Billie S. Flaherty, President
Billie S. Flaherty was the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Chemtura Corporation, a NYSE-listed developer, manufacturer and marketer of industrial specialty chemicals (acquired by Lanxess AG in 2017). Ms. Flaherty has a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Bethany College in Bethany, WV. Ms. Flaherty joined the board of the CT STEM Foundation in 2017.

Timothy DeJulio, Vice President
Timothy DeJulio is a science teacher and administrator at Newtown High School. He earned his bachelors in Biology from The University of Scranton and a masters from Western Connecticut State in Biology.  Prior to teaching Tim worked for Fordham University as a researcher and Watson Pharmaceuticals as a microbiologist. Tim has overseen Newtown High School’s model independent science research program since 2009. He has been a director of Newtown’s Alternate High School Since 2015. Tim is an avid traveler and is an executive member of Newtown’s International Program. Through his work at Newtown he has traveled to China, Japan, India and Panama.  Tim has been a member of the board since 2011 and held the potion of Science Fair Director from 2018-2023.

Meggan Harris, Science and Engineering Fair Director

Meggan Harris has 21 years as a seasoned engineer and executive at Pratt & Whitney, one of the world’s largest commercial and military defense contractors. With degrees in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, she has built a career founded in science, innovation, and invention. Her accomplishments include over 20 patents issued or pending and ASME Engineer of the Year. She is also a Mother and a driven and bold leader. On a personal note, what I bring to the table is a passion for partnering with people as they strive to define what success looks like for them and how to accomplish those goals. With a proven track record in people leadership and teaming, I’m here to support you as we work together on the areas of your career you are seeking to enhance.

Robert Susalka, Treasurer
Robert Susalka has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1985 with a sole proprietorship in Redding. His practice is limited to taxation and serves U.S. public corporations in telecommunications and manufacturing, privately held corporations and partnerships, foreign corporations, and individuals, both US and foreign nationals. Previously, Bob was the International Tax Director of The Singer Company, after leaving the Manhattan office of Price Waterhouse in 1983 as a Senior Tax Manager. He began practicing with Price Waterhouse upon graduating from Pace University in 1970 with a B.B.A. in accounting. Bob is Treasurer and a Board member of the Dispute Settlement Center, Inc., and Redding Neighbors and Newcomers, Inc. Previously, he was a Board member and Treasurer of the Fairfield Chapter of the Red Cross and First Night Westport/Weston Inc.

Estelle Fanucci
Estelle recently retired as Science Department Head from Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge. She also taught chemistry for forty-one years. She was influential for the implementation of many new science courses including the Amity Science Research Program.  She has been awarded Outstanding Science Supervisor Award granted by Connecticut Science Supervisors Association, and Secondary School Chemistry Teacher Award granted by The New England Institute of Chemists. Estelle has spearheaded the creation of the CT-STEM Foundation’s Scholarship Program.

Joop de Groot
Joop de Groot is currently retired and divides his time between his family and contributing to various non-profits. Additionally he has been on the board of a 1000 acre Washington State commercial orchard company. In 2004 he fulfilled a longstanding desire to become a licensed Amateur Radio operator, where he pursues state-of-the-art software defined radio as well as qualifying as a FEMA Amateur Radio emergency services operator involved with various surrounding towns. Prior to retirement he has worked in private/angel investment and interim management. He has been Managing Director of Pearle Europe, an eyewear retailer, where he ultimately orchestrated and completed a competitive management buy-out. Prior to Pearle he worked as a consultant with McKinsey & Company in both Amsterdam and London focusing mostly on strategy and organization. He started his career as a Junior Researcher in fiber optics at Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands. He received his MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France and his B.Sc. and M.Sc. (Electrical Engineering) from Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands. He is fully fluent in Dutch and English, both being his mother tongue and is a citizen of the U.S., the Netherlands and New Zealand.

David Lewis
David Lewis is a science teacher and the Science Department Coordinator at Darien High School in Darien, CT. He received his B.S. in Biology at the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching at Sacred Heart University, where he is currently pursuing an advanced degree in Chemistry. For the past ten years, he has overseen Darien High School’s award-winning independent science research program.

Dale Lichtenberg, Ph.D.
Dale Lichtenberg, recently retired as Chief Chemist for Cytec Industries’ coating resins plant in Wallingford, CT. He received his B.S. in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University, his M.S. from MIT, and his Ph.D. from the Ohio State University.

Fran Walker Lichtenberg
Fran Walker Lichtenberg is the founder and owner of fwl communications, a firm that specializes in strategic business communications. She works with companies ranging in size from sole proprietors to Fortune 50 companies. Prior to founding her company, Fran was the executive director of a plastics industry trade association; early corporate work experience included both database management and industrial hygiene at Owens-Corning. She especially enjoys working for science and technology-based companies, where she can use both her science background and communications skills. Fran received her B.S. degree in chemistry summa cum laude from Marian College in Indianapolis; she holds Master’s degrees from Case Institute of Technology and Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio) in both chemistry and information science.

Katherine Nuzzo, Ph.D.,
Dr. Katherine Nuzzo is a member of the science department at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, CT. For the past nineteen years she has instructed students in various levels of chemistry and physics and serves as the advisor for the science research team. She received her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, as well as a B.S. in Marine Biology from Corpus Christi State University, after working for ten years in the Texas public school system where she holds a life teaching certificate the subject areas of physical science, chemistry, physics, and biology. She spends many of her afterschool hours preparing students for various competitions across the state such as the Science Bowl at UConn, Sikorsky Challenge in Stratford, and CT State Science Fair at Quinnipiac. In addition to teaching, she is an avid health club member and finds stress release in cardio-classes. She currently resides in Hamden, CT, and raised three children in the Connecticut school systems.

Michael Opuszynski, President Emeritus
Michael Opuszynski holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hartford and a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. He works at ASML, Inc. as Project Lead of US Research for advanced semiconductor lithography tools. ASML, being a community oriented company, has provided opportunities for Opuszynski in roles such as External Community Coordinator and Coordinator of programs such as ASML4Kids, which inspires the youth of today in becoming the scientists and engineers of tomorrow Opuszynski is a strong believer in the commitment a community has to itself and its members. This commitment has driven him to volunteer on the Beacon Falls Conservation Commission, and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, which has led to his role as the Regional Planner for the town. As a fun fact, he enjoys playing Underwater Hockey in his free time, and is committed to the sport as its Northeast Regional Director.