Education

University of Pavia, UD, Biological Sciences; Columbia University, M.A., Genetics and Development; Columbia University, M.Phil., Genetics and Development; Columbia University, PhD, Genetics and Development; Yale University, Honorary MA

Professional Areas

Dr. Katerina Politi is a leading basic and translational lung cancer researcher who developed innovative models to study tumor progression and test therapies. She is an expert on oncogenes such as EGFR and on mechanisms of resistance to targeted and immune-based cancer treatments.

Citation

For research that has led to fundamental insights into the molecular basis of lung cancer and uncovered mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, and for research that has informed clinical practice and contributed to improved outcomes for patients.

Education

Osmania University, BSc, Chemistry and Genetics; Osmania University, MSc, Organic Chemistry; National Chemical Laboratory, PhD, Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds; UT Southwestern Medical Center, Postdoc

Professional Areas

Process development expertise in chemical synthesis, specializing in designing and optimizing synthetic pathways for complex APIs. Proficient in retrosynthesis, design of experiments, continuous manufacturing, green chemistry, and process analytical technology, ensuring accelerated development and cost.

Citation

For significant contributions as a process chemist to twenty-four drug candidates across small molecules and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and for developing large-scale ADC manufacturing methods that are still used today and processes used for the manufacturing of at least three compounds marketed by major pharmaceutical companies.

Education

Hanoi University of Science and Technology, B.S., Electronic Materials; Princeton University, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering

Professional Areas

Biomedical engineering, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, nano- and micro-manufacturing, piezoelectric polymers, medical devices, drug and vaccine delivery, translational health technologies.

Citation

For pioneering research in biodegradable piezoelectric and self-boosting microneedle vaccines, and for advancing biomedical engineering through innovative biomaterials and translational technologies that impact global health and strengthen Connecticut’s scientific innovation.

Education

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, B.S., Biology (minor in chemistry); Wright State University, Ph.D.

Professional Areas

Dr. Mulkey is a neurophysiologist. He uses a combination of genetic/molecular, cellular and whole animal approaches to understand mechanisms important for control of breathing under normal conditions and how disruption of these mechanisms contributes to breathing problems and mortality in diseases.

Citation

For expertise in respiratory physiology, and for being among the first to identify and characterize cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the brain regulates breathing in response to changes in CO2/H+.

Education

North Carolina State University, BS, Aerospace Engineering; University of Florida, MS, Mechanical Engineering; University of Massachusetts Amherst, MBA, Business

Professional Areas

Mr. McDermott’s areas of expertise include military and commercial flight safety risk management processes, development of industry-recognized safety policy & criteria, product safety design assurance, and strategic corporate safety culture development. A legitimate thought leader in aviation safety.

Citation

For instrumental work in advancing aerospace product safety, and for leadership in policy development, risk management, assurance, and promotion that has set industry benchmarks, enhanced safety culture, and ensured the highest standards for commercial and military aerospace.

Education

Brandeis University, BA, Biochemistry; The University of Pennsylvania, PhD, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics

Professional Areas

Nuclear cell biology, nuclear mechanics, mechanotransduction, nuclear transport, genome organization, epigenetics, chromatin biology, chromatin dynamics, DNA repair, telomere biology, homologous recombination, genome integrity.

Citation

For broad contributions to the field of nuclear cell biology that combine biophysical and cell biological approaches, which have revealed fundamental mechanisms underlying nuclear mechanotransduction, genome organization and dynamics, and genome integrity.

Education

University of Pennsylvania, B.A., Biology; Cornell University Medical College, M.D., Medicine

Professional Areas

(1) Infectious diseases, (2) geriatric medicine, (3) public health policy and administration, (4) antimicrobial stewardship, (5) evidence-based clinical guideline development, (6) health system leadership, (7) science communication for pandemic and vaccine response.

Citation

For outstanding contributions serving the citizens of Connecticut, including transformative leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, communication of evidence-based guidance for vaccinations, and stewardship of geriatric infectious disease and antimicrobial use.

Education

Middlebury College, BA, Economics; University of Pennsylvania, M.G.A, Government Administration; Jefferson Medical College, M.D.; Yale University, M.A., Honorary MA; Yale University, M.B.A, Healthcare Management

Professional Areas

Focused on head and neck cancers and clinical outcomes, Dr. Judson advances precision oncology, biomarker discovery, and multidisciplinary care. His integration of innovation, molecular research, and leadership enhances personalized treatments, improving survival and quality of life.

Citation

For pioneering work in head and neck oncology, defining prognostic biomarkers, and leading translational, precision, and outcomes research that has transformed cancer treatment and advanced patient care.

Education

The Johns Hopkins University, BS, Biomedical Engineering; Drexel University, MS, Biomedical Engineering; The Ohio State University, PhD, Biomedical Engineering

Professional Areas

Biomedical engineering, biomaterials and regenerative medicine, implant design and development, and biocompatibility.

Citation

for significant technical contributions to the research, design, and development of ophthalmic implants and related devices.

Education

Northwestern University, B.S., Biomedical Engineering; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, PhD, Molecular Genetics; Thomas Jefferson University, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Molecular Genetics

Professional Areas

Dr. Heinen has translated knowledge of the molecular biology and genetics of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway and its role in hereditary cancer into assay development to assess the functional impact of patient-derived sequence variants in MMR genes via CRISPR-Cas gene editing.

Citation

For pioneering the use of human pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR-Cas9 to study the function of patient-derived mismatch repair gene variants in Lynch syndrome, which has helped determine the cancer risk for Lynch syndrome patients and their families.