East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) held its 50th Anniversary Dinner on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. The evening honored several members and guests, including two recipients of the Distinguished Service Award, a Keynote Address, and 15 student awardees from Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) competitions across Connecticut.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award was created in 2009 by the Academy’s Council to honor members who have provided outstanding service to the Academy in support of its mission.

Christine Broadbridge was elected to CASE in 2008. Christine is recognized for her remarkable contributions as a member of the Academy’s Council and for serving in the Presidential Cycle from 2018 to 2024. She has provided steadfast leadership to the Academy and guided it through difficult challenges. She has provided strategic direction that continues to influence and support the Academy’s mission. Read more…

Edmond Murphy was elected to CASE membership in 2006. Ed served as Treasurer during some of the most challenging financial times for the Academy. With a steady hand and thoughtful guidance, Ed helped the Academy navigate through the challenges and created a stable foundation for future growth. Ed’s tenure as Treasurer was from 2016 to 2024. Read more…

Keynote Address

Frank Preli, Vice President of Technology at Pratt & Whitney (ret.), was the Keynote Speaker for the 50th Anniversary Dinner. Preli’s more than 40-year career in the aerospace industry has included leading roles in the evolution of technology for aerospace and energy markets. His Address covered the history of Pratt & Whitney, over 100 years of advancements in aviation propulsion.

Connecticut Middle and High School Awardees

CASE provided and supported 14 awards this year, with 15 middle and high school students recognized for their scientific accomplishments over the past year. Alongside displaying their invention and/or research to members and guests during the Annual Dinner’s reception, students were celebrated for their incredible achievements across Connecticut’s STEMM competitions this school year.

Connecticut Invention Convention CASE Awardees

• Evelyn Klimowicz, Scotts Ridge Middle School, 8th Grade
• Annabelle Fortin; Isabelle Distefano, Cromwell Middle School, 6th Grade
• Kai Kalleberg, Westside Middle School Academy, 6th Grade
• Lucas Dragotta, John Read Middle School, 7th Grade
• Vivaan Pandey, Timothy Edwards Middle School, 7th Grade

Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair — Gerber Medal

Life Science
Rhea Doshi, Kingswood Oxford
A Multi-Modal AI/ML Platform for Neurodegenerative Risk Prediction: Integrating Epigenetic Signatures Through cfDNA Methylation and Functional Mobility Data

Physical Science
Marley Wies, Greenwich High School
Process Optimization of Green Chemistry Pathway for Fabric-to-Fabric Recycling of Cotton

Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair — Urban School Challenge

Middle School
Cayden Joseph, Engineering and Science University Magnet School
BiteSight: Development of a Mobile Deep Learning Application for Bug Bite Identification

High School
Ethan Joseph, Engineering and Science University Magnet School
Real-Time Adaptive Support for Dementia: An Integrated Multimodal Device for Spatial and Auditory Guidance

High School Science and Humanities Symposium (HSSHS)

First Place
Tyler Malkin, Greenwich High School
Development of a Novel Nanoparticle Drug-delivery System Using Olah Targeting to Deliver Surfactant Protein and Prevent Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Second Place
Sabrina Liu, Choate Rosemary Hall Neuromirror: A Hebbian-Theory–Based EEG-Driven Mirror Therapy System for Post-Stroke Upper-Limb Rehabilitation

Third Place
Lucia Vivanco, King School
Experimentation And Application of Nutrient Additives to Enhance the Resilience of Coral Reefs Against Climate Change

Fourth Place
Aryan Shrivastav, Amity Regional High School
Developing a Bio-Hybrid Luminescent Solar Concentrator Using Carbon Quantum Dots, Natural Fluorophores, and Kaolin Powder for Enhanced Solar Energy Harvesting

Fifth Place
Ravindu Karunaratne, Hamden Hall Country Day School
Utilizing Exfoliated Graphite for Oil Extraction from Spills Via Autonomous Robotic Devices

CASE is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these talented students, whose hard work and innovation represent the bright future of STEMM in our state. By recognizing their achievements today, we hope to inspire them—and others—to continue pursuing their passion for science and engineering and to contribute to a stronger, more innovative Connecticut.