Award Luncheon
Wednesday, July 29, Noon-1:30
2026 Award Winners
Educator-of-the-Year Award
This award represents HI-TEC’s commitment to recognize community college faculty who make significant contributions to the education and training of today’s technology workforce. Nominees for the award must have had a demonstrated broader impact on technology education on both a local and national level. The Educator-of-the-Year Award recognizes a community college educator for outstanding contributions to advanced technological education.
Dr. Kristine Christensen, Professor of Computer Information Systems and Director of Faculty Development
Moraine Valley Community College
For more than 25 years, Dr. Kristine Christensen has approached education as an ongoing practice that demands discipline, continuous improvement, and a willingness to challenge both herself and her students. Her work reflects a clear pursuit of excellence, extending well beyond her own classroom and shaping both the cybersecurity workforce and the future of its teaching. At Moraine Valley Community College, Dr. Christensen teaches across disciplines including cybersecurity, manufacturing, and automation, helping students see how these fields intersect in real-world settings. She has developed courses and certification opportunities that prepare students for industry credentials, along with hands-on learning experiences that reflect real-world applications. Through her leadership of the NCyTE National Community College Cybersecurity Fellowship Program, she prepares future instructors who go on to teach at colleges across the country, expanding access to cybersecurity education. Through faculty development, national initiatives, and collaboration, Dr. Christensen continues to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce pipeline and open doors for the next generation.
Industry Recognition Award
This award represents HI-TEC’s commitment to recognize industry colleagues who make significant contributions to the education and training of today’s technology workforce. Nominees for the award must have had a demonstrated broader impact on technology education on both a local and national level. The Industry Recognition Award recognizes key industry personnel for outstanding contributions to promote advanced technological education.
Amber Beck, Regional Account Manager Kurt J. Lesker Company
Amber Beck and the Kurt J. Lesker Company have expanded access to hands-on micro and nanotechnology education through their collaboration with the Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Education & Utilization (CNEU). Their work supported the design of a low-cost, portable vacuum training system that gives students practical experience with vacuum technology used in MNT applications. By actively contributing to the design process, Amber and her team helped ensure the system is affordable, safe, durable, and instructionally effective—while preserving the hands-on components essential for learning how vacuum systems function. Traditional entry-level systems can exceed $20,000; this model is available at a fraction of that cost, lowering barriers for community and technical colleges. Now in use nationwide, the system has been widely adopted across the micro and nanotechnology community and supports hands-on learning in high schools, community and technical colleges, and universities, helping develop a skilled MNT workforce.
Innovative Program Award
This award represents HI-TEC’s commitment to recognize innovation in advanced technology education. The Innovative Program Award is designed to recognize a team of advanced technology education professionals that has designed and implemented a significant innovation, which has led to a positive impact on student enrollment, retention, and/or advanced technological education.
Dr. Mary Slowinski, Principal Investigator & ATE Educators and Industry Working Partners Project
The NSF-ATE funded Working Partners Project & Workshops provide workforce educators with practical, evidence-based strategies and tools that support building and sustaining critical industry-education partnerships. Utilizing virtual workshops, alumni webinars, and in-person sessions, the project guides educators through the implementation of planning frameworks and partnership assessment procedures that optimize education-industry collaboration. Developed and led by Dr. Mary Slowinski, the project also encourages knowledge sharing, community building, and peer connection to strengthen workforce education as a whole. Web-based resources, such as the Working Partners Toolkit and findings from the Working Partners Research Project, are also available. Designed for sustainability and real-world application, the Working Partners Project has had a broad national impact—supporting stronger employer engagement, enhancing workforce-oriented STEM programs, and creating lasting benefits for students, institutions, and industry partners.
Unsung Hero Award
This award recognizes an individual who plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in supporting an NSF ATE-funded grant. This award honors a support person whose dedication, organization, and effort often go unrecognized but are vital to the success of the project. This award acknowledges their unwavering commitment, resourcefulness, and the essential support they provide in advancing technology education and workforce development.
Courtney Larson, Program Manager, ATE American Association of Community Colleges
Courtney Larson has played a vital role in advancing the success of the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. Through her work managing AACC’s grant activities, she strengthens national convenings and supports colleges and educators working to build high-quality STEM technician programs aligned with workforce needs. A cornerstone of her contributions is leadership of the MentorLinks program, where she coordinates multiple cohorts, manages application and reporting processes, and serves as a trusted point of contact for participating institutions. She also plays an essential role in major national initiatives, including the ATE Principal Investigators Conference and the Community College Innovation Challenge, ensuring smooth logistics and a welcoming experience for all participants. Courtney’s professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication exemplify the collaborative spirit of the ATE community.