Da Vinci Science Center Announces 2025 STEAM Award Winners

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tamara Krizek, 917-692-5038, tamara.krizek@davincisciencecenter.org

ALLENTOWN, PA, April 8, 2025 – Da Vinci Science Center is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 STEAM Awards, recognizing exceptional students and educators who exemplify excellence in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. These honorees will be celebrated at the upcoming Science Soirée (April 25, Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion), the Science Center’s annual gala highlighting innovation, creativity, and community impact.

The 2025 STEAM Award recipients represent a wide range of accomplishments and passions, from biomedical research and engineering innovation to equity in science education. Each recipient has demonstrated a deep commitment to learning, leadership, and inspiring others through STEAM.

2025 STEAM Student Award Winners:

• DeAndre Bentinck, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
• Jillian Halm, Freedom High School
• Grace Kirby, Northampton High School
• Mia Napolitano, Freedom High School
• Gage Reichard, Louis E. Dieruff High School

2025 STEAM Educator Award Winners:

• Joshua Inman, Catasauqua High School
• Emily Lepore, Steckel Elementary School
• Nicole Leskosky, William Allen High School

“These students and educators exemplify how curiosity, creativity, and perseverance can shape not only individual futures, but the future of our entire region through STEAM,” said Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO of the Da Vinci Science Center. “Their achievements are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. We’re proud to honor these changemakers whose ideas and innovations will help drive our community—and the world—forward.”

The Science Soirée will take place April 25 at Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, where the winners will be formally recognized for their achievements. The event brings together community leaders, educators, and science supporters to celebrate STEAM education and inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers.

For more information about the Science Soirée or the STEAM Awards, please contact: tamara.krizek@davincisciencecenter.org.

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2025 STEAM Award Winner Bios

Student Bios

DeAndre Bentinck

A senior at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, DeAndre is a STEAM enthusiast passionate about how systems work. He built an e-bike for a self-led research project, exploring how it could reduce emissions in suburban areas and improve local transportation infrastructure. DeAndre hopes to pursue engineering and environmental research.

Jillian Halm

President of the STEM Empowerment Society at Freedom High School, Jillian is passionate about engineering and empowering younger students through science outreach. She’s an avid cyclist and Formula 1 fan who plans to study Materials Engineering and contribute meaningfully to her community.

Grace Kirby

Grace turned her childhood love of STEM into a successful rice crispy treat business. Through that venture, she discovered a passion for manufacturing and engineering. Currently a Northampton HS student, she plans to attend Lehigh University’s IBE Honors Program and  pursue dual master’s degrees in Materials Science and Engineering and Finance.

Mia Napolitano

A junior at Freedom High School, Mia founded a Medical Club and actively participates in science fair, currently advancing to states with her project on melatonin and reproduction. Her passion for women’s health is driven by personal connections to PCOS and endometriosis.

Gage Reichard

An accomplished student from Louis E. Dieruff High School, Gage balances STEAM studies with leadership roles in debate and theater. He’s passionate about physics and calculus and plans to become an engineer to solve real-world problems he’s long been curious about.

Teacher Bios

Joshua Inman

Joshua teaches math and computer science at Catasauqua High School, where he also coaches soccer, leads the Gaming and Esports Club, and teaches drone technology. He is dedicated to providing students with diverse and future-focused learning opportunities that integrate STEAM in meaningful ways.

Emily Lepore

A third-grade teacher at Steckel Elementary, Emily is a STEM leader in the Whitehall-Coplay School District. She created a successful after-school STEM program that reached over 100 students and developed interactive tools like breakout box challenges to engage students and colleagues alike.

Nicole Leskosky

With 18 years of science teaching experience at William Allen High School, Nicole is a department chair, equity advocate, and hands-on science educator. She mentors research initiatives and is working to expand STEM Makerspace access for special education students.

About Da Vinci Science Center

Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning non-profit science center that has been bringing science to life and lives to science for 30 years. With our exciting new downtown Allentown location, Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. To learn more about our programs, visit davincisciencecenter.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

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