SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY
The Science and Technology Society (STS) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization based in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. STS connects residents with the latest scientific advances or concerns, professionals with one another, and grandparents with their grandkids through science.
Our mission is to inspire curiosity, focus young minds on the pursuit of science and scientific careers, create meaningful collaborations, and provide unique opportunities for families and professionals to grow their understanding of how science and technology shape the world in which we live, work, and play.
STS also creates opportunities for retirees to participate in science activities through science fair judging, mentoring students on their projects, and helping to develop informal STEAM learning programs. These initiatives aim to make the Suncoast a premier destination for scientifically aware families. By developing innovative programs for kids that can become national models, we inspire international collaborations and foster a vibrant scientific community. For more information on our Board Members & Advisory Council please visit our desktop version of our website.
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
"It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Science and Technology Society website. Over the past two years, we have been diligently building the foundation of our Society, and I am thrilled to announce that we are now taking a significant step forward. We are officially incorporating as a Florida not-for-profit organization and preparing to apply for 501(c)(3) charitable status.
This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our mission is to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and advance the fields of science and technology in impactful ways. As we continue to grow, we look forward to expanding our community, strengthening our initiatives, and working together to shape the future of scientific discovery and technological progress."
Advisory Council
Misty Servia
A lifelong resident of the Sarasota-Bradenton area, Misty is an AICP-certified Urban Planner with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, providing her with a comprehensive perspective on development challenges and opportunities. She spent 17 years with Manatee County and 13 years with King Engineering before serving as a Manatee County Commissioner from 2018 to 2022. Currently, she is the Vice President of Planning for Z Construction while also offering consulting services across Florida through her business, Planner On Call. Passionate about public service, Misty has dedicated decades to supporting numerous local nonprofits, continuously working to enhance the communities she calls home.
Shaan Kunwar, D.O.
Dr. Kunwar graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the Northside Hospital Internal Medicine Program before joining his family’s medical practice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Science and a Master’s in Molecular Biology from Thomas Jefferson University. Currently, he serves as a part-time teaching physician at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton and, in 2017, founded East County Internal Medicine, an independent physician-owned private practice.
Jim Wallace
Jim is a retired senior executive whose career spanned banking, higher education, and healthcare. He holds an MBA from George Washington University and has held leadership roles in finance, operations, strategy development and implementation, product line responsibility, fundraising, and government relations. Known as a politically savvy problem solver with a strong sense of urgency, Jim seamlessly integrates analytical thinking with creative vision. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he is a Bronze Star recipient for his service in Vietnam.
BOARD MEMBERS
Nick Barbi, President
Nick founded STS in October of 2022 and has served as its President since it was incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit in August of 2023. Nick, shown on the left with COASTWISE student member/course development team, Justin Kim, a freshman at Pine View, suggesting where to take his next spectroscopic measurement, wants to continue to expand the STS Informal STEM education work, and in particular, its alliance with NASA/Outreach activities.
Nick holds a PhD in Materials Science from RPI and has founded several small companies in the spectroscopy field. One accomplishment that he is particularly proud of is the conception, management, and successful completion of a sensor development project featuring a team of Japanese, German, Italian, and US scientists conducted in one of his favorite places, Trento, Italy.
Nick will also work to see STS broaden its impact geographically, more strenuously promote the importance of science and science education within the community, and help initiate a youth entrepreneurial activity.
Ross DuBose, Vice President and Science Officer
Ross leads the office of research on the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus. He earned a BS in Chemistry from the University of Florida and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where his research topic was the intracellular trafficking of P2Y receptors.
Before joining USF, he spent a decade at Research Square, a company that provides researchers and journals with publication-related services. He now leverages these skills to help researchers elevate funding proposals and expand the research enterprise at USF.
He is an accomplished competitive shooter, enjoys friendly game of golf, and is committed to strengthening the Mixer and Tour components of STS.
Carolyn Hurwitz, Secretary
Carolyn is currently a commercial airline pilot with FedEx Express Corporation, flying the B767 aircraft globally. She mentors a youth FIRST Robotics competitive First Tech Challenge team and promotes STEM in the community through the LWR Savvy LLC initiative at Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market.
Carolyn is a retired United States Navy Captain with 25 years of service. As a Naval Aviator she held positions including Squadron Commanding Officer, Assistant Naval Inspector General, Operations and Landing Signals Officer, and Funeral Honor Detail Lead. She also worked as a U.S. Congressional Assistant for military and aviation affairs in Washington, D.C.
Carolyn earned her double degree in International Studies and Spanish from Virginia Tech. She enjoys mentoring STEM students, flying, watching college football (Go Hokies), and being with her family. Carolyn is committed to honing the STS administration practices to create a smoothly functioning organization.
Joe Montalbano, Treasurer
Joe retired as Chemical Engineer Fellow from Honeywell after 33 years of service in R&D and engineering in the petrochemical industry, where he continues to consult on sustainable processes. One of his significant contributions while working at Honeywell was to commercialize the Methanol-to-Olefins process.
Joe earned BS and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and IIT, respectively, and an MBA from Northwestern. Prior to Honeywell, Joe worked 7 years in engineering and R&D for Amoco Oil.
Joe holds 20 patents, is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, and enjoys traveling, biking and music. Joe’s primary goal for the Society this year is to strengthen its financial position.
Geoff Fischer, Director at Large
Geoff is a down-to-earth executive and entrepreneur experienced in building and leading global teams in the technology space. As Co-Owner of RobotLAB Tampa Bay, Geoff is currently bringing a unique blend of operational rigor and visionary thinking to the field of applied robotics, driving the deployment of robotic solution in industries including healthcare, education, and hospitality.
Geoff holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology administration and has been continuously active in industry associations and advisory boards focused on robotics, automation, and workforce transformation.
In his spare time, he enjoys boating, mentoring STEM students, playing soccer, and spending time with his family. Geoff will be focused on encouraging private industry to become STS partners.
John Clark, Director Emeritus
John is a distinguished professional, having been a Corporate Attorney (Fordham University School of Law), Institutional Banker, and early-stage technology Investor & Analyst.
He was and remains an enthusiastic environmentalist, and in the 1980s became chairman of a federally supported water & air pollution agency funded by NY, NJ, and his home State of CT.
His varied career of over 35 years in Law, Investing & encompassed a large number of senior management positions at Citicorp & Citibank, rising to Group Risk Manager with an approval limit of $100 million in the auto-related, oil gas and minerals, and Ocean shipping/transportation industries.
“Johnny” is now a retired, full-time Florida resident and a widower, [Gloria Rice Clark] living year-round in downtown Sarasota FL at Heron House AL, and active member of STS encouraging growth of the Society toward achieving broader, even global, impact.