the Tributary Mill Conservancy, a non-profit environmental research and education organization which has been recognized by Field and Stream and the Atlantic Salmon Association for its hybrid prototype hatchery. The Conservancy has raised and released over a million salmon back into the wild since 2003. Ms. Millan-Tripp has shared her knowledge of environmental stewardship with countless students and classrooms all over southeastern Connecticut.
Research Innovation and Leadership Stella Oggianu Project Leader, Energy Systems United Technologies Research Center
Dr. Oggianu holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). Stella has served as thesis reviewer for M.I.T. and the University College Cork, and as Assistant Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She has over 10 papers in recognized journals and conferences, and has filed 12 patents. At UTRC, Stella has developed, executed and is currently leading innovative programs for advanced energy microgrids and integrated buildings.
Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Julie Olson President JAO Ovation LLC
Julie Olson is a biopharmaceutical executive with over 27 years' experience, most recently as CEO of Mersana Therapeutics. While at Mersana, she helped to raise more than $35M in private equity, advanced two compounds into clinical trials in cancer patients, and continued innovative research programs. Prior to her years at Mersana, Julie was at Pfizer for 19 years, where she was VP of Licensing and played a variety of roles in drug discovery.
Collegian Innovation and Leadership Janet Paulsen Graduate Student University of Connecticut
Janet Paulsen is a doctoral candidate at the University of Connecticut in the Pharmaceutical Sciences department with an emphasis in medicinal chemistry. Her accomplishments include the development of new antimycotics to treat prevalent infectious diseases using a structure-based drug design approach. In 2011, she was selected for a highly competitive internship at Merck where she made an impact on the development of pharmaceuticals to combat the ever growing HIV epidemic.
Academic Innovation and Leadership Diane Pintavalle Teacher, Public High School Glastonbury High School
Diane Corcoran Pintavalle teaches science at Glastonbury HS. Diane created the infrastructure needed for students to conduct authentic scientific research. She has built an extensive network of practicing scientists from universities, hospitals and industry who serve as mentors. Diane is a member of CSTA, serves on the executive committee for CTJSHS, and was recognized by CASL for collaborating to advance student learning. Diane holds degrees in Biology from CCSU and recently earned the M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan.
Research Innovation and Leadership Tracy Propheter Design Engineer Pratt & Whitney
Tracy Propheter was born in Atlanta, GA to two Electrical Engineers and has lived up and down the eastern seaboard and in Europe. She received her B.S. from the University of Florida and her M.S. from RPI. Her education has a grounding in Science and Engineering, but also includes History, English, Creative Writing, Music, and Art. Her hobbies include stained glass, quilting, sewing, painting, drawing, and singing. Tracy lives by the credo "I can accomplish anything one word at a time."
Youth Innovation and Leadership Kelsey Reeves High School Student Grasso Southeastern Technical High School
Kelsey Reeves has a variety of roles in addition to her high school studies; she is the National Honor Society president; a member of the National Art Honor Society; Student Council treasurer; a Mentor and peer mediator; a member of the Young Artists Society; a State Student Advisory Council on Education member, and is a participant in Work Base Learning with the City of Groton Pollution Abatement Facility. Kelsey was chosen to represent her Compact Bio-filtration Unit to the New England Water Environment Association’s conference, and maintains high honors along with out-of-school employment.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Julie Reiss Sr. Eng., Mechanical (Systems Engineer) Hamilton Sundstrand
Julie Reiss is the Lead System Requirements Engineer for the Life Support Systems on the Orion space vehicle for Hamilton Sundstrand. She has 12 years of experience in systems engineering, including several years on the Space Suit with design, certification, and space walk mission support responsibilities. Julie holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is pursuing her M.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut.
Collegian Innovation and Leadership Chaitanya Sankavaram Graduate Student University of Connecticut
Chaitanya Sankavaram is a Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Connecticut. She received her B.Tech. degree and worked for two years at Wipro Technologies, India. Her research focuses on fault diagnosis and prognosis in automotive systems. She authored/co-authored a book chapter, eleven scientific publications and secured IEEE Best New Technology Paper Award, UConn’s Graduate Fellowship, Outstanding Achievement Award two consecutive years at Wipro) and the Governor’s Excellence Award.
Small Business Innovation and Leadership Deb Santy Director, SBIR CT SBIR Office
Deb Santy is dedicated to the promotion of technology, science, and innovation in Connecticut with a focus on small businesses. Examples of programs Deb has developed and promoted include Matches for Money, Collaborate to Innovate, Partner with a Prime, Partner with a Professor, and Careers for Engineers. Her latest endeavor, iHub, is an interactive web-based tool to enable state organizations to collaborate more efficiently and effectively. Deb actively supports and promotes high school STEM learning programs such as the Real World Design Challenge and the Sikorsky STEM challenge.
Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Sheila Shechtman Founder, Chairman Giftcorp
Sheila Shechtman built startup Giftcorp into a B2B ecommerce powerhouse, creating 50+ jobs and establishing one of the state's largest women owned businesses. Giftcorp employs many women spanning a range of minority backgrounds. During 2011, Giftcorp achieved dramatic growth in its revenue and management team and has a customer base including Fortune 500 companies. Sheila received the 2004 award as Outstanding Woman Business Owner of the Year by The Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and is a speaker at numerous nationwide business programs.
Academic Innovation and Leadership Leslie Shor Assistant Professor University of Connecticut
Leslie Shor is a chemical engineer working to improve our environment. As the first woman faculty member in the 50-year history of UConn's Chemical Engineering department, Leslie oversees several research projects aimed at understanding and replicating microbial habitat that are relevant to a variety of large-scale, global issues. Dr. Shor is mentoring four student teams conducting microbial research in her laboratory. Dr. Shor's interest in microstructured habitats led to the UConn School of Engineering's first EFRI (Engineering Frontiers Research Initiative) award.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Consuelo Staheli Director of Global Strategy and Portfolio Covidien
Consuelo Staheli is Director, Global Strategy & Portfolio for Covidien Surgical Solutions. She is responsible for managing the portfolio of new product investments of the Soft Tissue Implants Division and ensuring alignment with business strategy. As a founding member and leader of the Surgical Solutions Women’s Leadership Initiative, she directs her talents to developing women in the organization and promoting a more inclusive environment across Covidien. Consuelo lives in Middletown with her husband and two children and enjoys hiking.
Youth Innovation and Leadership Robyn Stanco High School Student Brookfield High School
As a student in C++, Robyn has proven to be a gifted programmer and an effective leader. As a math teaching assistant in her junior year, Robyn helped to create a joint C++ curriculum differentiated at both an honors and academic level. She is co-leader of Twenty-First Century Applications of Skills and Technology (TCAST), an extracurricular group which has formed a company identity and is designing and creating a customized application. Robyn has earned the most distinguished student award for both Academic Algebra II and Academic Pre-Calculus.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Geraldine Taber Senior Director Pfizer
Gerry Taber’s many management positions at Pfizer Worldwide R&D include her 2010 role leading the Global Technology team of 40 scientists in Groton, CT and in the U.K. to develop and deploy novel chemical research and process development technologies. Currently, she leads Pfizer's Lab of The Future (LotF) program. She has earned the EPA's Presidential Green Chemistry Award, is a Member of the AspenTech Advisory Panel, the Dow Pharma's Technology Advisory Panel, the New England Chapter of ISPE Board of Directors, and serves on the Groton Public School Improvement Team and as Co-chair of the Groton Public School Science Day Committee.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Eleanor Tandler Co-Founder and CEO NovaTract
Eleanor Tandler is one of NovaTract’s founders and the CEO. NovaTract is a startup focused on new, innovative medical devices for minimally invasive surgery based on technology licensed from Yale University. NovaTract recently received the Connecticut Technology Council's "Most Promising Life Sciences Company of the Year" Award for 2010. Prior to NovaTract, Ellie ran a UConn startup focused on the development of new orthodontic appliances and spent five years as a venture capital investor focused on investments in the healthcare sector.
Youth Innovation and Leadership Katelyn Tupaj High School Student Torutellotte Memorial High School
Katelyn Tupaj has received awards relating to technology and science. In her freshman year, she received Academic Excellence in Science, and in her junior year received the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Math and Science Medal as well as the Bausch & Lomb Science Award from the University of Rochester. Katelyn has been involved in FBLA, Math Mentors, Junior Achievement, and the National Honor Society. She was recently invited to attend Doppler on Wheels at Lyndon State University.
Collegian Innovation and Leadership Nicole Wagner Graduate Student/Chief Executive Officer University of Connecticut/LambdaVision Inc.
Nicole Wagner is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Connecticut under the direction of Dr. Robert Birge. She entered the program in 2007, and spent much of her graduate career working on optimizing retinal-containing proteins for device applications. Her research efforts played an integral role in the proof of concept studies that helped found LambdaVision Incorporated in May 2009. Nicole joined the LambdaVision team as CEO in early 2011.
Academic Innovation and Leadership Emily Wilson Geospatial Technologies Specialist University of Connecticut, Center for Land Use Education
Emily Wilson is a Geospatial Educator with the Center for Land Use Education and Research in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UConn. She promotes and supports the use of geospatial data (maps, aerial and satellite imagery and other geographically-referenced information) and technology. She conducts applied research to make the results usable and available to local land use decision-makers and the public through education, technical training and the development of interactive websites.
Youth Innovation and Leadership Alexia Zagouras High School Student Hopkins School
Alexia Zagouras has enjoyed her advanced science classes, especially physics and biology. She has conducted research in a plant genetics lab at Yale and participated in a National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine. She is a certified emergency medical technician and plans to volunteer on an ambulance this summer. She also competes on her school’s Physics and Science Olympiad teams. She is co-head of the school blood drive, co-captain of girls' varsity water polo, and enjoys oil painting and modern dance.
Large Business Innovation and Leadership Sigal Zarmi Chief Information Officer GE Capital Americas
Sigal Zarmi leads technology efforts to drive business growth and enhance customer experience for an $108B portfolio of commercial loans and leases, leveraging Information Technology in originations, risk management and operations by focusing on simplification and productivity. Sigal holds a M.B.A. from Columbia University in NYC and a B.S. in Engineering from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. She serves on the board of the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut.
This report finds that women are underrepresented both in STEM jobs and STEM undergraduate degrees and have been consistently over the last decade.... This underrepresentation has remained fairly constant over the past decade, even as women’s share of the college-educated workforce has increased.
Given the high-quality, well-paying jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, there is great opportunity for growth in STEM in support of American competitiveness, innovation and jobs of the future.
From the Executive Summary:
...women are vastly underrepresented in STEM jobs and among STEM degree holders despite making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and half of the college-educated workforce.... There are many possible factors contributing to the discrepancy of women and men in STEM jobs, including: a lack of female role models, gender stereotyping, and less family-friendly flexibility in the STEM fields. Regardless of the causes, the findings of this report provide evidence of a need to encourage and support women in STEM.
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These women have broken through the glass ceiling. And not only have they broken through it -- they are keeping it open for other women to come through.
