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Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair Names Executive Director

Posted on: Tuesday, 17 October 2006, 18:00 CDT

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF). Inc., an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and fostering inquiry-based science and technology learning among Massachusetts High School and Middle School students, announced the appointment of Cora Beth Abel as Executive Director.

Ms. Abel brings more than 18 years of leadership experience to her role, together with a background in funding, directing and shaping innovative workforce and educational programs. She was a Founding Director and served as Vice President of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd), an organization established by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MBC), from 2001 to May 2006. Providing strategic direction, she helped shape MassBioEd policy that advanced science literacy and biotechnology education.

Christopher Lawson, MSSEF Board Chairman remarked, "The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair is extremely fortunate to have an individual of Cora Beth Abel's caliber and vitality join the leadership team. As we transition from a 50-year tradition of being known as the Mass. State Science Fair to our new name that includes 'Engineering,' she will help us grow, expand our alliances with other science, engineering and technology-minded organizations, and take a lead role in important STEM initiatives."

During her tenure with MassBioEd, Ms. Abel expanded workforce programs and forged strong industry partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations and state and federal workforce agencies. She led the launch of BioTeach, a dynamic model of early stage workforce development for the 21st century business community. In the corporate sector, she developed an award-winning training program that opened up entry-level opportunities in biomanufacturing to underrepresented urban populations through the Massachusetts community college network.

"A vital part of the MSSEF's mission is to raise student awareness and increase participation in the inquiry-based learning process through the development of science and engineering projects and to showcase and celebrate that learning," said Ms. Abel. "I look forward to working with this dedicated group of science educators and corporate representatives to provide strategic direction to further our mission, shape policies and programs, advance science literacy and help build a competitive future science and engineering workforce."

Cora Beth Abel earned a baccalaureate degree in theoretical mathematics from SUNY-Buffalo and master's degree in education and design from Harvard. She serves on a number of advisory committees including the Executive Committee of the State Workforce Investment Board, WGBH Corporate Executive Council, Museum of Science K-12 Advisory Committee, Early Education for All Campaign, the Great Schools Campaign and the STEM Collaborative. She is the recipient of several writing awards including two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts for her essays on urban design. She has also published articles on science education.

About the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair seeks to engage students in the inquiry and exploration of science, engineering and technology. Established more than 50 years ago as the Massachusetts State Science Fair by dedicated members of the educational community and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the MSSEF now supports several hundred competitive and non-competitive fairs involving 50,000 Massachusetts students each year. A statewide fair held in the spring (May 4 & 5, 2007) followed by a Middle School Fair at WPI (June 2) annually showcases the competitiveness and rewards students for their efforts and achievement.

Students participating in the MSSEF develop self-learning techniques, increase self-respect and gain confidence. The MSSEF is proud of its role in helping fuel the pipeline of bright and talented scientists, engineers, and researchers. For more information, log on to www.scifair.com.

Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a not-for-profit corporation and is a Federal tax-exempt organization under Federal law 501c (3).

Source: Business Wire

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