“Spirit of Innovation Awards” Presented at 2018 Connecticut Invention Convention


CSEF Judging Team Jean-Pierre Dionne,CSEF board member, and Terri Clark, Associate Director, Connecticut Academy of Science & Engineering,  took on the daunting task of interviewing the CSEF award finalists from among the 826 K-12 inventors at the 35th Annual Connecticut Invention Convention, April 28, University of Connecticut.  CSEF gives eight “Spirit of Innovation” awards. Each includes: $50 Amazon gift card; Mini-Plaque; CSEF T-Shirt; CSEF pins; and invitation to compete in a future Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair.

This year’s CSEF “Spirit of Innovation” Winners:

  • Jasmine Antonucci, 9th grade, Manchester High School, Manchester
    • “BEE”  – A drone modified to distribute pollen to flowers
  • Arya Bairat, 10th grade, Milford High School, Milford
    • “EVSD Sustainer” Design of a capacitor for energy storage
  • Ben Kiefaber, 7th grade, East Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield
    • “Rear End Defender” To stop rear end collisions from happening
  • Damien Lee, 7th grade, Lee H. Kellogg School, Falls Village
    • “Take One” Dispense pills one at a time.
  • Diego Marks, 6th grade, Engineering and Science University Interdistrict Magnet Middle and High School, Bethany
    • “Clear N Salt” To help clear snow and salt sidewalks or driveways and save time.
  • Kathleen O’Sullivan, 8th grade, George Fischer Middle School, Carmel NY
    • “Morse Code Translator” To translate Morse code into English. Help in communication.
  • Noah Scrofani, 5th grade, Tashua Elementary School, Trumbull
    • “Let’s Be Polite” App to help children learn better manners
  • Kyle Young, 10th grade, Shelton High School, Shelton
    • “Fire Hydrant Alert System” Detect cars illegally parking in fire lanes and near fire hydrants

The Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair salutes the students who explained and demonstrated their inventions and the CT Invention Convention volunteers and staff who make this wonderful program happen each year.