We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. John (Larry) Sernyk and Dr. Marcia Gillette for their
remarkable achievements. Both esteemed individuals have been awarded the "Sustaining Member"
status at the Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI) meeting held on July 22, 2023.
Dr. John (Larry) Sernyk’s journey with SEFI began in 2000 when he joined the board of directors. Over
the years, his unwavering commitment to SEFI's mission became evident, and in 2010, he earned the
role of Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee. As a key influencer, Larry played a pivotal role in the
success of SEFI's major events, including Celebrate Science Indiana, the Hoosier Science and Engineering
Fair, and the International Science Fair.
Beyond his contributions to SEFI, Dr. Sernyk has had a profound impact on the field of plant breeding
during his distinguished career at Dow AgroSciences. Larry received his Ph.D. from the University of
Manitoba in Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding. Leading teams responsible for innovations like
Omega-9 canola oil and insect-resistant cotton, he has significantly contributed to the industry's growth.
Throughout his journey, Larry has been passionately engaged with students and communities
worldwide, fostering curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Moreover, Dr. Sernyk's involvement extended to various organizations, including You Be the Chemist
(YBTC), where he conducted numerous hands-on workshops to instill enthusiasm for STEM among
students. His efforts as an Essential Elements instructor and Indiana State Challenge organizer further
demonstrate his commitment to nurturing future STEM professionals.
Marcia Gillette, Ph.D., also earned the well-deserved "Sustaining Member" status at the SEFI meeting,
having served on the Board of Directors since 1996. In 1963, Marcia earned an AB degree in Chemistry
from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, followed by MS and Ph.D. degrees in
Analytical Chemistry from Iowa State University in 1965 and 1967. Later, in 1976, she and her husband
moved to Kokomo, where she became an integral part of IU Kokomo, teaching in various capacities,
including as a Senior Lecturer until retirement. Dr. Gillette’s passion for education extends beyond the
university, as she continues to contribute as a high school classroom visitor for the IU Advance College
Program.
Throughout her career, she has been associated with Chemical Education Resources, a group dedicated
to writing and publishing chemistry laboratory experiments. Marcia was also actively involved in the
Howard County Science Fair program for over four decades. Her commitment to scientific organizations
is evident through her emeritus membership in the ACS, including the Chemical Education Division and
the Indiana Section. As an ACS Science Coach for eleven years, she has mentored aspiring scientists.
In addition, she has made significant contributions to the Indiana Academy of Science, serving on various
committees, including the Youth Activities Committee and the Awards Committee. Her dedication to
promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion led her to be part of the inaugural DEI Committee. In 2015,
she was recognized for her outstanding contributions and elected a Fellow. In addition to her work with
You Be the Chemist, she has served as a lead judge in the Junior Division of the Ball State Regional
Science Fair for years, participated as a judge at HSEF, and volunteered at the Limberlost Historical Site
in Geneva, IN.

Her journey through the world of chemistry and education serves as an inspiration to many, embodying
the adage, "what goes around comes around" with a warm and positive outlook.
My sincere and very heartfelt thanks to all of you for the honor you bestowed on me when you moved me
from the Honorary into the Sustaining Member category of SEFI. Being part of your organization that does
such important work with the young people of Indiana continues to be a dream come true for me. I know
very well how critical the presence of both role models and opportunity is in all our lives, most especially in
the lives of those students exploring the appeal of STEM careers, because it was just those influences that
pointed me towards a STEM career so many years ago. ~Dr. Marcia Gillette
We extend our heartfelt thanks to both Dr. John (Larry) Sernyk and Dr. Marcia Gillette for their
exceptional contributions to SEFI and their dedication to inspiring and empowering young minds in
Indiana. Their achievements serve as shining examples of the impact that passionate individuals can
have on shaping the future of STEM.
As we move forward, let us remember the profound words of Dr. Larry Sernyk: "Studying and practicing
science helps you to develop a curious mind. We use STEM throughout our lives on a daily basis. Science
is a lifelong experience."
Congratulations once again to these outstanding individuals, whose influence will continue to resonate
within the field of science education and beyond. Together, we aim to create a brighter future for the
next generation of STEM leaders.