DFSME Board of Directors, staff and friends celebrate the retirement of Anne Phaelzer de Ortiz.

After 20 years of service as DFSME Director of Development and Operations, and the fourth attempt at retirement from DFSME, Anne Phaelzer de Ortiz now begins the next chapter in life!

Anne has been at the core of the inner workings of DFSME. Words cannot describe all the roles she has fulfilled. Her title should have included CFO and more. Beyond office duties, there were the many phone calls, endless emails and unceasing texts which reflected the pulse of STEM education in Delaware.

Before retiring, Anne reported that over the past 5 years DFSME has awarded $21,000 in Mini Grants allowing educators to provide enriched STEM experiences to thousands of students. Over the same period, DFSME has awarded $82,600 in Seed Grants, allowing educators to run pilots or replicate successful programs in new areas. And, DFSME has supported professional development for over 1,000 math and science teachers.

She has been a major interface between K-16 educators and the business community, working daily on the improvement of STEM education in Delaware. We recognize how many of our successes were because of Anne!

— Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME)

Please enjoy this Edition!

Researchers and staff from the ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute at the 10th Anniversary Celebration. Below: Dr. Kmeic celebrates the contributions of every team member, believing that each voice matters and every role is essential.

Gene Editing Institute Celebrates 10 Years of

Innovation, Impact and Discovery

“This anniversary is more than a reflection on the past — it’s a launchpad for the future. And if the last 10 years are any indication, the next 10 will be nothing short of extraordinary.”



With those words, Jennifer Schwartz, Esq., chief strategy and legal officer at ChristianaCare, kicked off a vibrant celebration on June 12, marking the 10th anniversary of the Gene Editing Institute.

Held at the STAR Campus in Newark, Delaware, the event brought together over 100 scientific researchers, educators, students, partners and leaders to honor a decade of groundbreaking innovation and reflect on the Gene Editing Institute’s remarkable transformation — from a six-person team into a nationally recognized leader in CRISPR gene editing.

Building on a decade of momentum, the Gene Editing Institute’s clinical research is now breaking new ground in the fight against cancer. What began as visionary science has led to proof-of-concept success in non-small cell lung cancer and is now expanding into head and neck, esophageal and glioblastoma tumors.

“This is not science for the distant future — it’s science for today.

And the work being done right here at ChristianaCare is going to change lives,

here in Delaware and around the world.”

– Janice Nevin, M.D., President and CEO of ChristianaCare

With sights set on submitting an Investigational New Drug application to the Food and Drug Administration by 2026, the team is bringing gene editing out of the lab and into the clinic — turning discovery into hope for patients around the world.

To read the full ChristianaCare News article, click here.

Secretary Marten’s Vision for Transforming DE Schools

By Cindy Marten, Delaware Secretary of Education

Every day I am reminded of the incredible potential within Delaware’s education system. Our vision is ambitious but clear: to create a world-class birth-to-graduation continuum that guarantees every student — regardless of zip code or background — has access to a high-quality early start and a K-12 education system that prepares them to graduate ready to thrive, whether that means pursuing higher education, serving in the military or stepping confidently into the workforce.

Progress would not be possible without our talented teachers. Recruiting and retaining outstanding educators remains a cornerstone of our work. We’ve committed $75 million to raise teacher pay thanks to the recommendations of the Public Education Compensation Committee (PECC), with starting salaries to soon begin at $60,000 or more.

This will make Delaware competitive with surrounding states for the first time in many years. We’re also expanding residency programs to grow local teaching talent as well as increasing pathways for paraprofessionals seeking teacher certification. Thanks to these efforts, teacher vacancies have already begun to decrease across all three counties… >>READ MORE

A Heartfelt Story:

A Full-Circle Moment about the Difference We Can Make!

By Rosetta Gillan

Lean Manufacturing Program Leader, Bloom Energy

Eight years ago, a group of 6 women from Bloom Energy did a presentation titled A Future Powered by STEM, and how Bloom Energy is part of that future, with a middle school Girls That Code club. The presenters showcased different STEM careers, emphasizing how more women are needed in STEM careers. They also did an activity to build a tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows. The winning group received Bloom Energy giveaways.

This inspired one student from that class, Tiana, and from that day on she wanted to work at Bloom Energy because she saw how passionate those women were about their jobs, bringing more women into STEM and changing the world. I was one of those six women.

This month, Tiana became one of our new hires and brought her Bloom Energy giveaway to her first day at work. After finding photos of that day, I met with Tiana and shared them with her. She was so excited to see me and my co-worker Daniela, and told us how she had been looking forward to meeting us again one day. She reiterated how much our visit had a profound impact on her and helped shape her life. 

The key takeaway for me is, it’s easy to get caught up in the minutia of everyday life, so it’s important to stop and remember that every day is an opportunity to make a difference. I’m humbled and grateful that we made a difference that day and will continue to look for opportunities to make a difference in the future.

The new First State AI Institute at the University of Delaware will be led by Professor Sunita Chandrasekaran. The pioneering institute will develop practical tools to help researchers analyze data and streamline complex tasks, while also exploring how AI can improve campus operations.

UD Launches First State AI Institute

to Push Boundaries of Research & Innovation

At a time when artificial intelligence is being developed behind closed doors — generating “black box” systems that make it impossible to see how decisions are made and whose values are embedded in them — the University of Delaware is taking a different approach.

With the launch of the First State AI Institute, UD will advance an open, human-centered vision of AI — one rooted in transparency, accountability and the public good. The institute will develop practical tools to help researchers analyze data and streamline complex tasks, while also exploring how AI can improve campus operations.

“I am thrilled to announce the establishment of the First State AI Institute at the University of Delaware, under the distinguished leadership of Dr. Sunita Chandrasekaran in our College of Engineering,” said UD President Dennis Assanis. “This pioneering initiative represents a major step forward in our commitment to advancing artificial intelligence and applying it in ways that can truly transform the University. The institute has the potential to become a national model for how AI can be used to drive research and to strengthen the infrastructure that supports it.” >> READ MORE

Several Delaware students earned achievements at this year’s national BPA Conference.

DE Students Shine at Nat'l Business Competition in Orlando

Delaware students made a powerful impression at the 2025 Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference, held last month in Orlando, Florida. Competing against nearly 7,000 students from over 800 chapters across the country, Delaware’s delegation brought home a long list of top honors.

In total, students from the First State claimed 12 national championships (first place), 13 second-place awards, and 18 third-place finishes. An additional 67 students were recognized as Top Ten finalists in their competitive events, which spanned topics like finance, digital communication, entrepreneurship, and IT.

Tyler Gunter of MOT Charter School was elected to serve on the 2025–2026 BPA National Executive Council, while Evina Shingavi of Waters Middle School in the Appoquinimink School District was named Middle Level Torch Award Ambassador of the Year. 

Business Professionals of America, founded in 1966, is a national career and technical student organization that prepares students for careers in business, finance, information technology, and related fields.

Members of the Delaware mathematics education community came together for a Math Leadership Social dedicated to celebrating the thirty-nine year journey Jamila Riser has shared with educators from across the state. Below: Dr. Jamila Riser, retiring Executive Director of the Math Coalition.

Delaware Math Coalition (DMC) and Jamila Riser:

Celebrating Our Journey Together

Leaders of the DMC held their last in-person meeting for the 2024-2025 academic year, with the first portion of the meeting being devoted to honoring Dr. Jamila Riser, the organization’s retiring Executive Director. Jamila left the Lake Forest School District in 2007 to join the DMC, as its first Executive Director.

Across the years, Jamila has supported the organization in spearheading back-to-back funded federally and locally supported grants as well as high-priority projects that have benefitted and impacted countless teachers, coaches, and administrators in the state.

Jamila’s retirement on July 1st signaled the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She and her husband look forward to being full-time grandparents in their beautiful new home in Alabama. We wish her well!

Newly Updated Delaware CTE Pathways Educators Page!

The Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) has launched an updated Delaware Pathways Educators page to support teachers in connecting students with real-world careers through high-quality CTE programs. The page explains the differences between state and local pathway models, outlines the application process for DOE-approved Programs of Study, and highlights student success outcomes. Explore the tools and guidance now available.

For questions, contact Mike Fitzgerald at mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.

1st Annual Delaware CTE Report Released!

The 1st annual report of Delaware CTE highlights statewide enrollment and student performance data from SY2022-23 across both secondary and postsecondary programs. The report is designed to promote alignment, provide transparency, strengthen program access and quality, and support data-informed decision-making across partners. It also serves as a tool to guide continuous improvement of CTE in Delaware. We invite you to review the report!

For more information, contact Dr. Jon Wickert at Jonathan.Wickert@doe.k12.de.us.

July's Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree

Lauren Genova, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Delaware. A dedicated educator, she has earned multiple honors in her career, including UD’s 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award.

As a STRIDE Fellow, Lauren transformed UD’s general chemistry course through strategies to improve retention of STEM majors. She is a published author and researcher and is active in outreach to high schools to encourage access and exploration of STEM careers.



Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women around the world to pursue, persist and thrive 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.

Applications are Open!

11th Delaware STEM Educator Awards

Section 1 due by Aug. 15  •  Section 2 due by Sept. 30

The Delaware STEM Educator Awards recognize a teacher or team of teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels of both traditional public & private schools and community programming that demonstrate STEM innovation and excellence through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement.

Applicants for this award include science (all fields), mathematics (all fields), computer science, engineering, and CTE educators. At least three unrestricted cash awards of up to $7,500 will be awarded to first-place winning teachers or team of teachers.

For more information and 2025 application, click here.

Now through September 28

Longwood Gardens “Festival of the Fountains”

Celebrate summer at Longwood Gardens, renowned for its extraordinary fountains

and the complex feat of engineering it takes to operate.

Enjoy the thrill of what 1,719 jets can do!

To explore the largest fountain garden in the U.S. inside & out on the tour

“Under the Fountains” and other upcoming Fountain Events, click here.

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July 17 • 6pm-8pm

Tech Forum Summer Social

Grab a drink and chat with your fellow tech enthusiasts!

Brick Works Brewing and Eats, 230 S. Dupont Boulevard, Smyrna, DE 19977

For tickets $35, click here.

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July 17-26

The Delaware State Fair

Find STEM in our state’s largest industry, Food and Ag, alongside other products

and technologies. The Fair offers a variety of exhibits focusing on agriculture, livestock and technology, many with hands-on activities that are both fun and educational.

For details about this year’s Fair including directions & parking click here.

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August 4

Software Engineering Bootcamp

Applications are open for the next cohort beginning on 8/4!

Offered by Code Differently, your Software Engineering Career Journey starts here.

To apply for full-time virtual training Mon-Thurs, click here.

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August 5-6

CTE New Teacher Summer Institute

Join us CTE teachers! On-boarding on 8/5 and breakout sessions on 8/6.

Launch your CTE journey with tools, resources, and support for success!

To participate, please to complete the New Teacher Orientation form

and register in PDMS Course: 43535, Section: 89132 - click here.

For questions contact Michael.Hill-Shaner@doe.k12.de.us.

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August 16

Planet Earth & Beyond Family Day • 12pm-5pm

Fun family activities including rocket launching,

learning opportunities about endangered animals,

the rain forest and much more.

$5/per person (cash only), kids under 3 free.

To see the full schedule of 2025 DASEF educational events, click here. 

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Save the Date! October 10

STEM ConnectED Day 2025:

Linking Delaware Education & Innovation, hosted by DFSME

Teachers! FREE Exclusive Educator Tours of Delaware Businesses!

This unique professional development one-day event offers exclusive access

to leading STEM companies across Kent, New Castle and Sussex counties,

empowering you to bring real-world STEM opportunities back to your classroom.

Network with industry professionals, gain insights into current industry trends,

and discover how these advancements can inspire and enhance your teaching.

To download the flyer, click here.

Businesses interested in hosting your company, for details click here.

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Save the Date! November 13, 2025

The 11th 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 more!

For more information about the 2024 DE STEM Educator Awards, click here.

To register for the 2025 DE STEM Educator Awards online, click here.

For a downloadable application for the 2025 DE STEM Educator Awards, click here.

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Save the Date! February 20, 2026

The 7th Annual YES! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

Planned by students, the 2025 YES! Summit is 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.

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

STEM Legacy

DuPont | LabWare

STEM Heritage

Ashland

STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy | Mountaire Farms | Verizon

STEM Network

Croda | Delmarva Power | Walmart



STEM Business

Agilent Technologies | American Chemical Society Delaware Section

Autumn Arch | Chesapeake Utilities | Incyte

STEM Gifts in Kind

ChristianaCare | Corteva Agriscience | DelawareBio

Delaware Design Company | Delaware Nature Society | Delaware Technical Community College

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | EDiS

Junior Achievement | STEMconnector | Stroud Water Research Center | Whisman Giordano & Associates

Community Partners

Career and Technical Education Cadre | Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation

Delaware Afterschool Network | Delaware Department of Education | Delaware Math Coalition

Delaware Pathways | Delaware Science Coalition | Delaware STEM Council

Goldey-Beacom College | Healthy Food for Healthy Kids | Million Women Mentors

Northrop Grumman | University of Delaware



Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612 

Wilmington, DE 19801 

Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036 

Email: info@dfsme.org

www.dfsme.org

©2025 Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education

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