The Administrator Award for Leadership in Science Education is given to a current Elementary, Middle Level, or High School administrator who has demonstrated leadership in the development, implementation, and maintenance of an outstanding school science program; supported staff development in science; promoted positive relationships between the school's science program and the community; and has been an advocate and leader for the development of science process skills and positive attitudes toward science among students, parents, and teachers.

Mr. Minnig has shown his unwavering dedication to creating a dynamic learning environment, where innovation and curiosity are encouraged and students are given many options in their science curriculum choices. His leadership has allowed the science department to design a curriculum not only aligned with current educational standards, but also embraces emerging trends in science education, ensuring our students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.  His leadership has fostered a collaboration among the science teachers to enhance the overall learning experience of our students. Moreover, his commitment to making sure that students and teachers have what they need has been invaluable to me as an educator and those in my science department.  

Scott Minnig

Wapakoneta City Schools

The Friend of Science Award is given to an individual who has positively influenced science education in the State of Ohio and/or nation though a specific project or sustained activities.  This award recognizes activities that are more related to servicing the science education community than to specific teaching activities.

Service to the science education community includes the effective creation of situations that promote active learning and encourage a love of science.

Dr. Wild has dedicated over 2 decades to science education for students with disabilities. This work has allowed her to be part of many major projects that and advocacy for equitable science education. Dr. Wild has written over 26 research articles and papers on the topics of equitable science, 12 book chapters, 4 books, and made over 72 presentations around Ohio and the country on accessible science. Dr. Wild has been asked to share her knowledge across the country and world through keynotes presentations, webinars, and expert consultations on science projects. She is always willing to share her expertise with others in the field of science education on accessible science.

Dr. Tiffany Wild

The Ohio State University

The Patricia E. Blosser Service Award honors both SECO members and nonmembers who have committed time above and beyond the ordinary to the organization. An individual may receive this award only one time, and it is not given to someone presently holding an elected position in SECO.

Patricia E. Blosser served as a pre-service educator at The Ohio State University over a period of many years. She was also co-director of the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) on science education at The Ohio State University.  She was a constant and devoted science educator within Ohio who dedicated her life-long work to this endeavor.  

Robin Deems has organized and lead book studies to help teach teachers about science. She creates the format, facilitates the meetings. She is Co-Chair of the PD committee, working with her team to create webinars to keep the science community learning.  Robin is passionate and is willing to do whatever it takes to better science education for the students around the country.

Robin Deems

Department of Education and Workforce

The award is given to an individual who has been active in SECO and continues to be active after retirement from full-time employment in science education. 

Janet Struble will be retiring from the University of Toledo for the second time sometime in the spring 2024. She first retired about 8 years ago and then she was brought back to work with Dr. C. on a NASA grant. Janet has been active in SECO for many years and works diligently to have universities involved. In recent years, Janet organized the NASA research grant as an exhibitor and then organized presentations by Globe. She has served SECO as secretary, president, District 1 Director and chair of the hospitality group for over 10 years of annual meetings.

Janet really believes in the mission of SECO and has been influential in getting many university professors and new teachers to join SECO.

Janet Struble

University of Toledo