Sibrina Collins, PhD, founding executive director of Lawrence Technological University’s Marburger STEM Center, received the Real McCoy Award in science Thursday night in an annual ceremony hosted by the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).

Collins was recognized for her leadership at LTU, where she coordinates and manages the university’s K-12 outreach efforts in science, technology, engineering, arts and architecture, and mathematics (STEAM) education.

Collins started her education at Highland Park Community College, then earned a B.A. in chemistry from Wayne State University and a Master of Science and PhD in inorganic chemistry from The Ohio State University. Before joining LTU, she was education director at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and earlier, on the faculty at several universities.

DAPCEP is a program to boost science and engineering education in Detroit and surrounding areas. Its programs have more than 60,000 alumni. DAPCEP’s Real McCoy awards are named after Elijah McCoy (1844-1925), a Detroiter, prolific inventor and mechanical engineer whose advances in steam engine lubrication revolutionized industry. The term “the real McCoy” refers to the demand for his authentic lubricating device.

Sibrina Collins (R) received the DAPCEP Real McCoy Award. LTU photo / Matt Roush

Winners in other categories announced Thursday night were:

• The Real McCoy Legacy Award, Ken Glass, UAW GM Assistant Director Occupational Health & Safety.
• Technology, Daren Hubbard, CIO and associate vice president of computing and IT at Wayne State University.
• Engineering, Carla Walker Miller, president and CEO, Walker Miller Energy Services LLC, Detroit.
• Mathematics, Jennifer Banks, mathematics and science coordinator, Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
• Medicine, Kimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, senior vice president of community health and equity and chief wellness officer, Henry Ford Hospital.
• Real McCoy Alumni Award, Tarolyn Buckles, president and CEO, Onyx Enterprises, a Detroit-based engineering consulting, project management and construction management firm.

Several students from elementary to high school age were also recognized for excellence in science and engineering projects at the event.