Anne Lintermans-Bertels, Ph.D.
Anne Lintermans-Bertels started her career as a biologist researcher and assistant at the Free University of Brussels, where she collaborated in the study of mathematical modeling of the primary production in the North Sea and International waters. Later, she specialized in Molecular Biology. In collaboration with the Free University of Brussels, the National Institute for Veterinary Research, and industrial partners, she developed a genetically-engineered vaccine, aimed at blocking attachment of pathogenic microorganisms to the intestinal mucosa.

Anne received her Master’s degree from the University of Ghent and her Ph.D. in Science from the University of Brussels.

Paul Oestreicher, Ph.D.
Paul Oestreicher is a strategic communications executive, educator and author. At Oestreicher Communications, LLC he consults in corporate and marketing communications, writing and messaging, and issues, crisis and reputation management. Paul is also an adjunct professor at NYU, where he teaches Strategic Communication, Research Process & Methodology, and Communication Ethics, Law & Regulation. He’s the author of Camelot, Inc.: Leadership and Management Insights from King Arthur and the Round Table (Praeger Publishers), which relates the Arthurian legends to modern leaders and organizations, and writes the blog, C-O-I-N-S: Communication Opinions, Insights and New Strategies. Paul started his career as a scientist in the Gastrointestinal Pharmacology group at Wyeth Labs. He then went to work for Hoffmann-La Roche in their Clinical R&D department and later moved to their Public Affairs department where he led scientific and patient public policy and communications. Other positions held include VP Strategic Marketing & Communications at Genaissance Pharmaceuticals, VP Communications at Sanofi-Synthelabo and Executive VP/GM at Edelman. An inventor and holder of five toy patents, TagsMania, LLC markets his novel designs. He attended Staples High School, holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Rochester, an M.S. and Ph.D. in nutritional sciences from Rutgers University, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in pharmacology while with Wyeth Labs.

Deirdre Silberstein
Deirdre Silberstein is the President of Silberstein & Associates, LLC, a business communications company that specializes in writing, editing, and developing print and electronic publications and communications programs. Deirdre worked in the publishing industry for many years, developing both trade books and college-level textbooks. She then spent 15 years running a corporate communications program, creating and producing client-oriented books and newsletters on US and international business matters; technical information for practitioners; marketing brochures and materials; and information databases. Outside of the office, she is an active birder and naturalist, and has many years of experience working on nature-related field trips and educational programs.

Nancy Yates

Nancy Yates is an attorney who practiced antitrust and litigation at a major D.C. law firm and then served as Division Counsel at a Fortune 100 consumer products corporation, before spending the last several years in various volunteer positions, primarily with the Westport public Schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from New York University and her law degree from Harvard Law School.

William Foster, Past Chairman Emeritus
William Foster is a co-founder (along with Paul Heilman) of the Connecticut STEM Foundation. The non-profit organization was started with the purposes of sponsoring an annual science fair and using other avenues to inspire the study of science. Bill is a Captain with Delta Airlines. He served 20 years in the US Navy, retiring in 2000 as a Lieutenant Commander. His last active duty assignment was as a Weapons Test Pilot at the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, CA. He was previously involved in electronic warfare. William and his wife Jennifer have been Westport residents since 1997 and have four children enrolled in the Westport schools.

Matt Miller, Past President
Matt Miller has had an extensive career in both scientific research and technology-based businesses. He has also consulted extensively to both the private equity and venture capital communities and has served on numerous boards of directors of public and private companies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard University and Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University.

Rita Smircich
Rita Smircich is a wedding coach and author of the book To Do Before “I Do:” She is the founder and former Executive Director of First Night Westport/Weston, Inc., President of Events by Rita, LLC, and past President of the Entrepreneurial Woman’s Network. Rita has contributed her planning and organizational skills to CT-STEM since 2001.

Harry Rosvally
Harry Rosvally is the K-12 STEM Curriculum Administrator for Danbury Public Schools. He was previously Science Administrator in Westport for 9 years, and taught math and science in Somers, NY, and in Danbury and New Fairfield, CT. He received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a B.S. in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta. He received his M.S. in Curriculum Development from Western CT State University, and his M.Ed. and Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University in Educational Administration. He is an Adjunct Professor at Western CT State University in the Education Department, where he also advises doctoral stude