Celebrating the Best in STEM 2025!

On behalf of our staff, board of directors, and volunteers, we at DFSME thank our hardworking Delaware teachers and colleagues for your stellar accomplishments and inspirational student projects in STEM during the past year! We celebrate your work and your dedication, creativity, and the profound impact you have on Delaware's students!

We encourage you to share the videos highlighted this issue from the 11th 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.

Wishing you and your families Happy Holidays!

We look forward to further strengthening our collective impact in the coming year!

—Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME)

DFSME Welcomes Your Donations & Support

Your Donation Helps Support Classroom Teachers

to Provide Enriched STEM Experiences for Delaware Students!

When we envision the future, we see dedicated STEM Educators. Great teachers inspire Delaware students to reach for fulfilling careers that aim to improve our world.

DFSME programs have a proven track record of successfully awarding grant support to educators, allowing them to provide enriched STEM experiences to thousands of students in their classrooms. In addition, DFSME has supported groundbreaking professional development like STEM ConnectED Day and other opportunities for over 2,000 Delaware science and math teachers.

Teachers know their students best! With your generous donations, DFSME can give STEM educators what they need to make phenomenal real-world STEM connections with their students.

Examples pictured above: (Left) The Brittingham Robotics Team was able to compete in the VEX-IQ Robotics Championship. (Middle) “STEM Queen” Jackie Means shares science experiments with students at Forwood Elementary School and (right) Microscopes provide a big difference through a small lens at Skyline Middle School.

No amount is too large or too small.

DFSME is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your donation is tax-deductible.



Thank You for Your Support!

Special Thanks to DuPont for being a DFSME Gold Sponsor!

The DuPont Experimental Station welcomed educators October 10, 2025 for the 2025 STEM ConnectED Day.

The DuPont Experimental Station is a world-renowned research and development campus where cutting-edge science and innovation come to life. For over a century, it has been the birthplace of breakthrough materials and technologies that have transformed industries and everyday life – from nylon and Kevlar to sustainable solutions shaping the future. The STEM-oriented day brought teachers together with scientists, engineers and innovators tackling challenges in advanced materials, electronics, sustainability, and safety. Educators got a unique opportunity to see real-world applications of STEM at the highest level, to walk away with new connections and classroom ideas to help empower their students, and to inspire them with limitless possibilities of scientific discovery.

Included as a benefit of a Gold-level Sponsor, DuPont will sponsor a $500 Mini Grant to support a STEM classroom program, activity or contribution whose terms they can specify.

If you or your company are interested in funding a Mini Grant, typically ranging between $100 - $500, please click here.

The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME co-hosted the 11th Annual Delaware STEM Educator Awards ceremony in a hybrid format at Buena Vista in New Castle, DE on Nov. 13, 2025. The awards were presented by co-hosts Carolmarie Brown from Ashland, and Vere Archibald from DuPont.

Throughout the evening, awards with accompanying cash prizes were presented to individuals and teams of educators from across the state for exemplary accomplishments in STEM education.

Click on "Video" below to watch clips of 2025 Award winners and their projects. Share these with your students, their parents and your school districts.

STEM Educator Award Winners + Project Videos

Maria Cobb | Mount Pleasant Elementary School | 1st Place - VIDEO - Certified ES

Eric Kraus (pictured) | Nellie Stokes Elementary School | 2nd Place - 2nd Place - VIDEO - Certified ES

Nichol Carrol | Stanton Middle School | 1st Place - VIDEO - Certified MS

Michele Thomas | Sussex Technical High School | 1st Place - VIDEO - Certified HS

Matthew Pecorella | St. Georges Technical High School | 2nd Place - VIDEO - Certified HS

Community Educator Award Winners + Project Videos

Deanna Bledsoe | Elementary School | Kai Coders | 1st Place - VIDEO - Community ES

Rob Eppes | Middle School | Junior Achievement of DE | 1st Place - VIDEO - Community MS

Jon Manon STEAM Team Award Winner + Project Video

MOT Charter High School: 1st Place - VIDEO

Brian Hurd, Roger Seedorf, Thomas Becker, Ed (Ned) Southworth

Yousef Ibrahim, Hannah Abad, John Scali, Shana Noll (Principal)

Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten addressed the winners, congratulating and thanking them for the work they do to make STEM real and relevant to their students:

“You show up, you lead, and you believe, and because of you, Delaware students

are turning curiosity into discovery, and possibility into purpose.”

To read the full recap by Willa Magland, click here.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!

Brendan Self accepts the DFSME Shining Light Award from Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME. Pictured far left is James Wheatley, Assistant Principal, Sussex Central High School, Indian River School District; far right is Hannah Patey, Director Talent Acquisition, Mountaire Farms.

DFSME’s December “Shining Light Award” Honors Brendan Self, Mathematics & Science Educator at Sussex Central High

Through his innovative instruction and dedication to student growth, Brendan Self has consistently inspired learners to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply STEM principles to real-world problems. His classroom fosters curiosity and confidence, preparing students to become informed citizens and competitive contributors in an increasingly global workforce.

Brendan’s impact at Sussex Central extends well beyond the classroom. He serves as both a teacher and mentor, regularly volunteering his time to tutor students after school and provide individualized support to those struggling in mathematics and science. His patience, positivity, and ability to make complex concepts accessible have earned him the trust and respect of both students and colleagues.

Brendan has also contributed to interdisciplinary STEM initiatives and has been instrumental in promoting inquiry-based learning and data-driven instruction within the school’s science and engineering pathways. He models lifelong learning by continuously integrating technology and hands-on experimentation into his teaching, creating engaging and rigorous experiences that align with Next Gen Standards.

Brendan also collaborates with fellow educators to design cross-curricular STEM lessons emphasizing problem-solving and critical thinking. He is recognized by students and peers for his leadership, encouragement, and commitment to equity in STEM education.

We are pleased to recognize Brendan Self as a superlative educator!

Mr. Self was nominated by Katherine Mancuso, Indian River School District.

The Shining Light Award is made possible by sponsor Chesapeake Utilities.

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, visit dfsme.org/shining-light-award

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

Mountaire is Awarding 30 “Farm to Table” Scholarships!

Teachers! Nominate your Students by December 31, 2025

Students must be nominated by a teacher, professor, or school guidance counselor.

Below is a nomination link or scan code to nominate a student today!

Mountaire Farms in Delaware offers scholarships to support students pursuing careers in agriculture, the trades, or related fields. The Mountaire Farm to Table Community Scholarship is open to students in the local communities of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina who are pursuing careers in agriculture, the trades, or related fields. Eligible applicants include high school seniors (both traditional and vocational/technical), as well as students enrolled in two-year community colleges or four-year universities.

This $3,000 scholarship is designed to encourage and support the next generation of leaders who will contribute to the future of agriculture, skilled trades, and the communities we serve. We believe that by investing in these individuals, we are fostering the growth and development of our community’s future leaders.

Let’s work together to support our future leaders!

To Nominate a Student, click here or Scan the QR Code.

Located in the Museum’s 19th century power plant building, the FIRST Spark Lab at Hagley invites students to design robots, explore innovation and connect Delaware’s industrial past with today’s young inventors.

Hagley Museum Launches FIRST Spark Lab

Robotics Maker Space with Marian Mechanics

Hagley Museum and Library is deepening its role as a hub for hands-on innovation with the launch of a new FIRST Spark Lab-style maker space and partnership with local robotics team, The Marian Mechanics, offering students in grades 1–12 a place to design, build, and test robots on Hagley’s historic grounds.

Located in the museum’s 19th-century Power Plant building, the FIRST Spark Lab at Hagley invites young people from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to explore robotics, coding and engineering through cooperative, competition-based challenges known as “coopertition.” The program is part of Hagley’s broader push to put STEAM learning front and center and builds on its “Nation of Inventors” exhibition, which showcases hundreds of historic patent models and celebrates American ingenuity.

The Marian Mechanics, part of the nationwide FIRST® Tech Challenge network, lead the new lab and weekly sessions at Hagley. Their mission is to make high-quality STEM experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds.

“The FIRST Spark Lab was created to provide free and low-cost access

to quality STEM materials and programs. We bring together students from

all walks of life to create, build and inspire.”

— Marian Mechanics Robotics Team

This season, participants will work on “DECODE,” an archaeology-themed challenge in which robots must sequence unearthed artifacts — a fitting match for a site where students can literally compare their modern machines with the industrial innovations that once powered the du Pont powder yards.

Delaware FFA members demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievement at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. Highlights included multiple gold recognitions across career and leadership development events, top-five and top-ten national team placements, Agriscience Fair honors, and twenty members earning the American Degree.

Delaware FFA Earns National Honors

and Leadership Recognition at 98th Convention

Congratulations to Delaware FFA students who recently joined more than 73,000 attendees at the National FFA Convention & Expo and earned recognition for their hard work and accomplishments. Delaware’s strong showing reflects its commitment to cultivating future agricultural leaders.

A special shout out goes to former Laurel High School member Joey Nowotny, Laurel School District, for being elected National FFA Eastern Region Vice President for 2025–2026, one of only six national officers selected each year.

Students explored more than 350 agricultural career paths while engaging with over 300 colleges, universities, and industry exhibitors. Delaware participants earned top honors across several events. Highlights include multiple golds, a Top 5 national forestry team from Odessa High School, Appoquinimink School District, agriscience fair finalists from Laurel High School, Laurel School District, and 20 students earning the prestigious American Degree.

To learn more about Delaware FFA and their commitment to cultivating future agriculture leaders, click here. 

You Don’t Want to Miss This!

Engineering Your Tomorrow

A STEM Career Day for Girls in Grades 6-8

February 28, 2026 • 9:30am – 3:30pm

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 EYT event will be held at Conrad Schools of Science from 9:30am-3:30pm and will include workshops and demonstrations, as well as panels and information sessions for parents and caregivers. Lunch will be provided.

Click here for the flyer.

Registration is FREE thanks to our generous Sponsors:

Engineering Your Tomorrow is presented by Million Women Mentors – Delaware.

December's Outstanding Delaware Women in STEM Honoree

Helen Stimson is Executive in Residence at the University of Delaware College of Engineering. An experienced C-suite leader in the biotech industry, Helen now leverages her extensive experience in strategy and innovation to foster industry-academic collaborations. She is dedicated to connecting STEM talent to growth opportunities and committed to innovation and the advancement of STEM industries.



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.

2026 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

6th Annual Celebration of Delaware Women & Girls in STEM Day in

March at Legislative Hall in Dover.

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

Deadline: December 31, 2025

Mountaire Farm to Table Community Scholarships

This $3,000 scholarship is designed to encourage and support the next generation

of leaders who will contribute to the future of agriculture,

skilled trades, and the communities we serve.

Students must be nominated by a teacher, professor, or school guidance counselor.

For more information, click here. To Nominate a Student, click here.

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January 10 • 8am-12:30pm • RSVP by 12.19.25

AI & Innovative Education Summit

Learn about multiple AI platforms, explore examples of responsible AI use in instruction

and operations, begin planning what a responsible local implementation could look like, and more.

To download the flyer, click here.

RSVP by Friday, December 19, 2025 via PDMS, Course #44229.

For the Accommodations Request and to Register, click here.

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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.

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February 28, 2026 • 9:30am-3:30pm

Engineering Your Tomorrow

FREE STEM Career Day for Middle School Girls

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 sessions

to help guide girls in making 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! March 7, 2026

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.

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2026 Tournaments held on March 7, March 21, April 18

2026 Delaware Science Olympiad

Delaware Science Olympiad inspires students to achieve the next level

in their science education through exciting and challenging competitions.

To download the flyer about the 2026 Tournaments, event areas, registration,

volunteer opportunities and more, click here.

To visit the Delaware Science Olympiad website, 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.