New Jersey Inductees

Dr. Madden is a science educator who advocates for scientific literacy and the health of our planet through teaching and learning. Dr. Madden currently serves as an Associate Professor at The College of New Jersey.

Naseed Gifted is an educator, engineer and writer for sci-fi comic book series P.B.Soldier. Gifted is also the founder of Newark’s Comic Book Festival and Animation Film Festival “Khem Comic Fest and Khem Animation Film Festival.” Presently, Naseed Gifted is the principal of Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, NJ.

Kimberly Cook-Chennault’s research interests include design of integrated hybrid energy systems and investigation of the structure-property relationships in ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric materials in the form of thin films and bulk composites for sensing/actuation and energy storage/harvesting applications.

Jason Hoar is a Senior Scientist in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, & Drug Metabolism (PPDM) with 13 years of research experience at Merck. Jason is also the Global Lead (May 2018 – current) for Merck Rainbow Alliance (MRA), Merck’s LGBTQ+ and Allies Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG). MRA, founded in 1999, is one of ten EBRGs at Merck. Last year, he was inducted into the Class of 2020 BEQ Pride LGBTQ+ Leader Under 40.

Helen Corveleyn is a STEM Facilitator at Hopewell Elementary School (HES) with teaching experience in Pre K-8 science education. Her passion is inspiring young people to become planetary stewards who can communicate scientific ideas and promote innovation in science and sustainability. Helen also serves as Director of Gardens at HES which includes both outdoor soil and two types of indoor hydroponic gardens to support the school’s award winning, “Best in New Jersey” Farm-to-School Program. She is the recipient of 2020 Mercer County Teacher of the year and enjoys teaching children in the classroom and teachers pursuing graduate degrees in environmental leadership and conservation education. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching Conservation Biology at Miami University of Ohio which compliments her BS in Environmental Policy from Marist College. When Helen is not teaching, you can find her travelling through National Parks with her husband Graig and three children, Jonah, Grace and Gabriel, or researching at international conservation hotspots. Her recent adventures include swimming with whale sharks in Baja, Mexico studying orangutans in Borneo, Malaysia and creating a multi-media based conservation campaign to support the Belize Zoo and Maya Forest Corridor.

Eric Ekoue is the Superintendent of the New Brunswick Water Utility NBWU. He is a Certified Public Manager. He holds a Public Water Treatment System T4 License and Public Water Distribution System W4. He is serving on the board of examination for the Water and Wastewater license Operator. Eric has fifteen years of experience in treatment, distribution, compliance, and project management. His utility thrives on providing the best water quality to the resident of New Brunswick and surrounding communities. Eric manages a very diverse workforce and champions the licensing of everyone. He enjoys presenting the word of water operators at various schools and facilitating tours of his Plant by students. Eric‘s motto: FLOW (For the Love Of Water) vibrate through his workplace.

Dr. Vanashri Nargund-Joshi is a science educator who promotes STEM learning through her research, teaching and practice. Her scholarship focuses on in-service and pre-service teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge development. She has published in top journals, such as Journal of Research in Science Teaching, International Journal of Science Education to name a few. Dr. Nargund-Joshi has edited a book entitled Science Education in India in 2019. In recent years, her research has been focused on families of young children to address the gap between school and home. To address this issue, in 2019, she established a platform called The Parent Academy. Through this avenue, she collaborates with several family success centers across New Jersey to conduct STEM workshops for families and children. Dr. Nargund-Joshi serves as an Associate Editor for Journal of Science Teacher Education (JSTE). She also serves on the Board of Directors for a national organization called Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE). She is co-lead for Liberty STEM Alliance. Dr. Nargund-Joshi currently serves as an Associate Professor at New Jersey City University (NJCU) in departments of Elementary/Secondary Education & Biology.

At the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst (NAWCADL), Haidy’s focus is on the coordination and execution of all Education Outreach, coordination of Capstone Projects with universities and colleges, coordination and execution of NJ Regional Sea Perch program, coordination and participation around National Defense Education Program initiatives, and promoting interaction and inclusion by working with their Diversity Advisory Teams to foster inclusion and diversity to reach a more diverse group of students.

Kristin DeLorenzo has been teaching in New Jersey for 21 years. She supports students and teachers in her role of elementary math specialist in the Flemington-Raritan School District, where she strives to inspire young mathematicians to notice and wonder about the math around them. Through her work with Experience Math! and the Summer STEM Experience programs, Kristin immerses students in engaging activities in STEM. Kristin has recently been focused on helping teachers bring technology into math classes through applications like Desmos. Kristin is a passionate advocate for high quality mathematics instruction for all students. She is a recent alumna of the NJ STEM Innovation Fellowship, is a NJ Ambassador and curriculum reviewer for edreports.org, and is a frequent presenter at local, state, and regional education conferences.

Helena Mello is a Brazilian science researcher at Rutgers University, where she is pursuing her PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences. She went to Rutgers as an undergraduate exchange student for one year, and decided to come back to New Jersey for her doctoral program. In the lab, Helena is investigating how a virus can cause cancer in infected patients, and hopes to shed light into virus-host interactions. Besides her research, Helena advocates for science outreach and career awareness for STEM graduates. She has served as a mentor with the New York Academy of Sciences, and has worked as Senior Editor and Writer for a student-led career development blog. In Brazil, Helena has taught English and Biology classes to prepare low-income students for the university entrance exam. After defending her doctoral dissertation, Helena plans to work as a science communicator.

Jeffrey Stokes began his journey as a nuclear reactor operator in the United States Navy, joining upon his graduation from high school. He served six years before transitioning to civilian life. As a veteran, he began a career in commercial power generation, working for 12 years at General Electric (GE) before his work for PSEG. Through hard work, dedication and the achievement of my bachelor’s degree, he earned increasing positions of responsibility within both organizations, currently holding the position of Senior Director of Power Generation at PSEG.

Marcos Navas has been an active member in the makered community and edtech space for many years. In addition to being a speaker and presenter, he is an ambassador and champion for an array of companies and organizations such as Dremel, Ultimaker, Pi-Top and Osmo. Being an advocate of student voice, Marcos is one of the original Flipgrid Ambassadors and a TED Ed Innovative Educator helping spread student TED Talks via TED Clubs. Within the coding and STEM space, he is one of the original Raspberry Pi Certified Educators in the US and one of the original founders of Hands on Coding, LLC. Marcos most recently completed his Fellowship with IDEO Teachers Guild making him one of 10 educational experts in Design Thinking. He is the founder of EdcampUrban, which is free professional development for urban educators, for teachers, by teachers. Most recently he has teamed up with the Princeton Hive and is leading their Design and Coding hives, as they continue to promote and offer 21st Century Skills to a global community.

Fallon Davis, M.Ed., is an educator and community leader focused on uplifting LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and disabled communities. As the founder and CEO of STEAM URBAN, a Newark-based nonprofit launched in 2020, Fallon provides free year-round programs promoting Environmental Justice, Social Justice, and Educational Equity, offering over 300 programs annually. In 2023, Fallon expanded their mission with STEAM URBAN Farms & Gardens, creating “A Healing Sanctuary” to advance food justice and wellness. Recognized with awards like the Dr. Arnold Brown Racial Justice Award and featured in NJPBS’s Emmy-winning series “21,” Fallon remains a tireless advocate for systemic change and equity.

Odette Canton is a role model in the STEM field, inspiring others with her dedication to excellence and continuous learning. She has over 20+ years in the healthcare industry. She is a visionary business leader with a passion for driving positive change and revenue growth in complex, rapidly changing organizations.With extensive experience in healthcare, Odette has consistently been chosen by senior leaders to take on strategic initiative roles, transformingbusiness practices, protocols, and methodologies.As a certified Change Agent, Odette has spearheaded numerous new initiatives, identified process enhancements, and led significant corporate projects. With a deep commitment to professional integrity and emotional intelligence, Odette excels in understanding critical emotions and underlying behaviors to maximize engagement and performance. Her genuine interest in learning and challenging the status quo has brought new ideas to the surface with a diplomatic approach.Odette stays active in her community through organizations such as SCORE, Women’s Healthcare Business Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

Jodi holds a BA in Geoscience from New Jersey City University and an MA in Education with a focus on Administration and Supervision from Saint Peter’s University. There, she graduated as an inductee of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. Currently, Ms. Rubino teaches STEM to students in grades 2-5 at the Webb Elementary Community School (PS #22) within the Jersey City Public Schools, where she has been an educator for the past twenty one years. Passionate about the importance of STEM careers, she serves as the school’s Science Fair Coordinator and coaches the First Lego League and eMerge Minecraft Challenge teams.

Samuel is the Program Manager of the STEM Office at the U.S. Army’s DEVCOM Armaments Center located at Picatinny Arsenal. He is responsible for leading and promoting STEM initiatives in the greater NJ area. He oversees educational programs, competitions, and internships that introduce and encourage STEM career fields to students starting as young as Kindergarten all the way through Post Graduate School. His mission is to contribute to a technologically proficient society and help foster the next generation of innovators & problem solvers. Samuel holds both an Undergraduate and Masters degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Tia Troutman is the ISAAC Program Director at Students 2 Science’s East Hanover Technology Center. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Spelman College and an M.S. in Polymer Chemistry from Georgia Tech. With over 20 years of experience as a chemist and R&D scientist, Tia brings deep industry knowledge and passion to her work. As a STEM advocate and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tia is dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for students—especially those from underserved communities. She leads S2S’s immersive ISAAC in-lab program, where thousands of students engage annually in real-world, hands-on STEM learning and meet professionals across diverse fields. Through her work, Tia is shaping the next generation of STEM scholars by making science accessible, exciting, and empowering.

Hanan Attiyah is an award-winning STEM educator, curriculum designer, and grant writer committed to expanding early STEM learning opportunities for students across New Jersey. She has secured more than $135,000 in funding to support hands-on STEM initiatives and has developed innovative K–4 coding and robotics programs that serve as models for early STEM education. A 2024 New Jersey finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Hanan also serves on multiple state and regional STEM advisory boards. She is a passionate advocate for equitable access to technology and innovation in education.

Amanda holds degrees in Biology, Secondary Education, and Teacher Leadership with a focus on Special Education. She began her STEM journey with Project Infuse, an NSF- and NSTA-funded initiative, and contributed to Engineering in the Life Sciences. Amanda spent 13 years teaching biology in Toms River, where she helped develop and later led the district’s STEAM Academy. She now serves as the STEM Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor at Mercer County Technical Schools.

Edward holds a Medical Doctorate from the Dominican Republic and has built a career at the intersection of science, education, and mentorship. He began his STEM journey through nonprofit medical service across the Caribbean and South America, eventually discovering his passion for teaching and student empowerment in the classroom. Edward currently serves as Project Director for a USDA NIFA-HSI Grant and Site Coordinator for an NSF B2B grant at Bergen Community College, while also teaching Biology at NJIT. His work centers on expanding inclusive pathways into STEM, supply chain, nutritional science, and environmental studies. A champion of accessibility in education, Edward is driven by a mission to demystify science and inspire students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—to find their voice, set bold goals, and pursue careers that shape the world.

Michelle Wendt is a Technology Integrationist at Stockton University’s Southern Regional Institute and Educational Technology Training Center (SRI&ETTC), where she has led innovative educational technology initiatives since 2010. With a Master’s in Instructional Technology and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Literature and Elementary Education, she empowers educators and students through hands-on STEM, STEAM, and Makerspace learning. Michelle also serves as President of the New Jersey Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association and teaches data visualization and educational technology at Stockton. Her work spans artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, physical computing, and sustainability education, all driven by her passion for fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence in learning.

Dr. Mukund Iyengar is the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Education at Stevens Institute of Technology, where he has led transformative innovation and startup initiatives since joining the faculty after earning his Ph.D. in computer science. Turning down offers from Google and Facebook, he chose to pursue his passion for building with students, founding Launchpad@Stevens and iSTEM@Stevens to guide learners from idea conception to successful ventures. Under his leadership, more than 25 student-founded companies have launched, with several earning backing from Y Combinator and Sequoia Capital. Dr. Iyengar’s work spans entrepreneurship education, applied technology, and venture creation, all driven by his commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Keion holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy with Distinction and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Communication from Boston College. He began his environmental education career developing community-based programs that connect youth to green workforce pathways and hands-on conservation experiences. Since 2022, Keion has served as Program Director of Urban Outreach & Education at NY/NJ Baykeeper, where he leads initiatives that engage hundreds of students each year across New Jersey and New York City. His programs include the Ocean Pathways Career Exploration Summer Program, Rink-2-Reef Oyster Garden and Water Quality Program, and Sustainability & STEM partnerships with the Boy and Girl Scouts. Through his leadership, NY/NJ Baykeeper’s education programs have expanded to reach more than 600 students annually, fostering environmental advocacy, STEM learning, and climate action readiness. Keion is also certified in CPR and First Aid by the American Heart Association and continues to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through equity-driven education and outreach.

Jessica McKenzie leads corporate citizenship with over a decade of experience in socialimpact. As Manager of Corporate Contributions and Program Officer at Panasonic NorthAmerica, she oversees philanthropic strategy and grantmaking to promote educationequity through the Panasonic Foundation. Jessica is dedicated to advancing economic andeducational equity, launching national initiatives, and encouraging corporate involvementin addressing societal challenges related to economic mobility and education. She alsofounded 908 Visionaries, a youth nonprofit in Plainfield, NJ. Jessica earned her BA fromDelaware State University and an MPA from Kean University.Inspiration for STEM:Jessica recognizes that STEM provides students with opportunities that can enhanceeconomic mobility, particularly for individuals from modest backgrounds. She drawsmotivation from learners addressing real-world challenges and remains dedicated tobroadening equitable access to quality STEM education, supporting local educationalecosystems, and preparing young people for success in a technology-focused economy.

Carlos Miranda, Ed.D., is the Planetarium Manager for the P-Tech Planetarium in the Paterson Public School District, where he leads innovative, equity-centered STEM programming rooted in student agency and leadership. His work prioritizes empowering students not only as learners but also as leaders, providing them with opportunities to design, facilitate, and lead outreach initiatives that serve their schools and the broader community.

Miette Brown is a K–5 STEM educator at John P. Faber Elementary School in Dunellen, NJ, where she leads a vertically aligned STEM curriculum grounded in the Engineering Design Process and the 5E model. She also serves as a Learning Experience Leader, supporting professional learning and inclusive, data-driven instruction across her district.

Her impact extends internationally through her work with MAST STEM Academy in Shenzhen, China, delivering culturally responsive STEM instruction in topics such as biomimicry, astrophysics, and sustainable energy. Passionate about hands-on, real-world learning, Miette empowers students to see themselves as innovators and future leaders.

John Robinson is a clinical research scientist with over 27 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, contributing to global clinical trials in oncology and other complex diseases. He currently supports a Phase III pancreatic cancer trial, focusing on safety, efficacy, and tumor response evaluation.

In addition to his scientific work, John is the founder of the Gotta Go Gaming Hub & Sci-Tech Learning Center in Jersey City, where he provides STEAM education, digital literacy, and technology training to underserved communities. He is passionate about expanding access to STEM and creating pathways into the digital workforce.

Dr. Sheila Tabanli is an Associate Teaching Professor of Mathematics at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and a globally recognized leader in STEM education. With over 25 years of experience across K–16 classrooms, her work focuses on expanding access and opportunity by bridging the gap between research and practice through asset-based, evidence-driven approaches.

Grounded in cognitive science and social-emotional learning, she developed an interdisciplinary course that has produced longitudinal evidence of reduced DFW rates in gateway math courses. Recognized by students as a “trendsetter” and “game changer,” this work led to the development of the RR2PG (Reducing the Research-to-Practice Gap) instructional framework and the CONNECT-STEM Community of Practice, a cross-disciplinary faculty network advancing inclusive, evidence-based teaching.

As a Rutgers fellow, she authored a guidebook and developed the 3C Pedagogical Model (Compassionate, Connected, and Community-centered learning through cognitive apprenticeship). A recipient of the Rutgers–New Brunswick Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence in Broadening STEM Access Award and the 2026 NJ STEM Educator of the Year Award, Dr. Tabanli is deeply inspired by her students’ resilience and committed to empowering the next generation of diverse STEM leaders. Her scholarship has been featured in Forbes, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Isabella Racioppi is an Electrical Engineer at General Dynamics Mission Systems and a passionate advocate for STEM education. A Princeton University graduate, she has helped inspire future engineers through her work with the Princeton Society of Women Engineers and STEM outreach programs for Girl Scouts.

County Engineer at Union County Division of Engineering

Matias is a licensed Professional Engineer, Certified Municipal Engineer, and Certified Floodplain Manager who currently serves as County Engineer. He oversees infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, buildings, and parklands, while also leading the County’s Planning, GIS, and Traffic Maintenance divisions. A graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology and current President of the New Jersey Association of County Engineers, his passion for STEM and engineering stems from a lifelong interest in the infrastructure systems that support thriving communities.

Antonina Mitrofanova, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Associate Dean for Research at Rutgers Health School of Health Professions, and Deputy Director of the Rutgers Health Center for Biomedical Informatics and Health AI. She is a pioneer in biomedical informatics, using advanced computational methods and artificial intelligence to better understand cancer, predict patient responses to treatment, and develop new approaches that improve patient care. In recognition of her groundbreaking work, she received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)—the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding early-career scientists and engineers.

Originally from Ukraine, Dr. Mitrofanova immigrated to the United States at age 21 and changed her career path from medicine to computer science, ultimately becoming an internationally recognized researcher. Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, innovation, and lifelong learning, inspiring the next generation to use STEM to solve real-world challenges and improve lives.

Luis A. Mendez is the Director of Flow Cytometry within the Translational Molecular Biomarkers organization at Merck & Co., where he leads the development and implementation of advanced immune profiling technologies that support the discovery of novel medicines. With more than 20 years of experience in drug discovery, translational research, and clinical development, he has contributed to programs spanning oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, and cellular therapies.

Luis holds bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Exercise Science from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. Passionate about expanding awareness of STEM careers, he is committed to mentoring students and early-career scientists and helping inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

Lery PointDuJour is an American data scientist, technology project manager and biological science professional. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey USA, he is the Founder and Director of ldujour, a technology firm offering both Apps and Services.

Early Life & Education Lery is the son of Haitian immigrants, a factory worker and day care business owner. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from American Sentinel University. He later obtained a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from Rutgers University all while working full time.

Career Before ldujour, Lery got his start at Verizon, first in mobile phone sales, then later on the software development team after sharing his self-made sales tracking application with the entire northeast sales team. Later he consulted with many pharmaceutical companies throughout New Jersey’s Innovation corridor, hospitals, health centers, financial institutions and local government. He has received recognition for “Outstanding Trader Workflow” software engineering with SunGard Treasury Systems, helped to recover over 1.7M in fraud payments for the US Department of Health and Human Services, participated as a guest Judge for NJ STEM C2 Conference and “I CAN STEM Role Model” from the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network. In 2018, Lery self-funded the founding of ldujour by supplementing his savings with part-time work as a professor, delivery driver, landscaper and more. ldujour manages data science, technology & biological science projects for Healthcare, Finance, Technology, and Marketing teams while also providing solutions available in your favorite app store.

Personal Life Lery is a father of three children who are active in the arts. He is an avid reader and personal health via sports advocate. He is a Biological Science Professor at multiple community colleges in NJ. He is an occasional gamer who has organized eSports events. He frequently leverages his network to advise and mentor young people in technology and STEM fields.