Jacquelynn Garofano

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Age: 31

Title: Senior Research Scientist

Company: United Technologies Research Center

Location: East Hartford

Hometown: Prospect

College: University of Connecticut (Ph.D. and Master's Degree) and Southern Connecticut State University (undergraduate)

Bio

As a senior research scientist at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) Jacquelynn “Jackie” Garofano works to solve technical challenges and develop new technologies for the aerospace and building industries within United Technologies.

Her academic and professional career has been marked by numerous honors and achievements that have been amplified by her passion for philanthropy, volunteerism and community service.

Garofano serves as the coordinator/communications liaison for the UTRC United Way campaign. In this role, her personal contributions and leadership in organizing and executing UTRC's signature fundraising events had a direct impact on the organization's outstanding 2014 campaign results.

She is also an active member of the United Way's Women's Leadership Council, an organization that aims to improve the lives of women and their families within Greater Hartford.

Garofano is committed to sharing her enthusiasm for science with the next generation in her role as an educational outreach specialist with CRISP, the NSF-funded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at Yale, and Southern Connecticut State University. She also serves as the coordinator for CRISP's research experiences for the undergraduates program.

She is a Connecticut native, born and raised in Milford, and now lives in Prospect with her husband of eight years.

Q&A

Where do you get your motivation to succeed? My motivation to succeed is innate. As a self-proclaimed over-achiever, I am driven to take on new challenges, strive for the very best and to make a difference as a global citizen.

In 30 years, why should Hartford Business Journal give you a Lifetime Achievement award? I would like to believe that I will accomplish great things in the next 30 years personally, professionally and philanthropically. For this, a Lifetime Achievement award for dedicated service to improve the lives of those within our local and global community would mean a great deal.

If you could have four traveling companions (alive or dead, real or fictional) throughout your life's journey, who would you pick? My four traveling companions along my life's journey are: my husband, Rob, of course; Robert Downey Jr. (preferably as Tony Stark/Iron Man) and Dave Matthews with his incredible music and unlimited supply of Dreaming Tree wines, with Morgan Freeman to narrate an awesome life.

Life's Journey:

During my off time, I am most passionate about ...Taking on new challenges and setting new goals for myself such as becoming a runner and a triathlete

What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Two years ago my husband and I traveled to Niagara Falls and experiencing the power of the falls was incredible.

Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Alaska is on my bucket list. I have always wanted to see the northern lights amidst a clear night sky and the beauty of Alaska's untouched wilderness.

Favorite Connecticut destination: Hiking in Connecticut state parks in autumn during the foliage.

Meet the 40 Under Forty Class of 2015!

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