The Nucleus Awards, presented by CSL, will honor four individuals who have shown leadership and innovation in commercializing promising technology, allocating capital, convening the community, and cultivating our STEM workforce. Taking place on September 24th, The Nucleus Awards is an industry-recognized celebration of Philadelphia’s role as leader in equitable science and technology innovation and inclusive growth.
2024 Nucleus Awards honorees:
Commercialization Award
Bon Ku, MD, MPP
Program Manager, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
Dr. Bon Ku joined ARPA-H in August 2023 from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, where he served as an associate dean, and the Marta and Robert Adelson Professor of Medicine and Design. Ku also worked as the director of the Health Design Lab, where his research focused on the medical applications of 3D printing and designing healthier communities. He currently serves as a practicing emergency physician and is the host of the Design Lab Podcast.
Capital Award
Michael Burychka
Founder & CEO, Longview Innovation
Michael is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of early-stage investment firm Longview Innovation. Under his leadership, the firm established partnerships with some of the most prestigious universities and Department of Energy labs in the U.S. and played a critical role in developing groundbreaking technologies by providing seed funding and backing founders with business-building expertise. Michael has a distinguished track record of building and managing global organizations.
Cultivator Award
Dan Rhoton
CEO, Hopeworks
Beginning in the juvenile justice field, Dan has developed extensive expertise in the use of restorative practices and trauma informed methodology both inside the classroom and in the larger community. Rhoton is the Executive Director of Hopeworks, a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Over the years, Dan has been recognized numerous times for his work with young adults, including receiving a Meritorious Service Award from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Convener Award
Danae Mobley
Executive Director, 1Philadelphia
Danae serves as the Director for 1Philadelphia, a citywide initiative
aimed at establishing Philadelphia as a hub for equitable tech and
innovation. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Coded by Kids,
playing a pivotal role in driving the organization's strategic goals.
With a tenure since 2017, she has made significant contributions to the
organization's success. Through her work with both organizations, Danae
fosters powerful connections through the community at large.
The awards will be presented at a celebration hosted by WHYY’s Maiken Scott at 3675 Market Street in Philadelphia on September 24th.
“Our 2024 Nucleus honorees have helped establish Philadelphia as a hub of innovation while setting the groundwork for a more equitable future. We are thrilled to recognize these remarkable leaders for their incredible contributions,” says Science Center President & CEO Tiffany Wilson. “The Science Center extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bon, Michael, Dan, and Danae for their outstanding achievements in innovation, investment, workforce development, and community building. Their dedication has profoundly impacted our region, paving the way for the next generation of leaders in life sciences and technology.”
“CSL is proud to support the Science Center’s mission to power progress that advances science and healthcare innovation, uplifts communities, and improves lives.,” said Bill Mezzanotte, M.D., Executive Vice President, Head of R&D at CSL and a member of the Science Center’s Board of Directors. “This year’s Nucleus Awards honorees shine a light on that spirit of community, leadership, and innovation. We’re honored to recognize Bon, Michael, Dan, and Danae on their incredible achievements this year. Together, we can redefine what's possible in science and healthcare both in the Philadelphia-region and beyond.”
Funds raised through Nucleus Awards help sustain Science Center activities, which in 2023 alone supported the growth of 68 startups; gathered more than 5,800 attendees at Venture Café; and engaged nearly 300 students and adult learners through immersive STEM education and workforce training.
For more information about the Nucleus Awards, honorees, and how to purchase tickets, visit sciencecenter.org/nucleus-awards.
