STEM Under 40 Awards
presented by Micron
The STEM Under 40 Awards are a special event recognizing contributions to STEM fields from professionals under age 40 across Central New York. With CNY gaining recognition as a growing STEM region, this new award celebrates the next generation of leaders in science and technology fields.
Awards Event
Join us to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees at a cocktail hour and ceremony.
- Thursday, November 5, 6–9pm
- At the MOST
- Tickets $75 per person
Become an event sponsor!
Celebrate STEM professionals in our community as a sponsor.
- Download our sponsorship flyer
- Contact Kelly at kgardner@most.org to sponsor this event
2026 STEM Under 40 Honorees
Atanu Acharya
Syracuse University
Marc Alessi
Union of Concerned Scientists
Traci Anelli
JENSEN
Cassandra Barnes, PhD
LOTTE BIOLOGICS
Rachael Bonville
Saab, Inc.
Sarah Carroll, PE, PTOE
Creighton Manning Engineering
Shelby Davis, EIT
C&S Companies
Patrick Farnham, PE, LEED GA
Langan
Zhenyu Gan
Syracuse University
Taylor Hodge
MACNY, The Manufacturers Association
David Jacome, MBAe
SUNY Brockport
Viren Kaul, MD
Crouse Health
Naquia Lacey
SUNY Upstate University Hospital
Evan Matson
Lockheed Martin
Eric Matson
Lockheed Martin
Jill Nardi
Tessy
Natalie Nigolian, NCIDQ, IIDA
Dwyer Architectural
Leanna Nugent
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County
Angela Oliverio
Syracuse University, Department of Biology
Julie Padilla, EdD
Cengage
Jean-Philippe Rancy, PhD
Le Moyne College
Pranitha Sankar, PhD
INFICON
Kailin Schwan
Micron
Asa Shenandoah, LEED GA
IBEW Local 1249
Clinton Smith, CIH, CSP
Colden Corporation
Alyson Sylvester
Anheuser-Busch
Kate Thornton
NewsChannel 9 WSYR
Mark Tompkins, PE
GYMO
Lauren Vitkus, DDS
Sirius Orthodontics
Special Student Award
Magnus Arroyo
Skaneateles High School
Nomination Process
Check back in spring 2027 to nominate a candidate.
How do I nominate a candidate?
- Nominations were accepted through this website through July 15.
- Check back next spring for the 2027 nominations.
Who is eligible?
- Individuals under 40 years old on the ceremony date
- Professionals working in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, & math) field who have demonstrated significant personal and civic accomplishments. STEM fields include:
- Science teachers
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Scientists
- Engineering / Architecture
- Computer Programming/Science
- And more
- Must live or work in Central New York (Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, & Cayuga counties)
What is the award timeline?
- Nominations are accepted through mid July
- Winners announced in late summer
- Winners will be honored at a ceremony at the MOST in November
Thank you to our presenting sponsor
