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Meet Diana Dumesnil, assistant vice president for student affairs at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, or CSNE, and a finalist for Time Warner Cable's Connect a Million Minds Super Connector Search Contest.

“It's something that I'm very happy to be a part of and hope that it will really help to impact many students from all throughout the region and the state," Dumesnil said.

As it pretty much already has. Through her efforts with CSNE, over 4,000 students last year alone visited the college.

Dumesnil said, "And they come to see CNSE for activities that all relate to science and engineering and nanotechnology."

Time Warner Cable, parent company of YNN, has real mission here behind the Connect a Million Minds initiative: To connect students with science, technology, engineering and math in ways that are engaging and fun.

“Because if we do that, we're really going to prepare the workforce of tomorrow and that's really what our students need to be successful in the future,” said Jennifer Holick TWC Communications Manager.

At this philosophy is statewide, other Super Connector finalists include Laurie Hotsbery from Syracuse, Melissa Gertner from Rochester and William Duax from Buffalo.

Engaging today's youth has become more important than ever in state education as well as a central mission for many educators, whether it's elementary school or a graduate university

"And that's because there are so many wonderful career opportunities that are being created with nanoscale science and nanoscale engineering and those opportunities are really at all levels, whether that person has a two year degree or a more advanced doctorate degree," Dumesnil said.

And as for Dumesnil, she says she's not your traditional scientist, but she truly enjoys connecting students with technology.

“Because you really have an impact on their future and receiving thank you letters from students that say I'm now considering a career in nanotechnology because of my visit to your college, that means a lot to me and it drives my motivation on a daily basis," Dumesnil said.

And with more initiatives like this, the more people can get involved.

“So new relationships were built as a part of this contest that have only just begun and we're going to be able to extend that Connect a Million Minds effort even more in the region,” Holick said.

Time Warner Cable is the parent company of YNN and we are committed to the Connect a Million Minds program, inspiring youth to develop science, technology, engineering and math skills. For more information on the initiative, go to connectamillionminds.com.