King School is proud to announce that upper school science teacher Tom Castonguay has won the 2025-26 High School Faculty Curriculum Design Salomon Prize, presented by the Institute for Global Learning. Castonguay earned the distinction for his course Nuclear and High Energy Science, a semester-long offering that introduces students to some of the most complex and consequential questions in modern science. 

“I’m very thankful to King for allowing me to pursue what truly began as a passion project and for supporting it in every possible way as it evolved into a full course and a transformative experience for students,” Castonguay said. “This recognition is incredibly rewarding because it affirms the value of a program that has taken years of thought, effort, and collaboration to bring to life.”

Castonguay also expressed his gratitude to Director of Global Education Laura Bowe for encouraging him to submit the course for consideration and to former Director of Global Studies Gilles Chosson for his partnership during the program's inception. 

Castonguay recalled that, prior to COVID, Chosson approached him to explore STEM themes and connect King with partner school, École Internationale PACA, in Manosque, France. 

Early ideas included exploring the chemistry of the perfume industry before Chosson, a native of France, mentioned that École Internationale PACA exists in part to educate the children of scientists and engineers working at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the world’s largest nuclear fusion project. Following this revelation, the pair discovered that the European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN, was only about a three-hour train ride from ITER. 

“Once we connected those two institutions, one exploring the origins of the universe and the other working to solve humanity’s energy challenges, the theme was obvious: Nuclear and High Energy Science,” said Castonguay.

From this foundation, the course was built to explore fundamental questions about matter, energy, space, and time. Students engage with topics such as radioactive decay, quantum mechanics, particle physics, and the forces that govern the universe. Through labs, data analysis, and discussion, they grapple with both the scientific principles and the broader implications of these discoveries.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the program. Students enrolled in the class visit Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island to learn about accelerator science firsthand and have the opportunity to engage with scientists while visiting CERN and ITER as part of the summer Global Education Travel Program. These experiences bring the curriculum to life, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge.

Castonguay, who joined King in 2013, has dedicated his career to fostering curiosity and a love of discovery in his students. While the course’s academic focus is on developing strong problem-solving, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and scientific communication skills, it also aims to inspire and empower students beyond the classroom.

“I want students to recognize that humanity is actively working to answer profound questions: How did the universe begin? How can we produce clean energy? How can science improve medicine and quality of life?” noted Castonguay. “I want them to see that the answers to these questions could transform the way we live and make the world a better place, and perhaps inspire them to become part of that effort.”

Student response to the course has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing their appreciation for Castonguay’s (whom they refer to as “Dr. C”) approach to teaching.

“I really enjoyed doing the Fukushima nuclear disaster project we worked on because it gave us a good understanding of how those power plants actually work,” said Mackenzie Clark ’28. “Dr. C. is always ready to help and to meet with you if needed, and always explains things really thoroughly.”

Through Nuclear and High Energy Science, Castonguay has created more than a class; he has built a gateway for students to explore the frontiers of science and consider their role in solving global challenges. The Salomon Prize serves as a fitting recognition of both the course’s impact and the vision behind it.