EDGEWOOD, Md. -- The Northeastern Maryland Technology Council (NMTC) honored professionals, who make a difference in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and technology advancement in the community, during its 2013 Visionary Awards Gala at Richlin Ballroom on Feb. 28.
NMTC's Visionary Awards Academy presented Technical Director Joseph Wienand from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) with the 'Leader Award' and ECBC's Program Manager for Community and Educational Outreach Mary Doak with the 'Innovator Award' this year.
"Once again, our goal was to acknowledge the contributions that the strongest players in our local STEM education community bring to the table," said NMTC Director John Casner. "The individuals who received awards today are those who are making a significant impact in Northeastern Maryland -- through their leadership and innovative ideas in STEM education and technology advancement."
Wienand won this year's Leader Award for setting the pace for success in the STEM arena and for consistently contributing to the advancement of STEM and technology while inspiring others to help in accomplishing shared goals.
In his words, he was able to significantly advance STEM education by "saying yes" to a structured, multi-faceted educational outreach program that encompasses career exploration, curriculum development, guest lecturing, mentoring, project judging, scientist-in-the-classroom activities, STEM learning modules, summer camp support, teacher professional development and tours.
"It warms my heart that people would get excited here because I opened the door," Wienand said. "I try to push and encourage things that sound like the right thing to do.
"We don't have to push scientists and engineers to go out and create more of them," he continues to explain. "I just had to tell them it was okay."
Doak received the Innovator Award for the development and implementation of innovative programs that measurably benefitted STEM education with the potential for broad positive impact in the community.
She recognized the need for and negotiated formal partnership agreements with the public school systems of Cecil and Harford Counties.
"The legal documents allow us to enhance local STEM education, but success hangs on the trust of the community," she stated. "If we do one activity and it goes super well, it opens the doors to expanding our reach.
"We are helping to create the next generation of innovators, a STEM talent pool," she concluded.
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