As DFSME News expands its reach, we are receiving positive feedback from educators and the business community who value our focus on relevant high-tech STEM news and stories they can use in their classrooms and at work. This month we are enthusiastic to share stories, events and celebrations surrounding Black History Month.

As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion continue being a high priority for us, we highlight inspiring examples of individuals overcoming barriers and achieving accomplishments through rich histories that serve as learning tools.

– Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

We hope you enjoy this Edition!

Honoring the past and shaping the future, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans in our society. We’re thrilled to share stories of African Americans in STEM careers whose innovative paths to success have been fraught with barriers and systemic inequities. DFSME thanks our many partners at the Smithsonian Institute, Hagley Museum, American Chemical Society, STEMconnector, Society of Women Engineers and others for providing these inspiring stories.

Conceptual artist Georges Adéago investigates materials for his site-specific installation “Create to Free Yourselves: Abraham Lincoln and the History of Freeing Slaves in America” in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art and President Lincoln’s cottage, an historic museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Stephan Koehler.

First Female African American Chemist Hired by DuPont in Wilmington, DE

Hagley Museum in Wilmington is creating new opportunities for visitors to their website to learn more about Black History and developments in science due to some of Delaware's "firsts." Hagley has compiled oral histories where these remarkable people talk about their education and experiences through the lens of an African American in the field of science, like chemist Rosetta Henderson. Growing up as one of 16 kids, Rosetta overcame quite a few obstacles before she was the first Black female chemist at DuPont.

To read about Rosetta Henderson's life, click here.

Scientist, Artist, Activist Inspired “Science into Art”, a Hagley Digital Exhibit and Documentary

Over the course of a thirty-two-year career, Dr. Wesley Memeger Jr. amassed 14 patents and left his mark on some of DuPont’s most famous products, like Kevlar, the synthetic fiber found in bulletproof vests. His passion for chemistry has also influenced his career as an artist; Memeger’s artistic pieces often explore geometrical themes reminiscent of molecular models. Throughout his life, he has advanced innovation, justice, philanthropy, and art.

To read Dr. Memeger’s life’s journey, click here.

Five Remarkable Black Chemists Who Changed the World

Celebrate Black History Month with this American Chemical Society (ACS) video. The video reflects on the lives of five important Black chemists, produced in cooperation with ACS and National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. Learn about the accomplishments of George Washington Carver, Percy Julian, Mae Jemison, Patricia Bath and Betty Harris. They made important discoveries in areas such as agriculture, medicine, aerospace and more.

To watch this video and share it with your students in celebration of Black History Month, click here.

The Society of Women Engineers’ (SWE) 2023 Stand Out Women Engineers in STEM

In honor of Black History Month, SWE recognizes African American women who don’t just work in some of the world’s most innovative STEM fields, they also excel in them!

To read about these four outstanding women engineers from industries such as aerospace, oceanography and computer animation, click here. 

UD to Celebrate the Contributions of African Americans

in Art, Activism, Leadership and Literature

The University of Delaware community will recognize, engage and discuss achievements and continuing challenges through a series of events. Panel discussions, poetry readings, dance performances, art exhibits and more celebrate the critical contributions and activism of African Americans and culture.

To find out about 14 celebratory events hosted by UD, click here.

Congratulations to Lisa Kowalski!

Padua Academy Educator, DFSME Shining Light Award Honoree

Lisa Kowalski (right) accepts February’s DFSME Shining Light Award from Michelle Kutch, Director of Curriculum at Brandywine High School and DFSME Board of Directors member.

This month’s DFSME Shining Light Award honors Lisa Kowalski, primary teacher of the Biomedical Engineering curriculum at Padua Academy, Mathematics Department Chair, Medical Shadowing Program Coordinator and STEM Club Moderator.

She has been teaching mathematics at Padua for over 20 years. Known for holding her students to a high standard, Lisa is committed to cultivating students to move into math-rich career paths. She blends together her love of math education and her passion for tangible STEM experiences. Her biomedical engineering curriculum embraces collaborative problem-based learning, and enriches the academic experiences of students considering a future in STEM. 

We are pleased to recognize Lisa Kowalski as a superlative educator!

Lisa Kowalski was nominated by Anna Alinda, Director of Strategic Planning,

Science Teacher, Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. 

Anyone can Nominate a Shining Light Educator!

Who will YOU Nominate?

Every day in classrooms, Delaware teachers quietly go about enabling young learners

to be informed citizens in an increasingly complex world. They prepare their students to be competitive in the ever-changing global workforce and to be problem-solvers of the next generation. Honorees receive a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight.

Email completed form to anne.dfsme@gmail.com.



"The Air We Share" Environmental

Awareness Art Contest

(L to R): Sonia Saunders, 5th grade teacher, Brandywine Springs, Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME; Riddik Sri Satya Neetipallli, 5th grade student, North Star Elementary School; Joe Iannone, Sr. Manager, Process Engineering, Bloom Energy.

Riddik Sri Satya Neetipalli, 5th grader at North Star Elementary, is a winner of "The Air We Share" Environmental Awareness Art Contest. The contest challenged students grades 3-5 to design artwork that shows how we can make a positive impact on our community's air quality. Riddik received congratulations from teachers and students at North Star, as well as Brandywine Springs School where he was enrolled when he entered the contest. Riddik was presented with a congratulatory poster signed by his former 5th grade classmates, as well as a second-place certificate and gift card. Riddick's former teacher, Sonia Saunders was present as was Eric Casle, Riddik’s current 5th grade teacher at North Star. In his class curriculum, Eric includes educating students about air quality and other STEM-related topics.

All submissions will be displayed on the 2nd floor of the Delaware Department of Education headquarters. The contest is sponsored by Bloom Energy, Croda and DFSME.

Save the Date! March 24

2023 Delaware Women & Girls STEM Day

Million Women Mentors to Announce Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honorees

Gov. John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will proclaim March 24, 2023 “Delaware Women and Girls STEM Day”. This will be the third annual celebration of women and girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in the State of Delaware. This special event was initiated in 2021 by Jacqueline Means, “The STEM Queen” and Founder of the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative.

Members of Million Women Mentors Delaware (MWM-DE), Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, who is the Nat'l Honorary Co-Chair of MWM, and Jackie Means will mark the occasion by announcing the 2023 Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM honorees. This recognition will highlight the accomplishments, perseverance, brilliance, and tenacity of women in STEM, as well as illuminate the many STEM career paths for Delaware girls.

Anyone can nominate a mentor, colleague or other notable female scientist, technologist, engineer or STEM educator for recognition by Million Women Mentors - Delaware. Nominees should have ties to Delaware by birth, education or career.

Delaware 2023 Class of Outstanding Women in STEM

Nominations accepted through February 28

In the following months, DFSME News will highlight the STEM honorees. You can share their role-model stories with students, colleagues and friends.

For more information or questions, please email mwm.dfsme@gmail.com.

Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women

around the world to pursue, persist and succeed in STEM careers.

“This Is What A Scientist Looks Like”, a new outdoor banner exhibit featuring 16 women in STEM, is now on display at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science. The banners highlight several IF/THEN® Ambassadors along with local scientists and engineers, including Liz Shea Ph.D., the museum’s Director of Collections and Curator of Mollusks; Kadine Mohomed, W.L. Gore & Associates; Jen Sheran, DuPont; Jessica Myers, marine scientist; and Jacqueline Means, Founder of the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative.

The exhibit is funded through a grant awarded by the Association of Science and Technology Centers with support from Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the IF/THEN Initiative®, and sponsored locally by Bank of America.

The If/Then Initiative® is named for its mission: “IF she can see it THEN she can be it.” The Initiative is a national effort to inspire girls and create a culture shift in how the world perceives women in STEM.

To learn more about the exhibit, click here.

Teachers & Students: Register Now for March 2

Students attending the Summit will explore many of the most pressing state, national and global environmental issues and can engage in steps they can take on campus, in college, in careers, as community activists, and beyond!

All Delaware high school students are invited FREE of charge (must be accompanied by an adult teacher or advisor team leader). Capacity is limited.

Thursday March 2, 2023 • 7:30am - 2:30pm

Pre-registration is first-come no later February 24th

Clayton Hall Conference Center

100 David Hollowell Drive • Newark DE 19716

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the YES! Summit is FREE for Delaware high school students and their adult team advisors, including breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages. A limited amount of grant support is available for schools where funding can support transportation (bus arrangements are the team's responsibilities).

March 11, 2023 8:00am – 1:30pm • Virtual

DCML Triple Crown Conference

This year, DCML is hosting its 4th Annual Triple Crown Conference. The conference is designed to address the varied needs of Delaware’s mathematics leadership community.

Join us with Keynote speaker Dr. Howie Hua, Fresno State;

Dr. Peter Liljedahl, Simon Fraser University; Dr. Pam Seda, Seda Consulting; and Jenna Harden, who will bring a high-packed high-energy day of fun learning. Grow with your peers!

Attention #Delaware and #STEM + #CTE Advocates

Calling Volunteers for Delaware Science Olympiad!

Delaware Science Olympiad is looking for volunteers for 2023 spring events! In-person tournament dates are March 4 (Div. C), March 11 (Div. B) and April 1 (Div. A).

If you are interested in helping #k12 #students who love #science #technology #engineering and #mathematics and want to support their dedicated #teacher-coaches and #parents, please RSVP:

For more information about Delaware Science Olympiad, click here.

For questions, please email David LaFazia at david.lafazia@delawarescienceolympiad.com.

"TeachedUp" is a daily comic strip by Dr. David LaFazia available at TeachedUp Comics, on DrLaFazia.com.

His characters take a humorous look at some real difficulties that teachers face!

February 15 • 2pm - 3pm

No More Hidden Figures:

Being Seen, Heard, and Influencing Chemistry as Black Women

FREE Live Webinar shares the personal experiences of

Black women breaking barriers and opening doors.

Co-produced with the ACS Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect.

Free registration with ACS ID. To register, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

February 15 – May 23

“First & Last: Delaware’s Fraught History with Slavery and Abolition” Exhibit

University of Delaware hosts this Free Exhibit where visitors will learn about

slavery and colonization efforts in the state; Black Delawareans’ involvement in the

underground railroad; and see materials and artifacts from the era.

Lincoln Exhibition Case at Morris Library, 181 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19717

For more information, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

February 20

STEM Expo at Delaware Children’s Museum

DCM encourages guests to engage in a variety of fun, scientific experiments and activities.

Admission for STEM Expo is $12 per person over the age of 1.

To visit Delaware Children’s Museum website, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

February 20-24

Discovery Ed Engineers Week Virtual Classroom “Drop-ins”

Discovery Ed and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

introduce students to 30-minute virtual visits that connect classrooms to

real-world engineers who will demonstrate how they use the engineering process

and diverse teams to develop solutions for the challenges ahead.

To get started and download the flyer, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

February 23 • 2pm – 3pm

Knowing the Past Opens Doors to the Future: How Historical Representation

Plays a Critical Role in Advancing Black and African Americans in STEM

FREE Virtual Event will examine how presenting students with historical figures

plays a critical role in forming aspirations for young people, and advances a sense

of belonging and improved outcomes in STEM and other fields.

For STEMconnector webinar registration, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

March 2 • 7:30am - 2:30pm

Yes! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

FREE for Delaware high school students and educators who are advisors to school teams.

Students explore the most pressing state, national and global environmental issues

and engage in steps they can take on campus and beyond.

Includes lunch and morning snack. Capacity is limited.

Clayton Hall Conference Center, 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, DE 19716

To register, click here. 

 ……………………………………………………………

March 4-5

59th Annual Earth Science Gem and Mineral Show

Delaware Mineralogical Society hosts this show

fostering geology, mineralogy, paleontology and the lapidary arts.

Tickets available at the door $6/Adults, $5/Seniors, $3/Ages 12-17, Under 12/Free.

DoubleTree by Hilton, 4727 Concord Pike (Rt 202), Wilmington, DE 19803

 ……………………………………………………………

March 6

Sussex County Science Fair

The Fair provides an opportunity for Innovation and Investigation as 6-12 grade students

showcase their Science, Mathematics and Engineering projects.

Research categories include Biochemistry, Botany, Behavioral Science, Chemistry,

Computer Science, Earth & Space Science, Environmental Science, Engineering,

Mathematics, Medicine & Health Science, Microbiology, Physics and Zoology.

DelTech Community College, Georgetown Campus

For further information, visit sussexcountysciencefair.org

or contact Helen Gieske at hgieske@verizon.net

 ……………………………………………………………

March 8

The 28th Annual New Castle County Science Fair

Hosted by Delaware Tech Stanton Campus.

Students grades 6-12 are eligible to submit an individual or team project.

For details and to register for the Science Fair and Exhibition Event, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

March 8

JA Inspire Virtual Career Expo

Explore employers by career cluster, ask employers questions via live chat and more.

Two Pre-Expo prep lessons required for this Junior Achievement event.

For more information, click here.

To register your students, contact Denise.Christiansen@ja.org.

 ……………………………………………………………

March 11

Triple Crown Conference 2023

DCML hosts its 4th Annual Triple Crown Conference designed to address

the varied needs of Delaware’s mathematics leadership community.

To learn more and register, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

March 18 • 9am - 3pm

DASEF’s 3rd STEM Symposium

Hosted by the Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation.

585 Big Oak Road, Smyrna DE 19977

To schedule, call 302-659-5003 or email LynneB@dasef.org.

To learn more about DASEF’s 2023 programs, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

March 24

Delaware Women & Girls STEM Day

Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will proclaim March 24, 2023

“Delaware Women and Girls STEM Day”.

Established in 2021 by the State of Delaware Governor’s Office and

hosted in collaboration with Million Women Mentors and Delaware STEM Council.

For more information or questions, email mwm.dfsme@gmail.com.

 ……………………………………………………………

March 25 • 10am – Noon

Appoquinimink STEM Showcase - Open to the Public

Features all Appoquinimink elementary schools and early childhood centers’

STEM/science fairs in one place. Also includes K-5 STEM Challenges and Activities for all students.

Parents will be on hand to share stories of their careers in STEM.

Odessa High School Cafeteria & Performing Arts Center.

For more information, email Todd.Dunn@appo.k12.de.us.

……………………………………………………………

March 29 • 5:30-7:30pm • 3 Locations

8th Annual Delaware Technical Community College STEM Expo

FREE event for middle & high school students to experience DTCC programs through

student-designed activities, build connections toward STEM careers, and have fun!

Held simultaneously at three DTCC campus locations: Stanton/Newark, Dover & Georgetown.

For more details, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

Save the Date! April 4 • 6-8pm

Colonial Schools STEAM Showcase - Open to the public

Fun see-and-do event for all ages including the “Wonders of Science” demo,

hands-on STEAM activities, using microscopes, planting seeds and much more.

William Penn High School, Colonial School District.

 ……………………………………………………………

April 26

GM STEM Day: Come Dream with Us

Learn how GM develops vehicles and meet influential contacts in STEM fields.

Boost your knowledge about highly technical jobs and the automotive industry.

Hosted by Junior Achievement of Delaware, 522 Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

For more information and to register your students, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

Save the Date! October 13, 2023

Delaware Mathematics & STEM Equity Conferences

Two powerful days of professional learning dedicated to Equity in Math and STEM.

Sponsored by the Delaware Mathematics Coalition & Delaware Department of Education.

 ……………………………………………………………

Coming Soon! November 2023

9th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards Ceremony

Live Zoom Videocast from Buena Vista Country Estate in New Castle, Delaware

Co-hosted by Delaware STEM Council and DFSME, the event announces winners at the

Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) levels, the

Community Educator Award, the Jon Manon STEAM Team Educator Award and others!

For more information, click here.

DFSME thanks the following organizations for contributions to STEM education in Delaware.

STEM Legacy

DuPont | LabWare

STEM Heritage

Ashland | Mountaire | Verizon

STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy

STEM Network

Agilent Technologies | America Chemical Society | Croda | Delmarva Power an Exelon Company

STEM Friends

Delaware Math Coalition | Delaware STEM Council | Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative

STEM Gifts in Kind

Beebe Healthcare | Chesapeake Utilities | Christiana Care | Corteva Agriscience | Cyber Streets

Delaware Department of Education | Delaware Design Company | Delaware Technical Community College Delaware Nature Society | DelawareBio | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

EDiS | FAME, Inc. | Junior Achievement | Million Women Mentors | Spekciton Biosciences LLC

Stroud Water Research Center | University of Delaware | Whisman Giordano & Associates

Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612 

Wilmington, DE 19801 

Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036 

Email: anne.dfsme@gmail.com

www.dfsme.org