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Fermilab Friends for Science Education Recognition Award

Exceptional Service To Fermilab's K-12 Education and Public Engagement Programs

2021 awardees:


Cindy Joe
Citation: For her constant and versatile support of all EPE programming, her incredible willingness to help, and her skill at engaging learners of all ages.

Valerie Higgins
Citation: For her support of the Arts and Lectures series as a member of the Auditorium Committee, volunteer for the Art Gallery, and as a regular speaker in the series.

Dave Dykstra
Citation: For shepherding the Fermilab Arts and Lectures Series through its transition to virtual programming and ensuring it maintained the high quality the program is known for.

Wally Levernier
Citation: For his dedication to and enthusiasm for educating the public about the nature and ecology of Fermilab through numerous talks, presentations, hands-on activities and lessons, and a Physics Slam! presentation.

Elvin Harms
Citation: For his dedication to reaching the public through significant contributions to the Virtual Fermilab Family Open House and classroom presentation program.

Alyssa Miller
Citation: For serving as a powerful role model for students and teachers through her classroom visits, teacher workshops, and public talks.


The Director's Award

From 2004 through 2018, Fermilab Friends for Science Education honored an individual from the Fermilab community whose support to education and public outreach is exceptional beyond the usual level. An annual award of $1,000, made possible by an anonymous donor to Fermilab Friends for Science Education, recognized one or two people a year whose contributions were exceptional, even among the many outstanding supporters of Fermilab's K–12 education and outreach programs.

Director's Award Winners


2018 - Jessica Esquivel
Citation: Fermilab Friends for Science Education and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Jessica Esquivel to our K–12 education and outreach programs. Jessica has supported education and outreach efforts by reaching out to both students and the general public by participating in over 30 outreach events, including the STEM Career Expo, Hidden Figures, meeting with students and teachers, developing a new classroom presentation, and representing Fermilab at the first annual Wakandacon. She is active in our K–12 programs and beyond by speaking to a wide variety of groups, inspiring her audiences to break down barriers and to pursue their dreams. She is passionate about reaching underrepresented communities and improving diversity in STEM fields. Her continued efforts to inspire and engage students and the public enhance the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.

2016 - Brian Nord
Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Brian Nord to our K–12 education programs. Brian has supported education and outreach efforts by reaching out to both students and the general public, including mentoring high school students and teachers. He has given Ask-A-Scientist lectures, talked at the Family Open House, performed in the Physics Slam, and given tours for Saturday Morning Physics. He is active in our K–12 programs and beyond by speaking with visiting college students. His continued efforts to inspire and engage students and the public enhance the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.

2015 - David Harding
Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of David Harding to our K–12 education programs. Dave has been an active participant in our classroom presentation program since its inception, including developing new modules and training presenters. He also interacts with hundreds of students each year through field trip and tour programs. Dave's enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge and promoting Fermilab science, as well as his efforts in supporting his colleagues to the same, enhance the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.

2014 - Erik Ramberg and Roger Dixon
Citation for Erik Ramberg: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Erik Ramberg to our K–12 education programs. Erik's work on the Saturday Morning Physics program has engendered a love of physics in thousands of high school students, some of whom went on to work at Fermilab. His recent work with the Sustainability Club resulting in the installation of a solar energy panel outside the Lederman Science Center is an example of his focus on educating the next generation. Erik's passion for helping students become passionate about science enhances the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.

Citation for Roger Dixon: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Roger Dixon to our K–12 education programs. Roger's work on the Saturday Morning Physics program has engendered a love of physics in thousands of high school students, some of whom went on to work at Fermilab. His enthusiasm in talking with visiting students and teachers is always evident, and he never fails to inspire. Roger's love of educating the next generation and commitment to giving them his best enhances the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.


2013 - Todd Johnson
Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Todd Johnson to our K–12 education programs. Todd has demonstrated an outstanding ability to connect with students both in person and through exhibits. He speaks with hundreds of students and Scouts visiting the Lab every year, and reaches thousands more by designing and building exhibits that are creative, visually engaging, and scientifically rich. Todd's dedication to reaching students in a variety of ways enhances the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.
Read the Fermilab Today article.

2012 - Don Lincoln
Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional and numerous contributions of Don Lincoln to our K–12 education programs. Outstanding among his contributions is his time talking with student groups that visit Fermilab. Don always learns about a group before meeting them, and is excellent at finding the right level for any group. He has contributed to our classroom presentation program and to public events such as Ask-a-Scientist, as well as developing videos for the public. His dedication to communicating particle physics and his generosity with his time enhance the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.
Read the Fermilab Today article.

2011 - Dave Schmitz
Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional and varied contributions of David Schmitz to our K–12 education programs. Outstanding among his contributions is his work to engage students on field trips, in their classrooms, and in the public arena. As one-half of the FUNdamentals of Physics team, he shares his excitement and joy for physics with hundreds of students each year at events including the Fermilab Family Open House and DASTOW. His dedication to these and other programs and his generosity with his time enhance the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.
Read Dave's Quantum Diaries blog about presenting at LabFest and the Fermilab Today article.

2010 - Michael Cooke
Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional and varied contributions of Michael Cooke to our K–12 education programs. Outstanding among his efforts is his work with classroom presentations. In addition to presenting to hundreds of students each year, he has refined, enhanced, and restructured one of our most popular presentations. He is always an eager and willing contributor to events such as LabFest, the FFSE Open House, DASTOW, and Fermilab field trips. His dedication to these and other programs and his generosity with his time enhance the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.
Read more in the Fermilab Today article.

2009 - Suzanne Weber

Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Suzanne Weber to the Saturday Morning Physics program over 20 years. Her support has been integral to Saturday Morning Physics, which has influenced the lives of thousands of high school physics students, some of whom have returned to work at the Lab. Her long-term support of and dedication to this program has enhanced the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.
Read more in the Fermilab Today article.

2008 - Jean Slaughter

Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional and varied contributions of Jean Slaughter to our K–12 programs. Outstanding among her efforts is her work with classroom presentations. As a presenter, recruiter, and trainer, she helps to reach thousands of students each year. She also mentors high school teachers involved in research physics at the highest level through the Fermilab/University of Chicago QuarkNet Center. Her dedication to these and other programs and her generosity with her time have enhanced the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.
Read more in the Fermilab Today article.

2007 - Jerry Zimmerman

Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Jerry Zimmerman, a.k.a. "Mr. Freeze," to our K–12 programs with his long-term efforts to educate students, their teachers and families, and the general public, on cryogenic science. His shows inform, entertain, and inspire thousands of students each year. His dedication to this program and his generosity with his time have enhanced the Laboratory's reputation in both education and science research.
Read more in Symmetry Magazine and the Fermilab Today article.

2006 - Curtis Danner

Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of your outstanding volunteer service to the Fermilab K–12 education programs, in particular your efforts associated with the exhibits at the Leon M. Lederman Science Education Center. The exhibits are a highlight for thousands of visitors who come to the Center annually.
Read more in the Fermilab Today article.

2005 - Mike Albrow

Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Michael Albrow to our K–12 programs with his effort to bring the World Year of Physics to 10,000 students at area schools. He has inspired a group of dedicated volunteers who have offered nine presentations for students in grades 2 to 12. He has enhanced both the Laboratory's reputation in education and science research in the area's classrooms.
Read more in the Fermilab Today article.

2004 - Sten Hansen

Citation: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recognizes the exceptional contributions of Sten Hansen to our K–12 programs with his QuarkNet work on data acquisition systems for cosmic ray telescopes. Over a number of years his work has driven the prototype development, utilizing creative engineering and intellectual input. He has enhanced both the Laboratory's national reputation in education and science research in the nation's classrooms.
Read more in the Fermilab Today article.