A local STEM educator has been recognized for her work in helping young people realize their dreams.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal honored Dr. Maria Eugenia Panero at Yale University. Panero, who came to the U.S. from Argentina as a child, works with some of the brightest teens in the world at the Yale Young Global Scholars Program.

Blumenthal recognized her for promoting the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math.

He also recognized the program, which "brings gifted teens together from around the world every summer to help them find their academic passions."