Dear Educators, Community & Friends,

We at DFSME thank you, our hardworking Delaware teachers and colleagues, for your stellar accomplishments and inspirational student projects in STEM during the past year! We value your work and your dedication, and the profound impact you have on Delaware's students.

We encourage you to share the videos highlighted this issue from the 10th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards with your students, their parents and others in your school districts. It is an impressive body of work as well as a reinforcement of our combined endeavors in building an even stronger STEM workforce for our future.

This issue also highlights why Delaware should support women in STEM fields, key findings on the progress of girls and STEM, and an invitation to an upcoming event that fosters Delaware middle school girls in STEM careers.

We are thankful to all our sponsors, volunteers, board members

and staff who make our events so successful.

Wishing you and your families Happy Holidays!

Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME)

Now Available

The 10th Annual DE STEM Educator Awards Videos

The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME co-hosted the 10th running of the Delaware STEM Educator Awards ceremony in a hybrid format at Buena Vista in New Castle on November 7, 2024. Throughout the evening, awards with accompanying cash prizes were presented to individuals and teams of educators from across the state for their exemplary accomplishments in STEM education.

Video clips of the 2024 winners and their projects are available for you to share with your students, their parents and your school districts throughout the coming year.

Michele Timmons, Phillip C. Showell Elementary | Elementary School Winner

Jordan Estock, Concord High School | High School Winner

Math Marigolds | High School Winning Team

YES! Youth Environment Summit | Jon Manon STEAM Team Award

10th DE STEM Award Winners | Special Award for Impact

To read the Event Recap of the 10th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards, click here.

For more information about the Awards, click here.

During the selection process, many Delaware students who participated in the 97th National FFA Convention shared that FFA has provided them with life-changing experiences.

Agriculture, Food and Natural Science Students

Take Home Awards from 97th National FFA Convention & Expo

Delaware FFA members from across the state competed in career and leadership development events against teams from across the country at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. During the convention, Delaware FFA members competed in 26 Career and Leadership Development Events as well as the Agriscience Fair and Expo.

The Delaware FFA Chapters in attendance were from Appoquinimink, Caesar Rodney, Indian River, Lake Forest, Laurel, Laurel Middle, Middletown, Milford, Millsboro Middle, Odessa, Smyrna, Smyrna Middle, Sussex Central, William Penn, and Woodbridge.

Additionally, this year Noah Dixon, Delaware FFA’s 2023-2024 state president, represented Delaware as the state’s national officer candidate. During the week leading up to the national convention, Dixon, along with 37 other individuals from across the country, went through the selection process. Dixon made it through to the second round and represented Delaware well.

“I am, and forever will be, an advocate for the FFA, and the person I am

is because of the people in this organization who have given their

time, talents, and resources to make me a better leader.”

— Noah Dixon, Delaware State University Student

Delaware FFA is a leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in agriculture, food, natural resources, and other related career fields. 

Chris Revel (center) is surrounded by students from his Natural Resources/Environmental Science class, Sussex Central administrators Tyler Dickerson and Dr. Tara Thoroughgood, and Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME.

DFSME’s December “Shining Light Award”

Honors Christopher Revel, Science Educator

Chris Revel, Senior member of the Science Department at Sussex Central High School, teaches a variety of science courses including Chemistry at which he excels. Chris grasps ideas quickly, masters new concepts easily, and serves as a role model in STEM. He is committed to his students and brings science to life in his classroom. He encourages students to have real-life applications to science and introduces them to careers in the STEM workforce.

“In talking with his students, it is apparent that Chris builds strong relationships and rapport that immediately translate into a caring and trusting atmosphere,” said Aerin Donovan, Assistant Principal. “He is constantly working to see his students be successful at their endeavors. His strive for excellence and dedication to students are what set him apart from others.”

Chris was recognized as the 2024 American Chemical Society Education Regional Award recipient. He is truly dedicated to his students and the science education in Delaware.



We are pleased to recognize Christopher Revel as a superlative educator!

Christopher Revel was nominated by Rita Vasta, DFMSE Board Member.

Nominate Your Favorite Educator to be a Shining Light!

Anyone may nominate a STEM formal, informal or community Educator for the Shining Light Award. Honorees receive an award, a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight.

For more details, got to dfsme.org/shining-light-award

Email completed form to drses48@aol.com or Michelle.Kutch@bsd.k12.de.us.

Science is Important

Why We Need to Teach Science in Early-Care and Elementary School

Strong emphasis has been put on making certain that all students are proficient readers by third grade. Recent research shows, however, that early mathematics skills and general knowledge in science and social studies might be even more important for school achievement.*

Many children are at risk for school readiness and achievement in part because their early-care settings are of low instructional quality for early science. One of the keys to improving overall school achievement is by dedicating more time and development of science learning at the early-care and elementary school levels.

There are multiple reasons for science to be a core part of early school learning, including inquiry-based wonderment about how the natural world works and preparation for STEM-related careers. Instilling scientific knowledge and ideas at an early age is necessary for our future STEM workforce to fully participate in human culture and democracy – especially as it becomes more and more technological.

We need to provide the best chances for children to become science-ready as science-achieving K-12 students, science-literate citizens and if they wish, science professionals.

*Education Commission of the States, Vol. 15, No. 2 / www.ecs.org

Initiatives like coding camps or technology workshops targeted towards young women to spark their interest in STEM fields early on play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and misconceptions that deter them from exploring careers and jobs in these domains. 

Why Delaware Should Support Women in STEM Fields

The tech industry in Delaware is experiencing rapid growth. Due to its flourishing tech sector, which encompasses fintech companies and biotech firms, alongside the rising prominence of cybersecurity players, Delaware has the potential to spearhead advancements in gender diversity within STEM fields and foster talented, exceptional workers. 

To further this business/education initiative, we must prioritize education in Delaware’s tech landscape through collaborative efforts involving tech firms and educational institutions, from universities through elementary schools. Delaware has the potential to incentivize businesses to adopt gender diversity initiatives that foster environments for women in the workforce.

“Delaware stands poised to lead in this endeavor,

playing a role in advancing STEM fields and ensuring greater

female representation in the tech industry.”

While systemic hurdles and cultural prejudices influence the lack of women in STEM, it’s not an impossible obstacle to overcome. We can take next steps by fostering mentorship programs and establishing learning and collaboration communities.

To read the full article in Delaware Business Times, click here.

Key Findings from a Comprehensive Survey of 17,502 Girls

Unraveling the Complex Landscape for Girls and STEM

Key findings about thousands of U.S. girls and their experiences with STEM were presented at the 2024 STEM Innovation Forum, hosted by STEMconnector and Million Women Mentors. The presentation by ROX (Ruling Our Experiences) was based on their report, The Girls’ Index™ Impact Report 2024, and represents a significant milestone.

The report reveals a complex landscape for girls and STEM, and details key recommendations to help girls eager about STEM careers overcome the barriers that impact their confidence and perception of these fields.

The ROX presentation relayed that the future of innovation depends on our ability to tap into the full spectrum of talent and perspectives by supporting girls in STEM to help them unleash a wave of creativity, problem-solving and leadership that will shape our world for generations to come.

ROX advocates for a future where every girl sees herself as a potential STEM leader, innovator and world-changer. The challenges we face as a society are great, but so is the potential of the young women who will help us solve them.

To download The Girls’ Index™: Girls and STEM Impact Report, click here.

To learn more about ROX, click here.

Engineering Your Tomorrow

A STEM Career Day for Girls in Grades 6-8

February 22, 2025

Engineering Your Tomorrow (EYT) is a free program for middle school girls who will participate in a fun-filled day of hands-on lab activities. They will discover how STEM impacts the world around us while also encouraging their enthusiasm for learning.

At EYT, middle school girls will spend the day with scientists and engineers testing scientific hypotheses and exploring STEM careers. The girls and their parents/caregivers will experience how exciting engineering and science can be!

The Feb. 22 event will be held at Conrad Schools of Science from 9:30am to 3:30pm and will include workshops, demos, plus panels and info sessions for parents/caregivers. Lunch will be provided.

Engineering Your Tomorrow is presented by Million Women Mentors – Delaware

and sponsored by DuPont, Incyte, Agilent, FMC and Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids.

December's Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree

Laura Randa is an experienced pharmaceutical executive and entrepreneur who is determined to revolutionize mental health treatment for the millions of people with disabilities. She founded Toivoa and is building a company committed to developing accessible innovations to address mental health illness through a scalable, digital, personalized cognitive behavioral therapy platform. 

Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women around the world to pursue, persist and succeed in STEM careers. The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME are partners in the event along with MWM-DE and the Office of the Governor, State of Delaware.

2025 Delaware Outstanding Women in STEM 

Call for Nominations

Please nominate a mentor, colleague or other notable female scientist, researcher, technologist, or engineer for recognition by Million Women Mentors - Delaware. Nominees should have ties to Delaware by birth, education or career, and may be living or deceased.   

Up to ten honorees will be selected for recognition during the

5th Annual Celebration of Delaware Women & Girls in STEM Day

in March at Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware.

For questions, please email mwm.dfsme@gmail.com.

Now through February 6, 2025

Presidential Awards for Math & Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Nominations and applications are now open to 7-12th grade teachers!

Being recognized as a PAEMST Awardee is a tremendous honor.

We hope you will consider celebrating a teacher in your community by nominating them.

We welcome multiple nominations if you know more than one teacher deserving of this award.

 To nominate a 7-12th grade STEM teacher today, click here.

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February 22, 2025 • 9:30am-3:30pm

Engineering Your Tomorrow

FREE STEM Career Day for Middle School Girls

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Calling Future Engineers and Scientists!

Girls in grades 6-8 will spend the day with scientists

and engineers exploring STEM careers through fun, hands-on lab activities!

Parents/caregivers/teachers are encouraged to attend.

We'll have info sessions to help you guide girls in making academic choices

that will prepare them for higher education and careers in STEM fields.

Registration is FREE thanks to our generous sponsors. Lunch will be provided.

Conrad Schools of Science, Wilmington, DE

To register, click here.

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Save the Date! February 28, 2025

The 6th annual YES! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

FREE! Bigger and even better this year!

Planned by students, the 2025 YES! Summit will be held at Chase Center at the Riverfront.

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.

We welcome ALL Delaware schools to participate!

For more information, click here.

To register (January): PDMS #42678 The 6th Annual Yes! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

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Save the Date! March 7, 2025

2025 Sussex County Science Fair

The science fair provides an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to

present their original research in science, mathematics, or engineering.

Any student in Sussex & lower Kent Counties is welcome. Sponsors need not be teachers;

any responsible adult qualifies. Students in New Castle and upper Kent Counties

should contact the Stanton Campus of Del Tech for their Science Fair.

Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College

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 Farms | Verizon

STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy

STEM Network

Croda | Delmarva Power | Walmart



STEM Business

Agilent Technologies | American Chemical Society Delaware Section | Autumn Arch

STEM Gifts in Kind

Chesapeake Utilities | ChristianaCare | Corteva Agriscience

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 | STEMconnector

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

Partners Community

Delaware Afterschool Network | Delaware Department of Education

Delaware Pathways / Career and Technical Education Cadre | Delaware Math Coalition

Delaware Science Coalition | Delaware STEM Council Healthy Food for Healthy Kids

Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative

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

©2023 Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

501(c)(3) Education nonprofit dealing with K-16 STEM education in Delaware schools.