15
A.K.A. Prototype • Access Technologies Group • AccuStandard, Inc. • Achillion Pharmaceuticals • Advanced Decisions • Aeolean Inc.• Aetna Inc.• Agent Tek • Albertus Magnus College • Albright Associates, Inc. • Amity Regional High School • Appen Butler Hill, Inc. • Arch Chemicals, Inc. • AT&T• ATMI, Inc. • Avalence • Berlin High School • Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation • Bristol Technology Inc. • Bristol-Myers Squibb • Brookfield High School • By Kids For Kids Co. • Cantor Colburn LLP • Capital One Bank • CAPS Business Recovery Services • Carrier • Center for 21st Century Skills • Central Connecticut State University • Chondrogenics, Inc. • CMI • COCC • Cold Spring School • Combat2Career • Comcast • Computer Education Services Corporation • Computer Sciences Corporation • Connecticut Children’s Medical Center • Connecticut College • Connecticut Department of Higher Education • Connecticut Department of Public Safety • Connecticut Department of Transportation • Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium • Connecticut Hospice • Connecticut Innovations • Connecticut Invention Convention • Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair • Connecticut Technology Council • Consolidated School District of New Britain • Cooper-Atkins Corporation • Corporate Translations, Inc. • Covidien • CUNO Inc. a 3M Company • CURE Bioscience Explorations • CX2 Global • Dark Field Technologies • Day Pitney LLP • Diagnostic Devices, Inc. • Discovery Training Services • Dominion/Millstone Power Station • Dynamic Metals International, LLC • East Lyme High School • Eastern Connecticut State University • EDGAR Online, Inc. • EER Limited • Eli Whitney Museum • Engine Alliance • ERUdyne • eTouches • Fabric Trends International, LLC • Fairfield Ludlowe High School • Fairfield University • Farmington High School • Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. • Franklin & Marshall College • FuelCell Energy, Inc. • General Electric Corporation • GE Capital • General Dynamics Electric Boat • GHAMAS of Aerospace and Engineering • Giftcorp, Inc. • Glastonbury High School • Glenwood Strategies LLC • GoatThroat Pumps • GraphLogic, Inc. • Grasso Southeastern Technical High School • Great Play • Greater Hartford Academy of Mathematics & Science • Greenwich Academy • Greenwich High School • HABCO, Inc. • Haley & Aldrich • Hamilton Sundstrand • Hampford Research, Inc. • Hartford Hospital • Hartford Public Schools • Hopkins School • Hydrofera LLC • Imaging Solutions, Inc. • IVANS, Inc. • J Lawrence LLC • JANUS Associates, Inc. • JAO Ovation LLC • Joel Barlow High School • Karter Capital Advisors • KC Healthcare Communications LLC • Kogent, Inc. • LambdaVision, Inc.• Lawrence & Memorial Hospital • Little Scientists • MIT • Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School • Microsoft • Mitchell College • Mitchell-Vance Laboratories • MS3 Corp. Architects • My Luck Club • Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration • MysticMD Inc. • Nerac, Inc. • Nestlé Product Technology Center • Newington High School • Newtown High School • North Haven High School • Northeast Utilities • Northrop Grumman • Norwalk Community College • Norwich Public Schools • NovaTract Surgical LLC • NutritionOptions LLC • Nuventus, LLC • NYFIX, Inc. • NYU Tisch School • Otis Elevator Company • Pediatric Cardiac Association • Pfizer, Inc. • Phoenix Systems Intgeration • Pitney Bowes, Inc. • Pomperaug High School • Pratt & Whitney • Priceline.com • Projects for a New Millennium • Prometheus Research, LLC • Protegrity • Protein Sciences Corporation • Proton OnSite • Purdue Pharma • Realsight • RecoveryPlanner.com, Inc.• Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Inc. • Robert Half Technology • RSL Fiber Systems, LLC • Sacred Heart Academy • Sacred Heart University • Samara Innovations, LLC • Saturday Academy • Schwerdtle Stamp Company • Security University, Inc. • Seymour High School • SignStorey, Inc. • Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation • Soft Tissue Regeneration, Inc. • Software Corporation of America • Sonalysts, Inc. • Southern Connecticut State University • Southington High School • St. Francis Hospital • Stamford High School • Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority • Synaptic Dynamics • TCR, Inc. • Telesis, LLC • The Computer Company • The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station • The Foundation for Collaborative Medicine and Research • The Hartford Insurance Group • The IMPACT Group • The Sono Group • The United Illuminating Company • Three Rivers Community College • Tourtellotte Memorial High School • Travelers • Trevi Therapeutics • Tributary Mill Conservancy, Inc. • Trinity College • U.S. Coast Guard Academy • UK Trade and Investment • United Illuminating • United Technologies Aerospace Systems • United Technologies Corporation • United Technologies Research Center • University of Bridgeport • University of Connecticut • University of Hartford • University of New Haven • URISE, Inc. • UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems • UTC Power • Walker Systems Support • Watertown High School • Webster Bank • Wesleyan • Westinghouse Electric Company • Why Science LLC • Yale University • YourNurseIsOn.com • www.ct.org Inspiration • Recognition • Celebration presented by:

2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

The 10th Anniversary of Women of Innovation® will gather and celebrate some of Connecticut’s most innovative female minds. We are excited to honor Connecticut’s outstanding women for their accomplishments in science, engineering, technology research, information technology, business analytics, technology education, and a mathematics. To explore this year’s event visit: http://www.ct.org/signature-event/women-of-innovation 10 years of inspiring women and girls to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math.

Citation preview

Page 1: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

A.K.A. Prototype • Access Technologies Group • AccuStandard,

Inc. • Achillion Pharmaceuticals • Advanced Decisions • Aeolean Inc.• Aetna Inc.• Agent Tek • Albertus Magnus College •

Albright Associates, Inc. • Amity Regional High School • Appen Butler Hill, Inc. • Arch Chemicals, Inc. • AT&T• ATMI, Inc. •

Avalence • Berlin High School • Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation • Bristol Technology Inc. • Bristol-Myers Squibb • Brookfield High School • By Kids For Kids Co. • Cantor Colburn LLP • Capital One Bank • CAPS

Business Recovery Services • Carrier • Center for 21st Century Skills • Central Connecticut State University • Chondrogenics, Inc. • CMI • COCC • Cold Spring School • Combat2Career • Comcast • Computer Education Services Corporation

• Computer Sciences Corporation • Connecticut Children’s Medical Center • Connecticut College • Connecticut Department of Higher Education • Connecticut Department of

Public Safety • Connecticut Department of Transportation • Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium • Connecticut Hospice • Connecticut Innovations • Connecticut Invention Convention •

Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair • Connecticut Technology Council • Consolidated School District of New Britain • Cooper-Atkins Corporation • Corporate Translations, Inc. • Covidien • CUNO Inc. a 3M

Company • CURE Bioscience Explorations • CX2 Global • Dark Field Technologies • Day Pitney LLP • Diagnostic Devices, Inc. • Discovery Training Services • Dominion/Millstone Power Station • Dynamic

Metals International, LLC • East Lyme High School • Eastern Connecticut State University • EDGAR Online, Inc. • EER Limited • Eli Whitney Museum • Engine Alliance • ERUdyne • eTouches • Fabric Trends

International, LLC • Fairfield Ludlowe High School • Fairfield University • Farmington High School • Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc.

• Franklin & Marshall College • FuelCell

Energy, Inc. • General Electric Corporation • GE Capital • General

Dynamics Electric Boat • GHAMAS of Aerospace

and Engineering • Giftcorp, Inc. •

Glastonbury High School • Glenwood Strategies

LLC • GoatThroat Pumps • GraphLogic, Inc. • Grasso Southeastern

Technical High School • Great Play • Greater Hartford Academy of Mathematics &

Science • Greenwich Academy • Greenwich High School •

HABCO, Inc. • Haley & Aldrich

• Hamilton Sundstrand • Hampford

Research, Inc. • Hartford Hospital • Hartford Public

Schools • Hopkins School • Hydrofera

LLC • Imaging Solutions, Inc. • IVANS, Inc. • J Lawrence LLC •

JANUS Associates, Inc. • JAO Ovation

LLC • Joel Barlow High School • Karter

Capital Advisors • KC Healthcare Communications

LLC • Kogent, Inc. • LambdaVision, Inc.• Lawrence & Memorial Hospital • Little Scientists • MIT • Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School • Microsoft • Mitchell College

• Mitchell-Vance Laboratories • MS3 Corp. Architects • My Luck Club • Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration • MysticMD Inc. • Nerac, Inc. • Nestlé Product Technology Center • Newington High School • Newtown High School • North Haven High School • Northeast Utilities • Northrop Grumman •

Norwalk Community College • Norwich Public Schools • NovaTract Surgical LLC • NutritionOptions LLC • Nuventus, LLC • NYFIX, Inc. • NYU Tisch School • Otis Elevator Company • Pediatric Cardiac Association • Pfizer, Inc. • Phoenix Systems Intgeration • Pitney Bowes, Inc. • Pomperaug High School • Pratt & Whitney • Priceline.com • Projects for a New Millennium • Prometheus Research, LLC • Protegrity • Protein Sciences Corporation •

Proton OnSite • Purdue Pharma • Realsight • RecoveryPlanner.com, Inc.• Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Inc. • Robert Half Technology • RSL Fiber Systems, LLC • Sacred Heart Academy • Sacred Heart University • Samara Innovations, LLC • Saturday Academy • Schwerdtle Stamp

Company • Security University, Inc. • Seymour High School • SignStorey, Inc. • Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation • Soft Tissue Regeneration, Inc. • Software Corporation of America • Sonalysts, Inc. • Southern Connecticut State University • Southington High School • St. Francis Hospital

• Stamford High School • Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority • Synaptic Dynamics • TCR, Inc. • Telesis, LLC • The Computer Company • The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station • The Foundation for Collaborative

Medicine and Research • The Hartford Insurance Group • The IMPACT Group • The Sono Group • The United Illuminating Company • Three Rivers Community College • Tourtellotte Memorial High School • Travelers • Trevi Therapeutics • Tributary Mill Conservancy, Inc. • Trinity College • U.S. Coast Guard Academy • UK Trade and Investment • United Illuminating • United Technologies Aerospace Systems •

United Technologies Corporation • United Technologies Research Center • University of Bridgeport •

University of Connecticut • University of Hartford • University of New Haven • URISE, Inc. • UTC

Climate, Controls & Security Systems • UTC Power • Walker Systems Support • Watertown High

School • Webster Bank • Wesleyan • Westinghouse Electric Company •

Why Science LLC • Yale University • YourNurseIsOn.com • www.ct.org

Inspiration • Recognition • Celebration

presented by:

Page 2: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

1

Women of Innovation®

Presented by: The Connecticut Technology Council

Presenting Sponsors:

Covidien

Day Pitney

Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation

United Technologies Corporation

The Connecticut Technology Council and our sponsors

celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Women of Innovation®,

and honor the energy, creativity and success of the fifty-nine

women and students in Connecticut’s science and technology

community for 2014.

We salute all of this year’s Women of Innovation who are

working as scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs – for their

contribution to their organization or school. Their abbreviated

biographies in this program are testimony to their remarkable

careers and fields of study, and their professional and

personal accomplishments. We also thank the individuals

who nominated these outstanding women and all who are

here this evening to celebrate their achievements.

After ten years, there is an alumnae group of nearly 500

Women of Innovation®! Some are here tonight to share

in the 10th anniversary. By gathering this community of

accomplished women, we will continue to promote and

support the efforts that encourage young women and girls

to pursue careers in — science, technology, engineering

and math and to foster a collaborative network.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Diane SmithTV journalist, radio talk show host, author and speaker

WELCOME

Chuck PaganoChair of the Board, Connecticut Technology Council

INTRODUCTION OF FINALISTS AFTER DINNER WELCOME, REMARKS,

AND KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION

Elizabeth AlquistChair, Women of Innovation Planning Committee

Betsy SilvaDirector, Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement, Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation

Judith BankowskiVice President & Chief Information Officer, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

KEYNOTE

Suzanne Vautrinot Retired Major General, U.S. Air Force

AWARD PRESENTATIONS

(In order of presentation)

Youth Innovation & Leadership

(presented by Covidien)

Jacqueline Jones Principal Development Engineer, Covidien

Kristen Langlois Product Manager, Covidien

Collegian Innovation & Leadership

Community Innovation & Leadership

Research Innovation & Leadership

Academic Innovation & Leadership

Entrepreneurial Innovation & Leadership

Small Business Innovation & Leadership

Large Business Innovation & Leadership

CLOSING REMARKS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

“There are so many success stories, behind every success story is a group of mentors and motivators”

2009 Winner

“Take risks – dream big, make a solid plan and go for it.”

2012 Winner

presented by:

“ Tonight we are honoring every woman who’s been remotely associated with science and technology.”

2009 Winner

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Diane Smith A New York Times bestselling author, Emmy award winning journalist, documentary producer, and speaker, Diane Smith is a TV veteran with diverse experience and background.

As president of Diane Smith Media, Diane has produced Emmy award winning documentaries, as well as programs and videos primarily for non-profits. Diane Smith Media also provides media training for clients as diverse as Tiffany & Co. and Subway.

Diane is the anchor and senior producer for program development at CTN, the Connecticut version of C-SPAN. She works to promote transparency in government and to increase citizen engagement in their democracy.

The Globe Pequot Press has published six books based on Diane’s “Positively Connecticut” TV series, the longest running local TV series in state history. Diane’s latest book, Obsessed: America’s Food Addiction and My Own; written with MSNBC Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski became an instant best seller.

Diane was a news reporter and anchor on WTNH-TV in New Haven, and co-hosted the Morning Show with Ray Dunaway on WTIC-Newstalk1080. Diane is a frequent on-air contributor to CT Public Television (CPTV), producing and hosting award winning documentaries and other programming.

Diane serves on the board of the Connecticut Girl Scout Council and the Connecticut Women’s Council and is on the advisory council of the non-partisan Women’s Campaign School at Yale.

Diane has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Culture and Tourism for her outstanding lifetime achievements and contributions to the arts and tourism in Connecticut. The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame honored Diane as a woman of “voice and vision”.

Diane was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle for 25 years of distinguished service to broadcasting and the community.

Page 3: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

2 3

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Suzanne “Zan” Vautrinot

Suzanne “Zan” Vautrinot is a highly decorated, award winning retired Major General of the U.S. Air Force with a successful career influencing the development and application of cyber security and space technology. She earned a reputation as a motivational leader and change agent focused on delivering technical innovations that resolve complex challenges.

Throughout her three-decade military career, Zan held many key assignments, including cyber operations, plans and policy, strategic security, space operations, acquisitions, and staff positions. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Symantec Corporation, the Board of Directors for Uniformed Services Benefit Association, the Air Force Doctrine Advisory Group and was on the Advisory Board of Warrior Tours and Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

On multiple occasions, she was selected by military leaders and White House officials to spearhead high-profile engagements. As a result, she received a number of prestigious awards, including National Defense citations, the Symantec Cyber Award, Women in Aerospace Leadership Award, Air Force Association’s Aerospace Citation of Honor, Women Worth Watching from Profiles in Diversity Journal, and the Presidential Award for Training, to name a few. As a cyber subject matter expert, she is sought out to speak at high-tech conferences, advise key task forces, and testify before Congress. She has authored cutting edge articles that have been published in the industry’s leading magazines and has been interviewed by a wide range of media outlets.

Early successes led to her selection as Deputy Commander for the Department of Defense’s Network Warfare and as a key architect in establishment of the nation’s critical cyber capabilities and structure. Zan led an interagency task force and established collaborative partnerships with the Departments of Defense, State, and Treasury, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and international partners. She served as an advisor to Defense and National Security Staff and Congress on developing cyber policy, international standards, and rules of engagement. Most recently, Zan served as Commander, Air Forces Cyber where she oversaw a multi-billion dollar global cyber enterprise with 14,000 military, civilians, and contractors.

Zan earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, followed by a Master’s of Science from the University of Southern California and was a National Security Fellow at Harvard University.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Beth Alquist Partner Day Pitney LLP

Lucy Brakoniecki Research and Evaluation Director Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund

Teresa Carleton VP of Mission System Design & IntegrationSikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Michele Dischino Associate Professor, Technology and Engineering Education Cental Connecticut State University

Christine Gemelli Consultant Connecticut Innovations

Maria Gigliotti Sr. Associate Director, Drug Regulatory Affairs Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Joan Feigenbaum Grace Murray Hopper Professor of Computer Science Yale University

Eileen Hasson President The Computer Company

Cathy Intravia Partner Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Jacqueline Jones Principal Development Engineer Covidien

Hilary Kiskaddon Operations ManagerCaritas Capital Partners

Jennifer KowalskiContinuous Process Improvement LeaderBoehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Jessica ListerDirector of Marketing Cantor Colburn LLP

Scott Morrison Vice President, Information Systems Prescription Medicines Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation

Mary Norris Partner Wiggin and Dana LLP

Glennis Orloff Vice President, Product Development i-Health

Paige Rasid Chief Operating Officer Connecticut Technology Council

Tracy Romano Senior Vice President, Research & Zoological Operations Sea Reasearch Foundation, Inc. at Mystic Aquarium

Stacie Ropka Counsel Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP

Vanessa RubanoAssociate Director, Health Economics and Outcomes Research Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Ellyn SavardProgram Initiatives Manager Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Sondra Schneider CEO & Founder Security University, Inc.

Luke Weinstein Entrepreneur and Mentor

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Page 4: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

5

MEET THE FINALISTS

Eeman Abbasi | Youth Innovation and LeadershipHigh School Student, Amity Regional High School

Eeman exhibits her leadership as Captain of the Debate Team, President of the Science National Honor Society, Publicity Chairperson of the National Honor Society, and Youth Leader at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she has volunteered throughout high school. Beginning in her sophomore year, she has pursued her passion of becoming a neurologist by conducting neuroscience research at Yale University’s School of Medicine. She also aspires to deliver a TED Talk one day.

Michelle Addington | Academic Innovation and LeadershipHines Professor of Sustainable Architectural Design, Yale School of Architecture

Michelle is an internationally recognized expert on smart materials, advanced technologies, environmental systems and energy. Educated as both an architect and engineer, she is researching the strategic relationships between the differing scales of energy phenomena and possible actions from the domain of building construction. Architect Magazine recently selected her as one of the country’s top ten faculty in architecture.

Nasreen Ali | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipDirector of Engineering, Priceline.com

Nasreen has worked at Priceline for over 12 years on both product development and frameworks. She is now Director of Engineering and heads the “Hotel Cache” technology that supplies pricing to meta-partners like Google, TripAdvisor and Kayak. Hotel Cache solves a unique problem of distributing highly accurate prices, with fast response times and without bursting traffic to downstream suppliers. Nasreen holds a Bachelors of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo.

Biree Andemariam | Research Innovation and LeadershipPhysician Researcher, University of Connecticut Health Center

Biree, a nationally known hematologist/oncologist medical doctor, is the founding Director of UConn’s Sickle Cell Disease Clinical and Research Center. The region’s only such program; it combines state-of-the-art patient care with cutting-edge research. A graduate of Princeton with a degree in Molecular Biology, she attended medical school at Tufts and trained at Cornell. She is a CICATS scholar and Chief Medical Officer-elect of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

Kathy Ayers | Research Innovation and LeadershipDirector of Research, Proton OnSite

Kathy sets company research strategy and leads the R&D staff within Proton’s engineering department. She works with many universities and national labs to advance electrochemical device technology based on ion exchange membranes, and is looked to by government agencies to provide input on energy technology. She was recently named one of the 2014 Rising Stars by the American Chemical Society.

Nancy Cappello | Community Innovation and LeadershipExecutive Director & Founder, Are You Dense, Inc.

Nancy was diagnosed with advanced cancer after years of “normal” mammography reports. Through her tragedy, she learned the limitations of mammograms for women with dense tissue. She is founder of Are You Dense, Inc. and Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc. Her advocacy has fueled a global movement, resulting in 14 state laws, a federal bill, and advocacy efforts in Taiwan, Japan, Puerto Rico, Israel, Canada, Italy and elsewhere.

Boehringer Ingelheim ranks among the world’s

20 leading pharmaceutical corporations. Our vision

drives us forward. It helps us to foster value through

innovation in our company and to look to the future

with constantly renewed commitment and ambition.

Boehringer Ingelheim congratulates and salutes

Dr. Theresa Devins and Dr. Paige Mahaney on their Women

of Innovation Finalist Status.

For more than 125 years Boehringer Ingelheim has been

committed to the research and development of innovative

medicines that help improve the lives of patients and

their families.

At Boehringer Ingelheim, we believe our innovation

comes from diverse ideas that spring from an environment

fostering a collaborative approach to problem solving.

Learn more about us at: us.boehringer-ingelheim.com

Value through Innovation

Dr. Theresa Devins Dr. Paige Mahaney

WOTY Ad '14_Layout 1 3/3/14 2:36 PM Page 1

Page 5: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

6 7

Theresa Devins | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipAssociate Director, Clinical Trial Management, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Theresa, a Ph.D., oversees international clinical trials in a variety of therapeutic areas. As a member of the Cross Cultural Leadership Team, she directs multiple workstreams tasked with increasing diversity in the company’s clinical trials. Before joining Boehringer, Theresa worked as a clinical researcher at New York Medical College. She is a married mother of two and enjoys charity work.

Emma Dinh | Youth Innovation and LeadershipHigh School Student, Greater Hartford Academy of Mathematics and Science

Emma attends both the Greater Hartford Academy of Mathematics and Science and Bristol Eastern High School as part of a CREC program. A QuestBridge finalist, Emma interned at Hartford Hospital and is a member of the National Honor Society, the school literary magazine, and the Capitol Region Interdistrict Leadership Academy. She plans to study Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics in college and aspires to encourage girls everywhere to pursue math and science.

Julie Dorsey | Research Innovation and LeadershipProfessor of Computer Science, Yale University

Julie specializes in photorealistic image synthesis, modeling material appearance and interactive illustration. She was tenured at MIT’s Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Architecture. Her awards include MIT’s Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award, an NSF Career Award, and fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Radcliffe Institute. She founded Mental Canvas to commercialize her inventions in visual computing.

Shelton Duelm | Research Innovation and LeadershipSenior Design Engineer, UTC – Pratt & Whitney

Shelton is the Design Discipline Manager for Advanced Combustors and Power Systems at Pratt & Whitney. She is responsible for overseeing and developing the talent of approximately 15 design engineers. She is also responsible for advancing combustor design by enabling and maturing new technologies and processes. Shelly holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. in Product Development Engineering from the University of Southern California.

Beverly Elliott | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipDirector, Project Management, Comcast Cable

Beverly serves as Director of Project Management for Comcast’s Western New England Region. In this role, she oversees the deployment of technology, such as the new X1 Entertainment Operating System that strengthens Comcast’s competitive edge in the marketplace and establishes the provider as an industry leader and innovator. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and lives in Norwalk with her husband and their two children.

Kate Emery | Small Business Innovation and LeadershipPresident & CEO, The Walker Group

Kate is President, CEO and Founder of The Walker Group, a technology services firm and reSET, the Social Enterprise Trust. Through legislative efforts, creation of a business incubator and an investment fund, she is working to make Connecticut a hub of social enterprise. She serves on the boards of reSET, Qualidigm, the Connecticut Technology Council, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford.

Robin Chazdon | Research Innovation and LeadershipProfessor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut

Robin received her B.A. from Grinnell College and her Ph.D. from Cornell University. She is the co-author or author of over 100 scholarly publications and sole author of a new book on tropical forest regeneration. She leads an interdisciplinary research network focused on understanding the social and ecological aspects of reforestation in the tropics.

Lia Cirelli | Youth Innovation and LeadershipHigh School Student, Joel Barlow High School

Lia’s passion is in science where she has been involved in science research, conducting individual research projects, the Science Bowl Team, and as a chemistry lab assistant. She also volunteers for Yale-New Haven Hospital, the American Liver Foundation, and Donate Life. In Lia’s spare time, she enjoys reading, playing piano and baking in her kitchen.

Penelope Cloft | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipSenior Fellow, Discipline Lead for Systems Engineering, UTC – Pratt & Whitney

Penny is a leader and advocate for improving engineering processes and ensuring they relate to business metrics and ultimately, to customer satisfaction. Leading the Lean Product Development initiative at Pratt & Whitney, Penny has introduced tools and methods that improve knowledge capture and reuse and ensure system architecture decisions are data based and with cross organizational input.

Amy Comer | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipManager, Mechanical Systems & Externals Engineering Manager, UTC – Pratt & Whitney

Amy joined United Technologies in 2002 and has held positions of increasing responsibility at both United Technologies Aerospace Systems and Pratt & Whitney. A manager in Mechanical Systems and Externals, she has led teams on a range of product design and technology development activities including Pratt’s industry changing Geared Turbo-Fan Development Program and Advanced 6th Generation Fighter Jet Development. Amy is a graduate of Cornell University.

Manon Cox | Small Business Innovation and LeadershipPresident & CEO, Protein Sciences Corporation

Manon serves on various boards, including Pall BioPharmaceuticals, iCubed, the United Way Meriden and Wallingford and the Education Committee of the Netherlands-America Foundation. With a Doctorate from the University of Wageningen, she received her MBA with distinction from the University of Nijenrode and the University of Rochester, and a Doctorandus degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Pam Curbelo | Small Business Innovation and LeadershipPartner and Co-Chair, Chemical, Material and Life Sciences Department, Cantor Colburn LLP

Pam spearheads the firm’s international patent activity. Pam works closely with foreign and domestic clients and a network of foreign associates to devise and implement intellectual property (IP) strategies. A former in-house IP counsel with UTC, Pam provides perspective and deep technical knowledge to clients in industries including aerospace, automotive, environmental engineering, telecommunications, additive manufacturing, catalysis, and polymers.

MEET THE FINALISTS

Page 6: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

9

Mary Kay Fenton | Small Business Innovation and LeadershipChief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Mary Kay began her career in economic development, providing technical assistance to minority-owned start-ups in an inner city. After obtaining an MBA in finance and a CPA certification, she joined the emerging technology group at Price Waterhouse, later working exclusively with bioscience companies, ultimately being responsible for the firm’s Connecticut bioscience practice. In 2000, she joined Achillion Pharmaceuticals, and has served as a member of the senior management team since.

Magdalena Fincham | Entrepreneurial Business Innovation and LeadershipPartner & Co-Founder, Fincham Downs, LLC

Magdalena co-founded Fincham Downs, LLC, a law firm focused on intellectual property. An inventor on over 100 patents, she has served as advisor to many start-ups. Magdelena brought the CT Invention Convention to the Ridgefield schools, and has served as co-chair of the Economic Development Commission and Head of the Green Business Task Force in her town, and is a Girl Scout leader. She was selected by MIT in 1999 as a top contributor to the new economy.

Holly Fitch | Academic Innovation and LeadershipProfessor, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut

Holly is a Professor in the Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience at UConn, where she earned a Ph.D. in Biobehavorial Science. She received a B.S. in Zoology/Psychology from Duke University, and a PostDoctoral Fellow/Research Associate at Rutgers University Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience. In addition to teaching undergraduate physiological psychology, Holly conducts ongoing research addressing disruptions of early brain development and later cognitive outcomes in rodent models.

Yvette Fobian | Research Innovation and LeadershipSenior Director, Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Head of Synthesis, Biotherapeutics Research, Pfizer, Inc.

Yvette has over 16 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the design and synthesis of candidate medicines across a variety of disease areas. Yvette has been a major contributor to many important drug discovery projects. Currently she is responsible for the synthetic chemistry innovation across three research units (Immunoscience; Inflammation and Remodeling; and Rare Diseases) and chairs the Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry Synthesis Network Group.

Elizabeth Gerber | Collegian Innovation and LeadershipUndergraduate Student, Department of Engineering, Trinity College

Elizabeth is completing her degree in Mechanical Engineering and Legal Studies at Trinity College. Her thesis and NASA Space Grant work have focused on restoring the legacy Vought-Sikorsky WWII F4U-4 Corsair aircraft back to flight-ready condition. She is a four-year varsity athlete and student leader, heading the Trinity chapters of the Society of Women Engineers, Association of Energy Engineers, and ASME. After graduation, Elizabeth will be joining IBM.

Jennifer Good | Entrepreneurial Innovation and LeadershipPresident & CEO, Trevi Therapeutics, Inc.

Jennifer is co-founder, President and CEO of Trevi Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company. Prior to founding Trevi, she successfully led the transition of a publicly-traded life sciences company, Penwest Pharmaceuticals, from a development stage company to generating annual revenues in excess of $50 million and with strong profitability. The Company was ultimately sold to its partner in 2010.

MEET THE FINALISTS

Congratulations Connecticut Technology Council’s Women of Innovation Nominees and Winners

COVIDIEN, COVIDIEN with logo and COVIDIEN logo are U.S. and internationally registered trademarks of Covidien AG. Other brands are trademarks of a Covidien company. © 2014 Covidien

Covidien Committed To Connecticut’s Technology and Innovation

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien has Connecticut locations in New Haven and North Haven.

Page 7: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

10 11

Lu Han | Collegian Innovation and LeadershipGraduate Student, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut

Lu was born in Beijing, China, moving to the U.S. at age eight, where she became interested in pursuing a career in science and technology. She received her B.S. from UConn in Chemical Engineering. She is currently a third year graduate student investigating advanced solutions for CO2 capture, and has developed a novel reactor prototype to supply heat or generate hydrogen for residential communities.

Lynne Handanyan | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipVice President – Chemical Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc.

Lynne joined Pfizer in 1986, holding positions in Manufacturing and R&D. As head of global Chemical Research and Development, she develops technology for safe, efficient production of new medicines in all stages of drug development. An early advocate of laboratory science of scale tools to predict manufacturing process performance, her leadership has resulted in a transformation of API development laboratory approaches over the past decade. Lynne holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Brittany Horton | Youth Innovation and LeadershipHigh School Student, Glastonbury High School

Brittany co-founded her school’s first annual STEM symposium. She has pursued various engineering projects and presented research at the Connecticut Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium. Brittany has mentored younger students in New Haven to help them prepare scientific research for the New Haven Science Fair. She is President of Glastonbury’s Interact Club and plays varsity golf. In college, Brittany plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.

Candace Hughes | Entrepreneurial Innovation and LeadershipCEO & Founder, AdapTac Games LLC

Dr. Candace is a serial entrepreneur developing a mobile game for teens with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Previously, she founded a biopharma consultancy, profitable within two months, also launching an intrapreneurial venture at a VC-backed firm, taking it from $0 to $2,500,000 revenue in two years. As a neuroscience researcher, she discovered callosally projecting inhibitory neurons and investigated proteins in Alzheimer ’s Disease. She is author of the Small Business Rocket Fuel series.

Zeenat Hussein | Youth Innovation and LeadershipHigh School Student, Farmington High School

Zeenat is founder of a therapeutic exercise program for senior citizens, “Therapeutic Rhythms of India (TRhy),” based on classical Indian dance. Her other accomplishments include: Hartt School of Music choir member, All-National choir performance at the Kennedy Center, president of the Spanish National Honor Society, and vice-president of the Music Honor Society. She plans to pursue a career in medicine and is currently doing research at the UConn Health Center.

Andreanne Johnson | Community Innovation and LeadershipInformation Technology Principal Consultant, UTC – Sikorsky Aircraft

Andreanne is an Information Technology project manager for Aftermarket Warranty at Sikorsky Aircraft. She has an M.S. degree in Software Engineering from Fairfield University and a B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross. She is a coordinator for the Sikorsky IT Community Outreach team, developing innovative and exciting ways for Sikorsky to help people in need in the community.

Renee Jurek | Community Innovation and LeadershipEngineer, Turbine Aerodynamics, UTC – Pratt & Whitney

Renee has worked for Pratt & Whitney for almost seven years as an engineer in Turbine Aerodynamics. She volunteers her time as a mentor for FIRST Robotics Team 3182, Athena’s Warriors, based in West Hartford and volunteers at other FIRST events. She also supports the Power to Read program as a volunteer at the Joseph O. Goodwin Elementary School.

Andrea Kadilak | Collegian Innovation and LeadershipGraduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Connecticut

Andrea is a fourth year Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering at UConn, working in the lab of Dr. Leslie Shor. She received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and worked for two years as a process engineer in the solvent polymer resins department at Solutia Inc., Springfield, Massachusetts. At UConn, she engineers microfluidic habitats to study the microbial symbionts of the termite digestive tract.

Paula Kavathas | Academic Innovation and LeadershipProfessor, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and of Immunobiology, Yale University

Paula has studied the immune cell protein CD8, advancing knowledge relevant to vaccine monitoring and immunotherapy. As Chair of the Women’s Faculty Forum, she works to advance the careers of women. Paula started The Science Education Outreach Program for New Haven seventh graders and an “Immunology and Contagion “course for Yale non-science majors, reflecting her commitment to science education.

Yvonne Kielhorn | Entrepreneurial Innovation and LeadershipCEO & Founder, Why Science LLC

Yvonne has extensive research and development experience in academia, industry and government spanning more than 20 years. Her scientific and leadership abilities have been recognized by multiple research, education and entrepreneurship awards. She holds a Ph. D. in Polymer Science & Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a B. A. in Chemistry (High Honors) and Physics from Smith College. Yvonne’s company provides customized inquiry-based learning systems that empower educators to teach STEM effectively.

Elif Kongar | Academic Innovation and LeadershipAssociate Professor of Technology Management and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bridgeport

Elif‘s main area of research is in economically and environmentally sustainable waste recovery systems and operations. She has founded the Sustainable Energy and Environment Laboratory in the School of Engineering at the University of Bridgeport, which serves as a demonstration site and showcases the innovation of the School of Engineering.

Leila Ladani | Academic Innovation and LeadershipAssociate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut

Leila received her Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. She has been working in the field of mechanical engineering for over 18 years. She has more than 70 refereed publications, has advised numerous undergraduate and graduate students and has received numerous distinctions for her contributions to the scientific community. She has advised and mentored many female students and strongly promotes their participation in STEM fields.

MEET THE FINALISTS

Page 8: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

12 13

THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: WOMEN AND INNOVATION

This year, the 10th Anniversary Women of Innovation® awards dinner gathers and celebrates Connecticut’s most innovative women. We are excited to honor Connecticut’s outstanding women for their accomplishments in science, technology, engineering, research, information technology, business analytics, technology education, and mathematics.

There are hundreds of Women of Innovation® who represent Connecticut’s large and small businesses, higher education, public education, and entrepreneurs. Here is a short history of American women who blazed the trail for the current, and future Women of Innovation®.

PAST

Let’s go back to early 19th Century America, when women could not vote or own property. In celebration of Women’s History Month, held each year during the month of March, the United States Patent and Trademark Office is recognizing some very special women whose inventions have made great contributions toward making this country the most technologically advanced nation in the world. “In 1809, Mary Dixon Kies, a native of Killingly, Connecticut, received the first U.S. female awarded patent for a process of weaving straw with silk or thread. First Lady Dolly Madison praised Kies for helping the hat industry and boosting the economy because, at the time, the U.S. government had put an embargo on all European goods.”

Here is a list of a few notable products that women invented:

Liquid Paper — Bette Nesmith Graham didn’t type very well. She was fired from her job for spending too much time distributing an invention she called “Mistake Out.” Once unemployed she was able to tweak her mixture, rename the product Liquid Paper, and receive a patent in 1958.

Kevlar — Stephanie Kwolek supposedly took a temporary job at DuPont in 1946 so she could save money to go to medical school. In 1964, she was still there, researching how to turn polymers into extra strong synthetic fibers. Eventually Kwolek developed a fiber that was as strong as steel. It was named Kevlar, and it’s been used to manufacture skis, radial tires and brake pads, suspension bridge cables, helmets, and hiking and camping gear. Kevlar is also used to make bulletproof vests, so even though Kwolek didn’t make it to medical school she still saved plenty of lives.

The Compiler and COBOL Computer Language — Admiral Grace Hopper joined the military in 1943 and was stationed at Harvard University where she worked on IBM’s Harvard Mark I computer, the first large-scale computer in the United States. She was the third person to program this computer, and she wrote a manual of operations that paved the way for future programmers. In the 1950s, Admiral Hopper invented the compiler, which translates English commands into computer code. This device enabled programmers to easily create code with fewer errors. Hopper’s second compiler, the Flow-Matic, was used to program UNIVAC I and II; the first commercially available computers. Admiral Hopper also oversaw the development of the Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL), one of the first computer programming languages.

TODAY

At the end of the 20th century, only 10 percent of all patents were awarded to women inventors. When you compile a list of the most famous inventions of the past few centuries, few women show up as said inventors. It’s not that women lack ingenuity or a creative spirit, but rather, woman face many hurdles in receiving credit for their ideas. Thankfully, things are changing.

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 approximately three and a half million. Women outnumber men at the postgraduate level as well. In 2009, 60 percent of Master’s degrees in the United States were given to women.

Despite the head start American women seem to have over men, many institutions of higher learning continue to churn out more men than women scientists, engineers, mathematicians, computer scientists, and other high-tech, high-paying, highly-sought after graduates – about three to one, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

FUTURE

The Connecticut Technology Council has been working to equalize this imbalance for a decade now. Our Women of Innovation® program recognizes dynamic, ground-breaking women in science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, and other related fields. These women stand out as innovators in fields traditionally, and historically, occupied mostly by men.

Next year, the Connecticut Technology Council will enter a second decade of celebrating Women of Innovation®. In the years to come the Council will continue to honor accomplished, inspiring women who have succeeded as innovators and leaders in their fields. We are excited to induct many more women into this elite community we call Women of Innovation®.

More Inventions by Women

Antifungal antibiotic (Nystatin) Rachel Brown & Elizabeth Lee Hazen ......................................... 1957

Barbie Doll .........................................................Ruth Handler.... 1959

Car heater ......................................................Margaret Wilcox.... 1893

Circular saw......................................................Tabitha Babbit.... 1812

Computer program ................................. Augusta Ada Byron.... 1842

Cooking stove ................................................. Elizabeth Hawk.... 1867

CPR Mannequin ....................................Dianne Croteau, et al.... 1989

Dam and reservoir construction ................... Harriet Strong.... 1887

Dishwasher ................................................. Josephine Cochran.... 1872

Disposable cell phone .....................................Randi Altschul.... 1999

Electric hot water heater .......................................Ida Forbes.... 1917

Elevated railway ................................................ Mary Walton.... 1881

Engine muffler ............................................... El Dorado Jones.... 1917

Feedback control for data processing .............Erna Hoover.... 1971

Fire escape ........................................................Anna Connelly.... 1887

Hair products for African Americans..Madame C.J. Walker.... 1908

Life raft ............................................................Maria Beaseley.... 1882

Medical syringe ....................................................Letitia Geer.... 1899

Newborn Scoring System (Apgar Score) Dr. Virginia Apgar.... 1949

Non-reflective glass .................................. Katherine Blodgett.... 1938

Oil burner ......................................................... Amanda Jones.... 1880

Permanent wave for the hair ........................ Marjorie Joyner.... 1928

Process to isolate human stem cells....Ann Tsukamoto, et al.... 1991

Refrigerator ...................................................Florence Parpart.... 1914

Rotary engine ...............................................Margaret Knight.... 1902

Safety device for elevators ................................Harriet Tracy.... 1892

Street cleaning machine ..............................Florence Parpart.... 1900

Submarine lamp and telescope ........................ Sara Mather.... 1845

Suspenders ........................................................Laura Cooney.... 1896

Washing machine ......................................... Margaret Colvin.... 1871

Windshield wiper .......................................... Mary Anderson.... 1903

Zigzag sewing machine ...............................Helen Blanchard.... 1873

Rotary Engine

Refrigerator

Page 9: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

15

Jan Lin | Community Innovation and LeadershipSenior Engineer, IPT Leader, UTC – Pratt & Whitney

Jan has been an IPT (Integrated Product Team) Leader at Pratt & Whitney since January 2012. Previously she was a Design Engineer at Cobham Life Support in Orchard Park, NY, where she worked on components for the International Space Station. She received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo and holds an MBA from St. Bonaventure University. She is currently President of the Pratt & Whitney Asian American Leadership Forum.

Yixin Liu | Collegian Innovation and LeadershipGraduate Student, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut

Yixin is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UConn, and is working with Dr. Yu Lei. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Zhejiang University, China, in Polymer Material and Engineering. Her research concentrates on functional nanomaterial for sensors/biosensors (e.g. glucose, explosives, etc.), especially harsh environmental gas sensors for combustion efficiency improvement, energy saving and emission reduction purposes.

Lynn Madden | Community Innovation and LeadershipPresident & CEO, APT Foundation Inc.

Lynn is a well-known consultant and NIATX Coach working throughout the U.S. since 2004, specializing in improving treatment access and program outcomes, using rapid cycle process improvement. Under her executive leadership, APT Foundation has grown from serving 1,300 to 4,000 clients per year, many of them utilizing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). This is primarily the result of creating systems to improve access to treatment and retention in treatment.

Paige Mahaney | Research Innovation and LeadershipVice President, Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Paige is Vice President of Medicinal Chemistry at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. During her 19-year pharmaceutical research career, she has led successful drug discovery projects resulting in 15 clinical candidates to treat pain, diabetes, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. She received her B.S. in chemistry from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, and earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from MIT. She holds more than 25 patents and has authored over 25 peer-reviewed scientific articles.

Radenka Maric | Research Innovation and LeadershipCT Clean Energy Fund, Professor of Sustainable Energy, University of Connecticut

Radenka is a Professor in Sustainable Energy at UConn. Previously, she was a researcher and program manager for fifteen years with industry and national laboratories. She has introduced innovative approaches to nanomaterial synthesis leading to a number of industrial projects, and was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in engineering from Kyoto University, Japan. Radenka is an elected member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

Elizabeth Mitchell | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipDeputy CIPT Leader – AEP Exhaust Nozzles, UTC – Pratt & Whitney

Elizabeth, a 14-year veteran of Pratt & Whitney with experience in controls, management and strategic planning, currently works on military exhaust programs and co-leads export regulation training efforts for her 600+ person department. Past volunteer work includes founding the Hartford Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders and associated corporate fundraising efforts. A mother of two, soon three, she focuses on family, work and mentoring others while pursuing her MBA.

MEET THE FINALISTS

Boston ConneCtiCut new Jersey new york washington, DC | www.daypitney.com

Congratulations Finalists!we are proud supporters of Connecticut technology Council’s

Women of Innovation

Page 10: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

17

Ilana Odess | Entrepreneurial Innovation and LeadershipCEO & Founder, Woven Orthopedic Technologies, LLC

Ilana is a healthcare industry expert, having served as a senior executive for large multinational companies and start-ups (Chairwoman, founder, CEO, managing partner, and investment manager). Noteworthy achievements include founding three businesses acquired by multi-billion dollar medical device companies, forming the first Johnson & Johnson operating division in Israel, and receiving a Frost & Sullivan award for innovation. Her strategic vision, insight, and business development acumen have led to successful commercialization and acquisitions.

Bridget Oei | Youth Innovation and LeadershipHigh School Student, East Catholic High School

A senior and student body president at East Catholic High School, Bridget developed a fine arts program for an all-girls grade school in inner-city Hartford. She is a 2014 YoungArts Winner, New England Champion and world medalist in Irish Dancing. She was a second place Intel ISEF Grand Award Winner; two-time Grand Award Winner at the I-SWEEEP Science Olympiad, and a 2012 inductee to the National Gallery for America’s Young Inventors.

Elaine Pagliaro | Academic Innovation and LeadershipAssistant Executive Director, Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, University of New Haven

Elaine has worked for almost thirty years at the Connecticut Forensic Laboratory, analyzing evidence from most of Connecticut’s major crimes and on nationally prominent cases. A summa cum laude graduate of Quinnipiac University’s School of Law, Elaine is a member of the bar in Connecticut and New Hampshire. She is an adjunct faculty member at several universities, where she instructs students of forensic science, criminal justice and the law.

Diane Corcoran Pintavalle | Academic Innovation and LeadershipScience Teacher, Glastonbury High School

Diane, a 25-year educator at Glastonbury High School, has helped students learn AP Biology and created opportunities for students in Advanced Research Mentorship to work alongside STEM professionals. She strives to ignite curiosity in developing minds. Diane’s students have been recognized for outstanding research on state and national levels. Diane holds Master’s degrees from CCSU and Wesleyan University and advances her education by participating in NSF-funded summer research at UConn.

Katherine Pitz | Collegian Innovation and LeadershipUndergraduate Student, School of Engineering, Fairfield University

Katherine is a junior at Fairfield University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, she is working on a research project in conjunction with Hofstra University, studying the feeding habits of Amia fish. When she is not busy with research and study, Katherine spends her extra time training with the Fairfield University rowing team. As a Division I athlete for the Stags, she has received the MVP and Coaches awards.

Emily Roto | Community Innovation and LeadershipGraduate Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut

Emily is a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at UConn, where she works in two labs: Cellular Mechanics Lab, modeling erythrocyte membranes, and the GP Musculoskeletal Modeling Lab, designing devices for individuals with disabilities. Although her undergraduate background is in Mathematics, a professor and mentor spurred her interest in the field of engineering. Emily’s passions are helping individuals with disabilities achieve the best quality of life possible, without limits.

MEET THE FINALISTS

UTC is proud to sponsor the 10th Annual Women of Innovation Awards. We congratulate the finalists for their significant contributions and leadership in the fields of science, engineering and technology.

Learn more about our commitment to the community at utc.com/makethingsbetter.

Page 11: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

18 19

Allison Tuttle | Small Business Innovation and LeadershipSenior Director of Animal Care & Veterinary Services, Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation

Allison is responsible for preventative and clinical medical programs for their diverse animal collection of marine mammals, penguins, fish, aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. She also leads the Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program for marine mammals and sea turtles who need rescue and rehabilitation. Allison is specialty boarded in zoological medicine with the American College of Zoological Medicine.

Jennifer Moriatis Wolf | Research Innovation and LeadershipAssociate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, New England Musculoskeletal Institute

Jennifer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, completing her orthopaedic surgery residency at Brown University, and a hand surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. An Associate Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the UConn Health Center, her research interests include the impact of hormones on basilar thumb arthritis. She is deputy editor for the Journal of Hand Surgery. Jennifer enjoys distance running, travel, and hiking with family.

Zengmin Xia | Collegian Innovation and LeadershipGraduate Student, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Connecticut

Zengmin is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UConn, working under the direction of Professor Mei Wei. Her research interests focus on biomaterials and tissue engineering. She has been working on fabrication of novel scaffolds for bone repair and methods to commercialize her research products.

Mengjie Zhu | Youth Innovation and LeadershipHigh School Student, Farmington High School

Mengjie, known as Stella, participates in clubs ranging from Model UN to the Classic Book Society, volunteers at the Farmington Valley Arts Center and interns for NIDA AAPI Workgroup, UConn. Stella combines her fascination for art and science through observational drawings of diverse wildlife. Hoping to become an evolutionary biologist, Stella plans on serving as a research apprentice and art mentor this summer.

Severine Zygmont | Entrepreneurial Innovation and LeadershipChief Operating Officer and Co-founder, Oxford Performance Materials, LLC.

Severine is COO and co-founder of Oxford Performance Materials, LLC., which specializes in innovative material solutions for the biomedical and aerospace industries. She has over 15 years of experience in high performance thermoplastics and over 10 years of leadership experience in operations management, advanced manufacturing, business planning, and capital raising. Severine has a degree in chemical engineering from ENSIC and a degree in industrial engineering from ENSGSI in Nancy, France.

Amalia Rusu | Academic Innovation and LeadershipAssociate Professor of Software Engineering, Fairfield University

Amalia has a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University at Buffalo. She earned the 2008 Frontiers in Education New Faculty Fellow, awarded by the National Academy of Engineering Center for the Advancement of Scholarship on Engineering Education. Her academic initiatives include leading the Connecticut High School Computer Science Contest, organizing two Google CS4HS workshops for STEM teachers, and a Saturday Computing Education Academy for Bridgeport high school students.

Laura Smith | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipDirector of Engineering, Combat and Weapon Systems, General Dynamics Electric Boat

Laura leads over 600 engineers focused on electronic systems, software and trainers supporting all classes of submarines and chairs the General Dynamics Corporate Innovation Team. With a passion for innovation, she strategically guides people, process and technology development to enable better solutions to protect our nation. Laura holds two patents and B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering.

Lisa Starkey | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipNext Generation Product Family Engine Repair Manager, UTC – Pratt & Whitney

Lisa has been with Pratt & Whitney for 16 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Maryland. Lisa has advanced her career through assignments across both military and commercial business segments. In her current role as Global Services Engineering Repair Manager, she is responsible for leading the aftermarket repair strategy.

Ellen Sun | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipGroup Leader, Advanced Materials, United Technologies Research Center

Ellen has developed new high-temperature coatings for composites and fuel-cell power systems for unmanned aerial vehicles since joining UTRC. She currently leads a team developing conformable high-pressure natural gas vessels for ARPA-e. Previously, Ellen worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researching high-temperature ceramics and superconductor materials. She has over 60 peer-reviewed publications, has received ASME and American Ceramic Society Best Paper awards, and holds seven U.S. patents, with eight pending.

Carolyn Teschke | Academic Innovation and LeadershipProfessor, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut

Carolyn’s career started with a love of chemistry and biology as an undergraduate. Combining these, she chose biochemistry for her Ph.D. focus. As a post-doctoral fellow, Carolyn worked with a bacterial virus, using it as a model for how proteins fold and assemble into complex macromolecules. As a faculty member, she tries to pass along her passion for science to undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students in her classes and lab.

Marija Trcka | Large Business Innovation and LeadershipSenior Research Scientist, United Technologies Research Center

Marija joined UTRC in 2011. Previously, she served as assistant professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands, where she earned her Ph.D. Her innovative work has been acknowledged by leading international organizations. She is a recipient of the prestigious Homer Addams Award (ASHRAE) and Willis H. Carrier Young Researcher Award (IIR). In addition, she serves on ASHRAE standard committees and sits on numerous scientific committees.

MEET THE FINALISTS

Page 12: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

21

Diversity reflects who we are.We are an insurance company dedicated to creating an inclusive environment full of many perspectives. A diverse workforce helps us learn, grow and share fresh insights. Travelers provides varied opportunities for employees to network and develop their skills.

We invite you to consider joining us. You can apply for current openings at travelers.com/Careers.

Travelers was recognized by DiversityInc magazine for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

travelers.com

© 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. M-17282-6 Rev. 2-14

Capital One Bank is proud to be a sponsor of the 2014 Women of Innovation Awards Dinner.

Scott Bognar, SVP & Section Manager(203) 355-3629 | [email protected]

Andrew Bella, Senior Vice President(203) 355-3628 | [email protected]

Products and services offered by Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC. ©2014 Capital One. Capital One is a federally registered service mark. All rights reserved.

www.capitalonebank.com/commercial

WE APPLAUD YOU

Page 13: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

23

The Covidien and Jana Moak Scholarships

Tonight, we also celebrate Jana Moak, a remarkable woman we first met in 2006

as a Women of Innovation winner. She later joined the Connecticut Technology Council Board of Directors. Jana passed away in 2007. With a physics degree, she had spent a large portion of her career as an investment banker in the South, moving to Connecticut in 2003 to manage a Connecticut technology company. An abiding interest of hers was attracting more young people, and in particular, young girls, to technology and science careers. For that reason, and to honor Jana Moak, the Connecticut Technology Council is awarding a total of $1,500 to the youth finalists introduced this evening, in addition to the $4,000 Youth Innovation and Leadership scholarship contributed by Covidien.

Tonight’s honorees were selected from over 20 outstanding nominations. Four criteria were considered by the selection panel: academic achievement, independent research, leadership, community service and a decision to pursue a career in a science or technology profession. Selecting the Covidien scholarship winner was not an easy task. All of our finalists are deserving of the scholarship. Each will likely go on to excel in their collegiate and professional careers. We wish them immeasurable success.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:

Achillion Pharmaceuticals

Amity High School

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals

Cantor Colburn LLP

Capital One Bank

COCC

Comcast

Covidien

Connecticut Invention Convention

CURE

Day Pitney LLP

ESPN

Fairfield University

First Niagara

General Dynamics Electric Boat

General Electric

Hartford Steam Boiler

Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science

Mystic Aquarium, a division of the Sea Research Foundation

Oxford Performance Performance Materials

Pfizer Inc.

Priceline.com

Protein Sciences Corporation

Proton Onsite

Shipman & Goodwin LLP

The Travelers Companies

The Walker Group

United Illuminating

United Technologies Corporation

University of Connecticut

VLink, Inc.

Wiggin and Dana, LLP

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Yale University-Office of Cooperative Research

2014 TABLE SPONSORS

Page 14: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

24 25

Honoring the 40 fastest growing tech companies.

Recognizing women leaders in science, tech, engineering and math.

Tackling the biggest and most disruptive platform in human history.

Exclusive networking for Tech CEOs and Presidents.

The ultimate gathering of entrepreneurship and growth in the state.

Catering to executive information technology management professionals.

A unique networking event that connects participants quickly and efficiently with a maximum number of CTC members. Unlike the previous signature events, PowerMatch meets monthly in various Connecticut cities. Join us for speed networking unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

www.CT.org • 860.289.0878

Signature EventsC o n n e c t i c u t T e c h n o l o g y C o u n c i lThe Women of Innovation program, now in its tenth year, has created a vibrant network of almost 500 women

studying, working and pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or math.

2005 2006

20082010

2012

2007

2009

2011

2013 Visit www.CT.org for a recap

of previous years’ events.

WOMEN OF INNOVATION®

Page 15: 2014 Women of Innovation(r) presented by the Connecticut Technology Council

PRESENTING SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Premier Limousine • First Experience Communications • Steve Gaynes Communications

The Connecticut Technology Council222 Pitkin Street, Suite 113, East Hartford, CT 06108 • 860.289.0878 • www.CT.org

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Congratulations to all the Finalists

OUR COLLABORATORS