Dr. Susan Olesik, Ph.D., a Distinguished University Professor and Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, received the STEAM STAR award on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 as a part of the 2024 COSI Science Festival! Susan received the award to commemorate not only her long-standing accomplishments in research but also for her work with the Wonders of Our World program. In addition to her research and dean position, Susan is the director and founder of the WOW program which she started in 1999 to help teachers with science curriculum and get more students interested in careers in STEM.

Also honored were Rear Admiral Tracy L. Hines; Nathan L.R. Harris, Ph.D; Luke Howard; and Durb Morrison for their work and accomplishments in the world of STEAM. Presenting Susan with the award was Dr. Michael Dennis Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Legal at CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society. CAS is also a supporting community partner of the festival and an affiliate organization with the WOW program.

The STEAM STAR award is given annually to 5 members of the greater Columbus area who are champions of science, technology, engineering, art, and/or mathematics in their community. To learn more on Dr. Olesik's impact on the community and her work with WOW, see the NBC 4 piece that highlighted her ahead of the awards ceremony.