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.

1. 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:

2. 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 Smith
TV journalist, radio talk show host,
author and speaker
WELCOME
Chuck Pagano
Chair of the Board, Connecticut Technology Council
INTRODUCTION OF FINALISTS
AFTER DINNER WELCOME, REMARKS,
AND KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
Elizabeth Alquist
Chair, Women of Innovation Planning Committee
Betsy Silva
Director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement,
Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation
Judith Bankowski
Vice 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.

3. 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 & Integration
Sikorsky 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 Manager
Caritas Capital Partners
Jennifer Kowalski
Continuous Process Improvement Leader
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Jessica Lister
Director 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 Rubano
Associate Director, Health Economics and
Outcomes Research
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ellyn Savard
Program Initiatives Manager
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Sondra Schneider
CEO & Founder
Security University, Inc.
Luke Weinstein
Entrepreneur and Mentor
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

4. 5
MEET THE FINALISTS
Eeman Abbasi | Youth Innovation and Leadership
High 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 Leadership
Hines 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 Leadership
Director 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 Leadership
Physician 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 Leadership
Director 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 Leadership
Executive 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

5. 6 7
Theresa Devins | Large Business Innovation and Leadership
Associate 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 Leadership
High 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 Leadership
Professor 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 Leadership
Senior 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 Leadership
Director, 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 Leadership
President & 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 Leadership
Professor, 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 Leadership
High 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 Leadership
Senior 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 Leadership
Manager, 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 Leadership
President & 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 Leadership
Partner 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

6. 9
Mary Kay Fenton | Small Business Innovation and Leadership
Chief 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 Leadership
Partner & 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 Leadership
Professor, 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 Leadership
Senior 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 Leadership
Undergraduate 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 Leadership
President & 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.

7. 10 11
Lu Han | Collegian Innovation and Leadership
Graduate 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 Leadership
Vice 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 Leadership
High 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 Leadership
CEO & 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 Leadership
High 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 Leadership
Information 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 Leadership
Engineer, 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 Leadership
Graduate 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 Leadership
Professor, 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 Leadership
CEO & 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 Leadership
Associate 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 Leadership
Associate 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

8. 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 forAfricanAmericans..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

9. 15
Jan Lin | Community Innovation and Leadership
Senior 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 Leadership
Graduate 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 Leadership
President & 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 Leadership
Vice 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 Leadership
CT 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 Leadership
Deputy 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

10. 17
Ilana Odess | Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership
CEO & 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 Leadership
High 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 Leadership
Assistant 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 Leadership
Science 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 Leadership
Undergraduate 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 Leadership
Graduate 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.

11. 18 19
Allison Tuttle | Small Business Innovation and Leadership
Senior 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 Leadership
Associate 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 Leadership
Graduate 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 Leadership
High 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 Leadership
Chief 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 Leadership
Associate 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 Leadership
Director 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 Leadership
Next 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 Leadership
Group 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 Leadership
Professor, 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 Leadership
Senior 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

12. 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 | scott.bognar@capitalone.com
Andrew Bella, Senior Vice President
(203) 355-3628 | andrew.bella@capitalone.com
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

13. 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

14. 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 Events
C 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
2006200820102012
2007200920112013
Visit www.CT.org for a recap
of previous years’ events.
WOMEN OF INNOVATION®

15. PRESENTING SPONSORS
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Premier Limousine • First Experience Communications • Steve Gaynes Communications
The Connecticut Technology Council
222 Pitkin Street, Suite 113, East Hartford, CT 06108 • 860.289.0878 • www.CT.org
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Congratulations to all the Finalists
OUR COLLABORATORS