Author: RMcase2021

To focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

East Hartford, CT – The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) is pleased to announce the placement of Stephen R. Nichols as a CASE Science and Technology Policy Fellow. Mr. Nichols’s fellowship at the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) policy. This fellowship is dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen data privacy and security for Connecticut residents, addressing key areas such as consumer and health information privacy, online protections, and data security standards.

“I’m excited to welcome Stephen Nichols as our first CASE Science and Technology Policy Fellow,” said Senator Maroney. “His expertise will be invaluable as we work to responsibly promote artificial intelligence and innovation across Connecticut. His experience as a systems engineer and in implementing systems that must be compliant with data privacy regulations will prove invaluable as we craft legislation that allows us to protect consumers without unnecessarily burdening businesses. Through the support of the CT Academy of Science and Engineering Fellowship Program, we’re bridging research with public policy to ensure our state remains a leader in emerging technologies”.

Stephen R. Nichols is an engineer whose work lies at the intersection of emerging technologies, complex systems, and human-centered design. With nearly twenty years of industry experience at the former United Technologies Corporation (UTC), Otis Elevator Company, and Schindler Corporation, he led global initiatives in research, development, and product strategy for electromechanical and digital products.

Nichols is a named inventor on more than forty patents in areas including elevators, application programming interfaces (API), robotics, human-machine-interfaces, and other complex systems. A two-time participant in the National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering (NAE FOE), Nichols was invited to deliver a prestigious Gilbreth Lecture. A frequent presenter at industry events and academic institutions across the Northeast, he has also been interviewed by several news outlets including the Wall Street Journal and National Public Radio.

Originally inspired to pursue a STEM career as a FIRST robotics student, he is the father to two young children who he is helping to teach to think creatively, love learning, and try new things. Nichols is committed to advancing robust data privacy protections that safeguard families and uphold public trust in the digital era. He views AI as a powerful tool that, when guided by thoughtful policy, can not only enhance security but also spur innovation, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen Connecticut’s economy.

“The Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program aligns with CASE’s mission to collaborate with Connecticut’s legislature on issues of science and technology that impact the social and economic well-being of the state and its people,” said CASE President Amy Howell. “We are grateful to the Connecticut General Assembly for the opportunity to place Mr. Nichols in support of the Senator, who has been a lead policymaker for artificial intelligence and data privacy in Connecticut.”

Mr. Nichols earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a Master of Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has completed certificate programs at MIT, Wharton, and UC Berkeley. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Ithaca College’s Cybersecurity Program and the New England Chapter of INCOSE.

The CASE Science and Technology Fellowship Program provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to engage with and support policymakers as they navigate increasingly complex policy issues in their public service to the state and its residents. Additionally, the program supports scientists and engineers during their fellowship to improve their ability to effectively communicate with policymakers and the public.

East Hartford, CT — Thomas Pollard, Sterling Professor Emeritus of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Professor Emeritus of Cell Biology and of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, and Director of Programs in Physics Engineering and Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale School of Medicine, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Connecticut Medal of Science. Dr. Pollard is recognized as a pioneer of cell biology who has discovered and characterized proteins that produce forces for cellular movements.

His groundbreaking career has been devoted to understanding cell motility through the study of actin filaments and myosin motors through the framework of protein polymers that cells make to define their overall shape, their internal structure, and their motions. The medal-bestowing ceremony will be shared with members and guests at CASE’s 50th Annual Dinner, to be held May 28, 2025, at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Dr. Pollard has been devoted to understanding cell motility driven by actin filaments and myosin motors of the “cytoskeleton,” the framework of protein polymers that cells make to define their overall shape, their internal structure, and power their motions. He provided the first direct link, combining biophysics, biochemistry, quantitative microscopy, and mathematical modeling, to explain how assembly of branched actin filaments produce forces for cellular movements and interactions of myosin motors and actin filaments divide cells during cytokinesis. He has also been a tireless advocate for the increase in funding and awareness for science at both the state and national level, serving as an advisor for several national specific advisory panels and government agencies.

“Connecticut is home to some of the nation’s leading scientists who are pushing the envelope and creating revolutionary discoveries that are having a global impact,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “The scientific community in Connecticut has a passion for innovation that our state celebrates and encourages. I congratulate Dr. Pollard on receiving Connecticut’s highest honor for scientific achievement. Most importantly, his work is revolutionizing advancements that are being used to develop the breakthroughs that will shape medicine and medical treatments for decades to come.”

Dr. Pollard earned a BA in Chemistry from Pomona College, followed by his M.D. in Medicine from Harvard Medical School. In 2006, he was awarded a Sterling Professorship, the highest academic honor professors receive at Yale University. From 2018 to 2021, Pollard was director of the Institute for Biological, Physical and Engineering Sciences. After retiring from Yale, Pollard was appointed as Visiting Professor, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley.

He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of the United States, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Academy of Microbiology, Biophysical Society, Institute of Medicine, and the American Society for Cell Biology, and CASE. Pollard has received multiple prestigious awards over the course of his career, including the Rosenstiel Award, the Public Service Award from the Biophysical Society, the E.B. Wilson Medal, Gairdner International Award in Biomedical Sciences, and the NAS Award for Scientific Reviewing, to name a few. For more, see Dr. Pollard’s Yale profile.

Dr. Pollard and his wife Patty Pollard, past president of the Yale University Women’s Organization and the Maryland League of Women Voters and cofounder of the Maryland Education Coalition, reside in Berkeley, CA. Their children, Katie and Dan, are both professors in the biological sciences.

East Hartford, CT – The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) is pleased to announce that Kerry Shea has joined the organization as Assistant Director. Shea comes to CASE after earning her master’s degree from the University of Chicago.

Shea has held various positions during her studies that complement her education. She has experience providing customer service and managing relationships. In addition, she managed the graduate admissions process and handled sensitive information.

At CASE, Shea will primarily manage membership responsibilities for the 440+-member organization. She will coordinate Academy communications and serve as staff liaison for the ten technical boards. She will also support CASE’s Governing Council, including the executive, membership, nominating, and broadening participation, equity, and inclusion committees.

CASE Executive Director Jeff Orszak said, “I look forward to Kerry joining my team. She will enhance our member operations and help us better respond to the needs of Connecticut.”

An Illinois native, Shea holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago.

East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering announces the retirement of its Executive Director, with Jeffrey Orszak to step into the position December 2, 2024. Terri will remain during a transition period, with her retirement date effective January 31, 2025.

Terri leaves behind a legacy of resilience and growth, having guided the Academy through a transformative period and recovery from the pandemic. Under Terri’s leadership, the Academy weathered challenges and emerged stronger than ever. Her strategic vision and unwavering dedication to mission have revitalized programs, expanded outreach, and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation within the organization.

“Terri has been an extraordinary leader and advocate for the Academy,” said President Sten Vermund. “Her contributions have set a solid foundation for the future. We are grateful for her commitment and leadership, and we look forward to building on her successes.” “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Terri Clark. “Now feels like the right time for new leadership to take the Academy to greater heights. I am excited to see where the Academy’s future leads.”

As the Academy embarks on this new chapter, Vermund confirmed the confidence CASE Leadership had that “Jeff is the ideal successor who will further advance the Academy’s mission and vision. His professional career spanned industry, academia, and non-profit management, and this diversity of experience is invaluable in the position.” As Jeff shared, “This position allows me to devote myself to honoring the breadth and depth of STEMM leadership in the state.” Jeff looks forward to expanding the programs at the Academy that utilize the membership network to provide independent, non-partisan, evidence-based science, technology, engineering, medicine, and mathematics-related advice and guidance on behalf of the people and the state of Connecticut.

The Academy thanks its leadership, the members of CASE, and our partners across the state, for their support throughout the years and particularly at this time.

East Hartford, CT – A new episode of the Learning & Living STEMM in Connecticut podcast dropped on Aug. 31 and features a conversation with student researcher Antonia Kolb, an incoming freshman at Harvard University, and her teacher, King School Director of Science Dr. Victoria Schulman.

Kolb, a recent graduate of the King School’s Advanced Science Program for Independent Research and Engineering in Stamford, discusses her inspiration for and work to develop a machine-learning based iOS app for the instantaneous identification of tick species and expedited risk assessment of potential tick-borne diseases.

The Learning & Living STEMM in Connecticut podcast informs, promotes, and celebrates science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) in the state and is accessible to STEMM professionals and anyone interested in learning more about the incredible work being done in these fields.

Recent podcast topics include:

• Water desalination and reuse
• Building decarbonization
• Water research that earned the Stockholm Junior Water Prize
• Rapid warming of the Arctic and the global and regional implications
• Digital transformation (DX) (Episode 1 & 2)
• Student research to remove contaminants from water
• Bridging the research skills gap for students from underserved and underrepresented populations
• Parasite immunity
• HIV treatment and research

Visit https://ctcase.org/the-bulletin/podcast to listen and subscribe.

East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering’s (CASE’s) Annual Call for Nominations for membership election will begin in October.

Individuals are nominated for election by CASE membership. To be eligible, nominees must live or work in Connecticut and fulfill one or both of the following criteria:

(a) scientific distinction achieved through significant original contribution in theory or application;
(b) unusual accomplishments in the pioneering of new and developing fields of applied science and technology.

Individuals that meet these criteria from industry, academia or the public sector are encouraged to contact Karen Cohen at CASE via email (kcohen@ctcase.org) or phone (cell: 860-208-5801) for more information about becoming a member.