Finalists include C-C’s Greater Rochester Robotics First, Brockport teacher Blaine Broughton, and the Hilton HS STEM Team
The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) will recognize local educators and organizations making a difference and exciting the community about opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at the RMSC STEM Awards, presented by G.W. Lisk. The breakfast and awards ceremony will take place on Friday, February 28, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Strathallan Hotel, located in downtown Rochester. The event is open to the public.
“These awards that RMSC gives are important because they allow us to recognize the vital and innovative work in STEM education that is happening in our community,” said Victoria Van Voorhis, RMSC STEM Awards Committee Member and CEO of Second Avenue Learning. “Everything these educators and organizations are doing to help prepare our students for exciting futures and, ultimately, strengthen our regional economy.”
Individuals and organizations were nominated for six distinct RMSC STEM Awards. Volunteer committee members have selected the finalists.
STEM Catalyst Awards
These awards recognize area organizations or individuals that develop and encourage an environment that promotes innovation in science and technology, or that has utilized science and technology to form a lasting impact on the Greater Rochester Region. The 2020 finalists for these awards are:
•Optics/Photonics/Imaging category: Navitar, Stefan Preble (RIT Microsystems Engineering Program), and Tom Battley (Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster).
•Sustainability/Agriculture/Food Production category: Impact Earth, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Rochester NY March for Science.
•Software/Manufacturing and Technology (including coding, robotics, and gaming) category: Aldon Corporation, Greater Rochester Robotics First (Churchville-Chili Senior High School), and the RIT Magic Center.
STEM Education Awards
Presented at elementary, secondary and university levels, these awards recognize innovative teaching in STEM education. Educators and/or administrators are recognized for innovation in inspiring students to understand, appreciate, and apply STEM concepts from PreK through higher education. The 2020 finalists for these awards are:
•PreK-6: Blaine Broughton – Enrichment Teacher (Fred W. Hill Elementary School), Barry Nobles (Backyard Lander), and Travis Wood (Fairport Central School District)
•Grades 7-12: Anna Bayerl (Dake Junior High School), Travis Godkin (Allendale Columbia School), the Hilton High School STEM Team, Paige LaBarr (Mendon High School), Dr. Marie LoRe Geigel (Sutherland High School), and Pathways Technology Early College High School (Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES).
•Higher Education/Adult Education: Josh Cobb (Monroe Community College), RIT Women in Computing (WiC), and RIT Women in Engineering (WE@RIT).
Tickets to the RMSC STEM Awards presented by G.W. Lisk are $50 for individuals, $1,250 for a table sponsorship (10 seats), and includes breakfast. Seating is limited; pre-registration is encouraged at RMSC.org or by contacting Brandon L. Swain at 697-1988 or bswain@rmsc.org. To become a sponsor, contact Katie Mackey at kmackey@rmsc.org or 697-1973.
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