Steven Hong, of Stratford, Stratford H.S.; Escarlin Ramirez, of Bridgeport, Bassick H.S.; Leopoldo Moore, of Bridgeport, Harding H.S.; Matthew Nunemacher, of Bridgeport, Kolbe-Cathedral H.S.; James Benson, of Stratford, Bunnell H.S.

Fairfield University's School of Engineering and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation recently honored top high school students from all over Fairfield and New Haven counties at the 13th annual 'Excellence in Mathematics and Science Awards.' The event recognized high school juniors from 35 area schools for their outstanding work and commitment to the study of science and mathematics.

Co-sponsored by the School of Engineering and Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft, the event honored students from public, private and parochial schools.

E. Vagos Hadjimichael, Ph. D., dean of the School of Engineering, and Susan Hitchcock, director of community relations for Sikorsky Aircraft, presented 35 students with medals and certificates for their academic accomplishments at a ceremony held on the Fairfield campus at Alumni House. The students were nominated for the honor by their respective principals and teachers.

Patrick Svrcek, of Stamford, Trinity Catholic H.S.; Rebecca Rego, of Milford, Lauralton Hall; Kristof Toth, of Stamford, Fairfield Prep; Christine Cahaney, of Bronxville, N.Y., Convent of the Sacred Heart; Kathryn O'Neill, of Bridgeport, St. Joseph H.S.; Matthew Nunemacher, of Bridgeport, Kolbe-Cathedral H.S.

Dr. Hadjimichael pointed to the thriving relationship between the School of Engineering and Sikorsky Aircraft, one that has led to 89 graduates of the School being hired by the company since 2001, as well as numerous current internship positions occupied by Fairfield engineering majors. Regarding the students who were being honored, he continued by saying that " together with our partners at Sikorsky, we are pleased to recognize the value of exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics, the two disciplines which are the foundation of our understanding of the workings of the Universe, and of the technology that shapes our daily lives on Earth. Hence, it is with distinct pleasure that we are awarding today a medal and certificate to students who have demonstrated this exceptional aptitude".

This year's program included also a talk by Ryan Munden, Ph.D., assistant professor of electrical engineering, who described the curriculum leading to a minor in nanotechnology in the School of Engineering, and the growing industry of nanotechnology as a likely career path for many of the students.

Vladimir Ivanov, of Fairfield, Fairfield Warde H.S.; Jonathan Lao, of Bridgeport, Notre Dame H.S.; Zachery Segala, of Fairfield, Fairfield Ludlowe H.S.; Kristof Toth, Fairfield Prep.

Schools the award recipients are students at include Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Fairfield College Preparatory School, Fairfield Warde High School, Amity Regional Senior High School, Ansonia High School, Bassick High School, Bethel High School, Brien McMahon High School, Bunnell High School, Christian Heritage High School, Common Ground High School, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich High School, Harding High School, High School in the Community, Immaculate High School, Joel Barlow High School, Joseph A. Foran High School, Kolbe-Cathedral High School, Lauralton Hall, Masuk High School, Newtown High School, Notre Dame High School, Ridgefield High School, Shelton High School, St. Joseph High School, Staples High School, Stratford High School, The Sound School, Trinity Catholic High School, Trumbull High School, Westhill High School, Weston High School, and Wilbur Cross High School.

For more information on the School of Engineering, visit www.fairfield.edu/engineering .

Posted On: 06-23-2009 10:06 AM

Volume: 41 Number: 366