Lincroft, N.J.--High Technology High School teacher Dina Ellsworth, Ph.D. is a recipient of the 2026 DuPont Excellence in Teaching Award for her extraordinary teaching skills, ability to communicate STEM learning and talent for motivating and supporting students.
Sponsored by DuPont and presented by Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc., the award is given annually to two teachers whose students compete in the Delaware Valley Science Fair, which includes the Delaware, Central and Southern New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania regions. The award includes a $500 cash award, a plaque and an all-expense-paid trip to Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) with the school’s ISEF team, which will be held in Los Angeles, Calif. The Delaware Valley Science Fair is the regional qualifying science fair for the ISEF.
Ellsworth, a resident of Cranbury Township, N.J., teaches advanced placement biology and biomedical engineering at High Technology High School in Lincroft, N.J., which is part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD). In addition, she is the lead teacher and mentor for the school’s research program and is an advisor for the school’s experimental research club, ReconX. To engage students in science and engineering, Ellsworth uses hands-on, project-based learning and encourages students to bring their research questions and intellectual curiosity into the lab for exploration.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor because I know many of the educators who teach at the schools who compete in the Delaware Valley Science Fair and they are excellent teachers,” Ellsworth said. “I am grateful to DuPont and Delaware Valley Science Fairs for the award, and to High Technology High School for the opportunity to teach such excellent students on a daily basis.”
Bob Solomon, Ph.D., executive director and president of Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc., nominated Ellsworth for the award and congratulated her on the honor.
“Successful students have many individual attributes, but most often they have a teacher like you encouraging them,” wrote Solomon. “This award acknowledges your many years of work on behalf of your students.”
Ellsworth has a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Princeton University and went into teaching after working as a research scientist and science writer.
About MCVSD
MCVSD operates six full-time Career Academies including the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Academy of Law and Public Safety, Biotechnology High School, Communications High School, High Technology High School and Marine Academy of Science and Technology. Each welcomes students as freshmen and retains those students through their senior year of high school, for a focused learning experience that helps them take meaningful steps toward their college and career goals.
MCVSD also operates more than 30 shared-time programs, a Career Center for students with special needs and adult programs. Questions about the admissions process for the MCVSD Career Academies or any other career and technical education program offered by MCVSD should be directed to applications@ctemc.org.