Now in its eighth year, this awards program gathers the Connecticut technology community to recognize women in the workforce who are innovators, role models and leaders in the technology, science and engineering fields. Students at both the high school and college level are also honored for their studies and accomplishments. For more info about the program, visit: http://www.ct.org/Women_of_Innovation.asp

1. presents
March 1, 2012
WoMen of InnovatIon aWards
A CelebrAtion of ConneCtiCut’s
outstAnding Women
in sCienCe And teChnology

2. The ConneCTiCuT TeChnology CounCil,
Covidien, Day Pitney, Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation and
United Technologies welcome you to the eighth annual Women of
Innovation Awards Dinner. This year we celebrate and honor the energy,
creativity and remarkable capabilities of 53 women and students working
and studying in Connecticut’s science and technology community.
We salute all the nominees and finalists – women working as scientists,
engineers, entrepreneurs – for their efforts and accomplishments. Their
biographies in this program are testimony to their remarkable careers,
but we should fully recognize that these biographies represent just a brief
record of their professional and personal accomplishments. We also wish
to thank those individuals who took the time nominate these outstanding
women and are here this evening to celebrate their achievements.
After eight years, we now have an alumni group of over 350 finalists.
By gathering together this community of accomplished women, we
hope to support the many efforts that encourage women and girls to
pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math and to
foster a collaborative network.
We thank you for attending this evening and
ask you to join us in acknowledging the many
achievements of these innovative women. You
will remember your time with us and the finalists
tonight and leave inspired with an exuberance
and inspiration that only a gathering of this type
can generate.

3. Program HigHligHts
master of Ceremonies
Joceylyn Maminta
Television Journalist – News 8 Style Host and Medical Reporter
WelCome
Matthew Nemerson
President and CEO, Connecticut Technology Council
Nancy Wyman
Lieutenant Governor, State of Connecticut
Elizabeth Alquist
Partner, Day Pitney LLP
Chair, Women of Innovation Planning Committee
Nancy Di Dia
Executive Director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement,
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
introduCtion of finalists
after dinner WelCome, remarks, and keynote introduCtion
Nancy Davis
Vice President & CIO, United Technologies Corporation
Keynote
Alicia Abella, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Innovative Services Research Department,
AT&T Labs
aWard Presentations
Youth Innovation & Leadership
Collegian Innovation & Leadership
Community Innovation & Leadership
Research Innovation & Leadership
Academic Innovation & Leadership
Entrepreneurial Innovation & Leadership
Small Business Innovation & Leadership
Public Sector Innovation & Leadership
Large Business Innovation & Leadership
Closing remarks
1

4. Planning Committee
Beth Alquist Jacqueline Jones
Chair, Women of Innovation Staff Scientist
Planning Committee Covidien
Partner
Day Pitney LLP Scott Morrison
Vice President
Judith Auslander Information Systems Prescription Medicines
Senior Fellow (Retired) Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
Pitney Bowes Inc.
Mary Norris
Lucy Brakoniecki Partner
Research and Evaluation Director Wiggin and Dana LLP
Connecticut Women’s Education
and Legal Fund Glennis Orloff
Vice President, Product Development
Teresa Carleton i-Health
VP of Mission System Design and Integration
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Paige Rasid
Marketing, Communications &
Christine Gemelli Operations Director
Consultant Connecticut Technology Council
Connecticut Innovations
Vanessa Rubano
Maria Gigliotti Scientist II
Sr. Associate Director, Drug Regulatory Affairs Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Sondra Schneider
Eileen Hasson CEO & Founder
President Security University
The Computer Company
Luke Weinstein
Cathy Intravia Entrepreneur and Mentor
Partner
Shipman & Goodwin LLP Rita Zangari
Executive Director
Technology Incubation Program
University of Connecticut
Special thanks to Premier Limousine for providing transportation services.
2

5. master of Ceremonies
Jocelyn Maminta
Over her distinguished 20-year broadcast career, Emmy Award-nominated
medical reporter and co-host of News 8’s “Connecticut Style,” Jocelyn Maminta
has anchored and reported for television stations in New York, North Carolina,
Milwaukee, Texas and Connecticut.
A political science graduate of the University of Missouri, Maminta works
tirelessly for many nonprofits across the state.
She serves on the boards of Friends of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and
the Arts Council of Greater New Haven and is a member of the Junior League
of Greater New Haven. She is co-founder of Caroline’s Room, a safe haven for
families coping with the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the birth of
a premature baby. There are Caroline’s Rooms in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana,
Missouri, Texas and Virginia.
keynote sPeaker
Alicia Abella, Ph.D.
Dr. Alicia Abella is Executive Director of the Innovative Services Research
Department at AT&T Labs where she manages a group of multi-disciplinary
technical staff specializing in data mining, user interfaces, mobile services,
SIP/VoIP technology, ubiquitous computing, and emerging devices.
In 2011, she was selected by President Obama to be on his Presidential
Advisory Commission for Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Also in 2011,
she was inducted into the prestigious WITI (Women in Technology International)
Hall of Fame. In 2010, she was honored as one of the Top Five Women of the
Year by Hispanic Business Magazine. She received the Pioneer Award from the
Women of Color STEM Conference for her contributions to helping solve the
educational challenges facing the Hispanic Community. She was also honored at
the First Annual Great Minds In Stem Legacy Luncheon in Washington D.C. for
her contributions to the STEM and Hispanic community. She is also a member
of the elite group of AT&T Science and Technology Medal award winners
and recipient of the Hispanic Engineers National Achievement Award for
Outstanding Technical Achievement.
Besides her technical contributions, Alicia has been a strong advocate in fostering
the development of minorities and women in science and engineering. As
Executive Vice President for the Young Science Achievers program, a program
she has been involved with for nine years, she has worked tirelessly to bring an
interest and excitement in science and engineering to high school aged women and
minority students through a program of mentoring and scientific achievement.
3

6. tHe finalists
(in alphabetical order)
Yvonne Akpalu Edith Di Francesco
CEO & Founder Vice President, EH&S and Engineering Methods
Why Science LLC Carrier Corporation
Amy Anderson Betsy Didan
Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry Vice President
University of Connecticut COCC
Kathy Ayers Joan Feigenbaum
Director of Research Grace Murray Hopper Professor of
Proton OnSite Computer Science
Yale University
Lisa Bongiovi
Vice President, Intellectual Property Counsel Elizabeth Gandza
UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems Senior Project Manager
The United Illuminating Company
Sue Brown
Teacher Elizabeth Garypie
Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School Chief Engineer, Army & Air Force Programs
Sikorsky Aircraft
Jyl Camhi
President Ramona Georgescu
Great Play Graduate Student
University of Connecticut
Kim Carpenter
Vice President, Global Human Resources Kristina Givens
Covidien Process Innovation Program Manager
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Diane Corcoran Pintavalle
Instructor, AP Biology and Amy Harper
Advanced Research Mentorship Second Vice President Research,
Glastonbury High School Product Development & Marketing
Travelers
Teresa Cowles
Manager, AMS Systems Engineering Dionne Henry
Hamilton Sundstrand Manager, Systems Engineer – Global
Services Engineering
Manon Cox Pratt & Whitney
President & CEO
Protein Sciences Corporation Emilia Hernandez
High School Student
Renee Davis Hopkins School
Vice President & Chief Actuary,
Bond & Financial Products Sally Hill
Travelers Principal Designer
Eli Whitney Museum
Caroline Dealy
Chief Scientific Officer Areej Jahangir
Chondrogenics, Inc. High School Student
Glastonbury High School
Mary-Ellen Devlin
Executive Director-Executive Counsel, Morgan Jordan
Intellectual Property High School Student
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation Joel Barlow High School
4

7. tHe finalists
(in alphabetical order)
Arianna Kalian Chaitanya Sankavaram
Vice President, Ph.D. Student
Engineering & Manufacturing Operations University of Connecticut
UTC Power
Deborah Santy
Monika Kinstler Director, CT SBIR Office
Principal Engineer Connecticut Innovations
Pratt & Whitney
Sheila Shechtman
Mary Kuchenbrod Founder & Chairman
High School Student Giftcorp, Inc.
Greater Hartford Academy of
Mathematics & Science Leslie Shor
Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering
Heather Leask University of Connecticut
Student
University of Connecticut Consuelo Staheli
Director Global Strategy & Portfolio
Kim McFadden Covidien
Project Manager
Pratt & Whitney Robin Stanco
High School Student
Kimberly McLean Brookfield High School
Principal Engineer
Electric Boat Corporation Geraldine Taber
Senior Director
Maeva Metz Pfizer
High School Student
Brookfield High School Eleanor Tandler
Co-Founder & CEO
Sandra Millan-Tripp NovaTract Surgical LLC
Co-Founder
Tributary Mill Conservancy, Inc. Katelyn Tupaj
High School Student
Stella Maris Oggianu Tourtellotte Memorial High School
Project Leader
United Technologies Research Center Nicole Wagner
Chief Executive Officer,
Julie Olson LambdaVision, Inc.
President Ph.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut
JAO Ovation LLC
Emily Wilson
Janet Paulsen Geospatial Educator, College of Agriculture
Ph.D. Candidate and Natural Resources
University of Connecticut University of Connecticut
Tracy Propheter Alexia Zagouras
Sr. Airfoil Design Engineer High School Student
Pratt & Whitney Hopkins School
Kelsey Reeves Sigal Zarmi
High School Student CIO
Grasso Southeastern Technical High School GE Capital Americas
Julie Reiss
Orion System Engineer
Hamilton Sundstrand
5

8. about tHe finalists
Yvonne Akpalu Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
Ceo & founder, WHy sCienCe llC
Yvonne Akpalu is the CEO & Founder of Why Science, an education technology company igniting
students’ passion for science, technology, engineering, and 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 been recognized by multiple awards, Yvonne also mentors undergraduate
Women in Science at Yale.
Amy Anderson Research Innovation and Leadership
assoCiate Professor of mediCinal CHemistry, 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 MIT
and Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard before completing a postdoctoral fellowship at UCSF. Amy enjoys
spending time with her husband and children.
Kathy Ayers Small Business Innovation and Leadership
direCtor of researCH, Proton onsite
Kathy Ayers is responsible for executing Proton’s technology road map 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.
Lisa Bongiovi Large Business Innovation and Leadership
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, Lisa 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.
Sue Brown Academic Innovation and Leadership
teaCHer, mauro-sHeridan interdistriCt magnet sCHool
Susan Brown is a science, technology, and robotics teacher for middle school students in New Haven. She is
passionate about teaching children how to think, create, and find their authentic selves. Her past careers as an
author, college educator, and 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, is team lead for her school’s NASA Explorer
Program, and is a recipient of numerous education awards and Michael Jordan Fundamentals Grants.
Jyl Camhi Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
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.
6

9. about tHe finalists
Kim Carpenter Large Business Innovation and Leadership
viCe President, global Human resourCes, Covidien
Kim Carpenter serves as Vice President, Global Human Resources for the Surgical Solutions Business Unit
of Covidien. Kim 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. She earned a Bachelor’s
of Arts degree in psychology from Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ.
Diane Corcoran Pintavalle Academic Innovation and Leadership
instruCtor, aP biology and advanCed researCH mentorsHiP, glastonbury HigH sCHool
Diane Corcoran Pintavalle teaches science at Glastonbury High School. 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 Connecticut Association of School
Librarians for collaborating to advance student learning. She holds degrees in Biology from CCSU and
recently earned the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University.
Teresa Cowles Large Business Innovation and Leadership
manager, ams systems engineering, Hamilton sundstrand
Terry Cowles has 29 years of experience in systems engineering, from project management, validation and
verification, and requirements engineering management. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from
the University of Connecticut. She currently holds the position of Systems Integration Lead for the 787-9
Environmental Control System which is highly integrated in aircraft thermal management systems. She has
two grown children and enjoys cooking, outdoor activities and home improvement projects.
Manon Cox Small Business Innovation and Leadership
President & 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 business development, production and
R&D. She holds a Doctorate in Virology from the University of Wageningen; received her M.B.A. with
distinction from the University of Nijenrode and the University of Rochester, and holds a Doctorandus
degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Nijmegen. Her passion is
to bring global innovation to the vaccine industry by using recombinant DNA technology.
Renee Davis Large Business Innovation and Leadership
viCe President & CHief aCtuary, bond & finanCial ProduCts, travelers
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.
Caroline Dealy Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
CHief sCientifiC offiCer, CHondrogeniCs, inC.
Caroline 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 the University of Connecticut 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.
7

10. Boehringer Ingelheim ranks among the world’s 15 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.
Value through Innovation
Our family focuses on advancing science
so you can focus on more important things.
It’s the people you care about that gives meaning to what we do.
At Boehringer Ingelheim, this is what has driven us for more than
a century. As the largest family-owned pharmaceutical company,
we are committed to delivering Value through Innovation to the
patients and families who count on our medicines.
This commitment pushes us to invest heavily in research.
And it pushes us to make a positive difference in our communities.
We understand that the purpose of our family’s science is to
benefit your family’s health.
Visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com to learn more.

11. about tHe finalists
Mary-Ellen Devlin Large Business Innovation and Leadership
exeCutive direCtor-exeCutive Counsel, intelleCtual ProPerty, 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 80’s, she went in-house first at American
Cyanamid Company and then Boehringer Ingelheim. She also became the first women officer of the largest
intellectual property law association in the United States.
Edith Di Francesco Large Business Innovation and Leadership
viCe President, engineering metHods, utC Climate Control & seCurity systems
Edith Di Francesco 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. She holds a BEng, Mechanical from McGill
University and a MS, Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Betsy Didan Small Business Innovation and Leadership
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 national conferences on advanced payment technologies.
Joan Feigenbaum Academic Innovation and Leadership
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.
Elizabeth Gandza Large Business Innovation and Leadership
senior ProjeCt manager, tHe united illuminating ComPany
After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 2000 with a B.S. in civil engineering, Liz Gandza
worked as an engineer on transportation projects for URS Corporation in Rocky Hill. In 2002 she worked as
an engineer and project manager on transportation and electrical transmission infrastructure projects for the
BL Companies in Meriden. In 2008, Liz joined UI to manage electrical transmission infrastructure projects.
She lives in Southington with her husband, CJ and their son, Nicholas.
Elizabeth Garypie Large Business Innovation and Leadership
CHief engineer, army & air forCe Programs, 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. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College, Hartford, and is an active
member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
9

12. about tHe finalists
Ramona Georgescu Collegian Innovation and Leadership
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 an emphasis on
estimation and multitarget tracking.
Kristina Givens Large Business Innovation and Leadership
ProCess innovation Program manager, laWrenCe & memorial HosPital
Kristina Givens is the Process Innovation Program Manager for Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New
London. Kristina 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. She holds a B.S.
in International Business from Salamanca University in Spain, and holds a Six Sigma green belt certification.
Amy Harper Large Business Innovation and Leadership
seCond viCe President, researCH, ProduCt develoPment, & marketing, travelers
In 2006, 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.
Dionne Henry Community Innovation and Leadership
manager, systems engineer – global serviCes engineering, 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, Dionne is currently chairperson of CPEP’s
(Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program) Board of Directors. In this role she spearheads this growing
nonprofit that provides programs designed to promote interest in the STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering & Mathematics) for under-served youth in Connecticut. Additionally, she aided school-children
and families as one of the Church Missionaries to Guatemala last summer.
Emilia Hernandez Youth Innovation and Leadership
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, Emilia is President of Junior Statesmen
of America, participates in Model UN, 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.
Sally Hill Academic Innovation and Leadership
PrinCiPal designer, eli WHitney museum
At age five, Sally Hill began appropriating her mother’s New York Times Sunday Crosswords to pencil in
constructions of the squares. Sally has loved grids ever since. She trained in graphic design at Yale just as the
computer equipped the profession with powerful tools. Now, Sally converts 20 years of learning project designs
at the Eli Whitney Museum into the 3D grids of CNC production while she introduces her undergraduate
graphic design students to the art of layering information with traditional and modern book folds.
10

13. about tHe finalists
Areej Jahangir Youth Innovation and Leadership
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.
Morgan Jordan Youth Innovation and Leadership
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. Morgan is a member of the varsity debate, tennis and mock trial teams, president of the
Serving Our Underprivileged Club, and a classically-trained pianist. She enjoys volunteering at the Special
Olympics, leading drives for the homeless, tutoring, and participating in Girl Scouts.
Arianna Kalian Large Business Innovation and Leadership
viCe President, engineering & manufaCturing oPerations, 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. Arianna joined UTC Power in
2008 from General Motors, 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 the Society of Women
Engineers, she holds bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering and a M.S. in management
of technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
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 $1,250 to
the youth finalists introduced this evening, in addition to the $2,500 Youth Innovation and
Leadership scholarship contributed by Covidien. Tonight’s honorees were selected from over
30 outstanding nominations. Four criteria were considered by the selection panel: academic
achievement, innovation and creativity, leadership and a decision to pursue a career in a science
or technology profession. Selecting an honoree is never 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.
11

14. CONGRATULATIONS
Connecticut Technology Council
Nominees and Winners
Women of Innovation
Covidien shares the goal of recognizing women leaders in technology fields.
We are especially proud of our nominees:
Kim Carpenter,
Global Vice President of Human Resources
Consuelo Staheli,
Director of Global Strategy and Portfolio
Covidien is committed to supporting and promoting
women in innovation as we develop new medical devices
that improve patient outcomes worldwide.
COVIDIEN, COVIDIEN with logo, Covidien logo and positive results for life are U.S. and/or internationally registered trademarks of Covidien AG. All other
brands are trademarks of a Covidien company. ©2012 Covidien

15. about tHe finalists
Monika Kinstler Research Innovation and Leadership
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. Monika 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.
Mary Kuchenbrod Youth Innovation and Leadership
HigH sCHool student, greater Hartford aCademy of matHematiCs and sCienCe
Mary Kuchenbrod conducts her own research at her high school. She tests 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 Mary’s passion for biology, and led her to help develop a biotechnology and
bioengineering class at her school.
Heather Leask Collegian Innovation and Leadership
student, university of ConneCtiCut
Heather Leask is an aspiring chemical engineer currently attending the University of Connecticut. She
began researching memristors at UConn while in high school. Heather is currently researching mechanical
properties of hydrogels at the University of Massachusets 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 currently training for the D.C. marathon in March.
Kim McFadden Community Innovation and Leadership
ProjeCt manager, Pratt & WHitney
A Georgia Tech graduate, Kim McFadden started at Pratt & Whitney 13 years ago after starting her
family. She has spent most of that time focused on engineering equipment for the testing of development
engines. Since then, she has worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer, an Operations Engineer, and
Industrial Manager and now, as a Project Manager on P&W’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.
Kimberly McLean Community Innovation and Leadership
PrinCiPal engineer, eleCtriC boat CorPoration
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. Kimberly works with
the Girl Scouts to provide girls at camp opportunities to learn about astronomy and the use of telescopes.
Maeva Metz Youth Innovation and Leadership
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 participated in Boehringer’s Partners in Science Program. Maeva’s
interests take her beyond science as a Future Global Leader with extracurricular activities such as being the
tutoring coordinator of the National Honors Society, the President of the French Honors Society, and being
Concert Band Head Mistress.
13

16. about tHe finalists
Sandra Millan-Tripp Community Innovation and Leadership
Co-founder, tributary mill ConservanCy, inC.
Sandra 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 which has raised and released over a million salmon back into
the wild since 2003. Sandra has shared her knowledge of environmental stewardship with countless students
and classrooms all over Southeastern Connecticut.
Stella Maris Oggianu Research Innovation and Leadership
ProjeCt leader, united teCHnologies researCH Center
Stella Maris Oggianu holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Stella has
served as thesis reviewer for MIT 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.
Julie Olson Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
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 raised 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.
Janet Paulsen Collegian Innovation and Leadership
PH.d. Candidate, 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. Janet’s accomplishments include the development of
new antimycotics to treat prevalent infectious diseases using a structure-based drug design approach. She was
selected in 2011 for a highly competitive internship at Merck where she made an impact on the development
of pharmaceuticals to combat HIV.
Tracy Propheter Research Innovation and Leadership
sr. airfoil design engineer, Pratt & WHitney
Tracy Propheter was born in Atlanta Georgia to two electrical engineers and has lived up and down the
eastern seaboard and Europe. She received her B.S. from University of Florida and an M.S. from Rensselear
Polytechnic Institute. Her education had a firm grounding in Science and Engineering, but also included a
good foundation in History, English, Creative Writing, Music, and Art. Tracy’s hobbies include stained glass,
quilting, sewing, painting, drawing, singing, etc.. She lives by the credo “I can accomplish anything one word
at a time.”
Kelsey Reeves Youth Innovation and Leadership
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.
14

17. about tHe finalists
Julie Reiss Large Business Innovation and Leadership
orion system 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 MS in Chemical
Engineering at the University of Connecticut.
Chaitanya Sankavaram Collegian Innovation and Leadership
PH.d. Candidate, 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 (2005) and worked for two years at Wipro Technologies in
India. Her research focuses is on fault diagnosis and prognosis in automotive systems. She authored/co-
authored a book chapter, eleven scientific publications and secured the IEEE Best New Technology Paper
Award, UConn’s Graduate Fellowship, Outstanding Achievement Award (two years consecutively at Wipro)
and the Governor’s Excellence Award.
Deborah Santy Small Business Innovation and Leadership
direCtor, Ct sbir offiCe – ConneCtiCut innovations
Deb Santy has over twenty years of experience in the insurance industry, leading startups, directing business
change, technology integration and project management. Additionally, she operated her own consulting
business serving Fortune 100 firms and start-up companies. While teaching at the Florida Institute of
Technology, Deb authored Business Succe$$ – Plan On It!, and it was later purchased by the Small Business
Administration and colleges nationwide. In 2007, Deb won the prestigious Tibbett’s Award, a national honor
for those who exemplify the very best in SBIR achievement.
Sheila Shechtman Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
founder and CHairman, giftCorP, inC.
Sheila Shechtman, founder of Giftcorp, is a seasoned entrepreneur, has built three successful businesses
and worked in the gourmet food and gift industries for more than thirty years. Sheila has created 70+ jobs
making Giftcorp one of the largest women-owned businesses in Connecticut and has demonstrated a deep
commitment to women and minority hiring throughout her career. In 2004, the National Association of
Women Business Owners named Sheila Connecticut’s “Outstanding Woman Business Owner of the Year”.
Leslie Shor Academic Innovation and Leadership
assistant Professor of CHemiCal engineering, university of ConneCtiCut
Leslie Shor leads the Engineered Microhabitats research group at the University of Connecticut, where
she mentors an interdisciplinary team in the use of artificial microbial habitats to answer questions related
to agriculture, biofuels, and disease. Leslie promotes project-based learning and the societal benefits of
technology in her courses. She earned a B.A. with High Honors from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D.
in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from Rutgers University.
Consuelo Staheli Large Business Innovation and Leadership
direCtor global strategy & 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 develop women in the organization to promote a more
inclusive environment across Covidien. Consuelo lives in Middletown with her husband and two children
and enjoys hiking.
15

18. Congratulations Finalists!
We are proud supporters of
Connecticut Technology Council’s
Women of Innovation
BOSTON CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY NEW YORK WASHINGTON, DC | www.daypitney.com

19. about tHe finalists
Robin Stanco Youth Innovation and Leadership
HigH sCHool student, brookfield HigH sCHool
As a student in C++, Robyn Stanco 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.
Geraldine Taber Large Business Innovation and Leadership
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 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.
Eleanor Tandler Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
Co-founder & Ceo, novatraCt surgiCal llC
Eleanor Tandler is one of NovaTract’s founders and its CEO. NovaTract is a startup focused on new,
innovative medical devices for minimally invasive surgery based on technology licensed from Yale University.
NovaTract received the Connecticut Technology Council’s “Most Promising Life Sciences Company of the
Year” Award for 2010. Prior to NovaTract, Ellie ran a University of Connecticut start-up focused on the
development of new orthodontic appliances and spent five years as a venture capital investor focused on
investments in the healthcare sector.
Katelyn Tupaj Youth Innovation and Leadership
HigH sCHool student, tourtellotte 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.
Nicole Wagner Collegian Innovation and Leadership
CHief exeCutive offiCer, lambdavision, inC. / PH.d. Candidate, university of ConneCtiCut.
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. Nicole’s research efforts played an integral role in the
proof of concept studies that helped found LambdaVision Incorporated in May 2009. She joined the
LambdaVision team as CEO in early 2011.
Emily Wilson Academic Innovation and Leadership
geosPatial eduCator, university of ConneCtiCut, College of agriCulture and natural resourCes
Emily Wilson is a Geospatial Educator with the Center for Land Use Education and Research in
the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut. She promotes
and supports the use of geospatial data (maps, aerial and satellite imagery and other geographically-
referenced information) and technology. Emily conducts applied research, then makes the results
usable and available to local land-use decision makers and the public through education, technical
training and the development of interactive websites.
17

20. about tHe finalists
Alexia Zagouras Youth Innovation and Leadership
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. Alexia 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.
Sigal Zarmi Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Cio, ge CaPital ameriCas
Sigal Zarmi leads technology efforts to drive business growth and enhance customer experience for a
$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 boards of the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut.
Thanks to all our 2012 Women of
Innovation Table Sponsors
AT&T
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
COCC
Comcast Cable Communications Inc.
Connecticut Innovations
Covidien
Day Pitney LLP
Electric Boat
First Niagara
General Electric Corporation
The Hartford Steam Boiler and Inspection Co.
Lawrence and Memorial Hospital
Pfizer Corporation
Proton Onsite
Protein Sciences
Sea Research Foundation
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Travelers Corporation
UK Trade and Investment
The United Illuminating Company
United Technologies Corporation
University of Connecticut
Wiggin and Dana LLP
18

21. Upward
UTC is proud to sponsor the 8th Annual Women of Innovation
Awards Program. 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.

23. tHe Women of innovation
The Women of Innovation program, now in its eighth year, has
created a vibrant network of over 350 women studying, working and
pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or math. Visit the
CTC website for a recap of previous years’ events.
CTC has established online networks to encourage networking among
CT technology professionals and exchange among finalists and
supporters of the Women of Innovation community.
Visit: www.womenofinnovation.org and www.ct.org
2005 2006
2007 2008
2009 2010
2011

24. Congratulations to all the Finalists
PresenTing sPonsors
suPPorTing sPonsors
CollaboraTors
The Connecticut Technology Council
222 Pitkin Street, Suite 113, East Hartford, CT 06108
860.289.0878 • www.ct.org