The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Wesleyan prof, Madison teacher chosen as Women of Innovation
MIDDLETOWN — A Wesleyan University professor and Madison science teacher are among 11 Connecticut women recently recognized for their achievements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the 17th annual Women of Innovation awards.
These were presented in a virtual ceremony by the Connecticut Technology Council and Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Oct. 14, according to a press release.
The prestigious awards were earned by women innovators, role models and leaders in the STEM disciplines, the news release said. They were selected from a field of 36 finalists — the scientists, researchers, academics, manufacturers, student leaders, entrepreneurs, and technicians who are catalysts for scientific advancement throughout Connecticut.
The Country School of Madison science teacher, robotics coach, health and wellness curriculum coordinator Amy Cornell was given a Secondary Academic Innovation and Leadership award, and Martha Gilmore, George I. Seney Professor of Geology at Wesleyan, was noted for her Research Innovation and Leadership.
Finalists are nominated by their peers, coworkers and mentors, and are selected based on their professional experience, history of innovation, ability to think creatively and solve problems and demonstration of leadership.
Young women pursuing STEM studies at the high school, undergraduate and graduate level are also among the finalists and were selected based on inventiveness and accomplishments in science and technology, independent research, as well as academic achievement and community service, the release said.
“These brilliant women are an indispensable catalyst in Connecticut’s economic comeback,” Giovanni Tomasi, president/chief technology officer of RSL Fiber Systems and board chairman of the CTC, said in a prepared statement.
“As these finalists demonstrate, women in STEM in Connecticut are leading innovation, achieving breakthroughs, and encouraging girls to do that and more,” Tomasi added. “Connecticut’s economy is expanding and becoming more robust in great part by achieving and sustaining leadership in STEM. These are the people whose contributions are critical in our state’s renaissance.”
All accepted nominees had to meet these requirements, and others: working or studying in Connecticut, demonstrating strong leadership abilities, and serving or previously serving as a mentor, either short- or long-term, peer mentor, career mentor or life mentor.
For information, go to womenofinnovation.org.