Member Recognition Archive - Page 4 of 6 - Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering

Cato T. Laurencin

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin is a University Professor at the University of Connecticut, CEO of the Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Director of the Institute for Regenerative Engineering, and Endowed Chair Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health [Photo: Andrew Bramante, CASE Photographer]

Dr. Laurencin is a University Professor at UConn—only the eighth person in the school’s history—which recognizes extraordinary academic excellence, and sustained, high-level achievements in administration at the school and is UConn’s highest faculty achievement. He is Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science and is the Founding Director of the Institute for Regenerative Engineering and the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Center for Biomedical, Biological, Physical, and Engineering Sciences at UConn Health. Additionally, he is a professor across the university, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and was the faculty leader in the development of the Bioscience Connecticut Initiative.

Dr. Laurencin is the scientific founder of Soft Tissue Regeneration, a Connecticut company that is commercializing breakthrough technologies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) regeneration and rotator cuff regeneration. The rotator cuff device has been cleared for use by the FDA, and the ACL device is in clinical trials in Europe. Dr. Laurencin also is the Scientific Co-founder of Natural Polymer Devices, a Connecticut company focused on developing polysaccharide polymer technologies for bone regeneration, which is in the process of seeking FDA clearance of a novel fracture repair device for the treatment of cervical spine fractures.

Dr. Laurencin has served as a permanent member of the orthopaedic device panel for the US Food and Drug Administration and was appointed to the National Science Advisory Board of the FDA, the overseeing body of that agency.

Dr. Laurencin is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering, the first orthopaedic surgeon in history to achieve dual election. In Connecticut, he was named the 2014 CURE Connecticut Academic Entrepreneur of the Year. He is a recipient of the National Medal of Technology & Innovation (2015) and the Technology Innovation and Development Award from the Society for Biomaterials, was named one of the 100 Engineers of the Modern Era by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2009), and was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors (2013). He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Biomedical Engineering Society, the Materials Research Society, and the American Chemical Society. Internationally, he is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Sciences, a Foreign Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, an Associate Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, and a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Laurencin is a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

Joan A. Steitz

Joan A. Steitz, Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at the Yale School of Medicine and Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, accepts the 2015 Connecticut Medal of Science. (Photo: Frank Labanca)

Joan A. Steitz was honored with the 2015 Connecticut Medal of Science for her seminal contributions to biology. Dr. Steitz is the Sterling Professor of
Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at the Yale School of Medicine and an investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Best known for her pioneering work in RNA, Dr. Steitz is an international leader in describing the molecular events involved in creating messenger RNA (mRNA). Messenger RNA transcribes information coded on DNA and delivers it to ribosomes, which translate the information needed to produce proteins. Her lab discovered tiny particles in cells called small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and described their role in splicing, an essential step in creating mRNA. By employing human autoantibodies as probes for the snRNPs in in vitro pre-mRNA splicing reactions, she showed that the particular snRNPs carry out precise steps in pre-mRNA splicing, thus demonstrating that snRNPs were essential for making mRNA for the first time. This was a fundamental contribution to biology as it explained a critical step in the expression of almost all eukaryotic genes. With estimates that 70% of human genetic diseases can be traced to defects in pre-mRNA splicing, Steitz’s work also has a significant impact on understanding the pathogenesis of human diseases.

In her laboratory, Professor Steitz continues to explore RNA structure and function. Her research includes defining the functions of other noncoding RNPs, such as those that guide the modification of ribosomal RNAs and several produced by transforming herpesviruses. Today, her studies of noncoding RNAs include microRNAs.

In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Professor Steitz is a dedicated teacher of biochemistry to Yale undergraduates and a mentor and research advisor to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. She is recognized for her commitment to the training and advancement of women scientists, in particular, and her inspired leadership led to a renaissance at Yale that made the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry one of the nation’s strongest in molecular biology.

A graduate of Antioch College, Steitz holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Harvard University. Steitz has authored nearly 300 papers, many of them in the highest impact journals (Science, Nature, Cell, and PHAS). She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Steitz is the recipient of over 60 awards, including the National Medal of Science (1986).

Robert Schoelkopf

2017 Connecticut Medal of Science recipient Robert Schoelkopf, Sterling Professor of Applied Physics and Physics and director of the
Yale Quantum Institute, with CASE President Laura Grabel, left, and Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. [Photo: Frank Labanca]

Professor Robert Schoelkopf, Sterling Professor of Applied Physics and Physics and Director of the Yale Quantum Institute, has been selected as the 2017 recipient of the Connecticut Medal of Science for his seminal contributions to the entire field of quantum science and to the new field of circuit quantum electrodynamics.

Schoelkopf is a leading experimental physicist, whose research has helped establish the field of quantum computation with solid-state devices. Together with his faculty collaborators at Yale, Michel Devoret and Steven Girvin, Schoelkopf has pioneered the approach of integrating superconducting qubits with microwave cavities, known as Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics. This Yale architecture, in which quantum information can be distributed by microwave signals on wires, is widely believed to be the most scalable path to useful quantum computers in the near future and has been adopted by a majority of other groups. Some of Schoelkopf’s other inventions include the Radio Frequency Single-Electron Transistor and the Shot Noise Thermometer.

“The State of Connecticut is proud to award the Connecticut Medal of Science to Robert Schoelkopf, who has made pioneering contributions to the field of quantum science,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “I am particularly pleased that Rob, a world leader in this field, is right here in Connecticut.”

In addition to his scientific accomplishments, Professor Schoelkopf is a dedicated advisor and mentor to graduate and postdoctoral students, currently supervising 5 postdoctoral scholars and 11 graduate students; he has mentored an additional 30 post-undergraduate scholars and students in the past. Additionally, he has reached out to the non-scientific community about this complex field and frequently is invited to present talks and seminars around the world. He is regularly called on to advise industry and federal agencies on the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, and he is a co-founder of Quantum Circuits, Inc., a Connecticut-based company working to deliver the first quantum computers. Professor Schoelkopf earned a Ph.D. in Physics from the California Institute of Technology. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, he also received numerous awards and honors including recognition as a Fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Physical Society. He has authored 145 papers in the field.

Professor Schoelkopf is a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

Theodore S. Sergi

Ted Sergi accepts Honorary Membership at the Academy’s 35th Annual Meeting, May 20, 2010 in Hartford. [Photo: Al Malpa]

Dr. Theodore S. Sergi was elected to Honorary Membership by the Academy’s Governing Council for his assistance and support in restarting the awarding of the state’s Connecticut Medals of Science and Technology; for providing visible and ongoing recognition of medal winners at the Science Center; and for his overall support of projects that complement the Academy’s own mission and goals, including his leadership as president and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center from its nascent stages in 2003 until its opening in May 2009. The CT Science Center’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning through interactive and innovative experiences that explore our changing world through science.

From 1994 to 2003, Dr. Sergi was Connecticut’s Commissioner of Education. During a 27-year career with the State Department of Education, he participated in the development of many important state initiatives, including the first efforts to equalize school funding, the initiation of the state’s testing program, and the beginning of comprehensive planning and public reporting of all education information. Sergi currently serves as Interim President and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance.

An economics graduate of Hobart College, Sergi holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and a JD, from the University of Connecticut, as well as an MA from Trinity College. Sergi was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1986. He is a proud graduate of the New York City Public Schools.

Richard C. Cole

After accepting Honorary Membership in the Academy, Richard C. Cole addresses the gathering at the 36th Annual Meeting & Dinner of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. (Photo: Al Malpa)

Richard C. Cole was elected to Honorary Membership for his work as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science & Technology, Inc. (CAE) that was recognized in 1992 by the General Assembly as an organization to serve as a state advocate and broker for high standards in mathematics, science, and technology for all citizens.

CAE works with educational entities in Connecticut and nationally to accomplish high levels of student participation and achievement in mathematics, science, and technology by providing tools and services to help school districts implement and sustain high-quality educational programs and by broadening the public’s awareness of the need for all students to learn mathematics and science.

Cole has been responsible for the organizational and fiscal leadership of CAE and for maintaining cooperative relationships with the governor, legislature, state and federal agencies, industry, local and regional education agencies, parent and community groups, and professional associations. He currently facilitates a statewide network of 14 organizations committed to achieving the objectives of CONNverge, a major program initiative to create a culture in Connecticut that supports student learning in mathematics and science. Cole has led several past projects including the Learning Doesn’t Take a Vacation Program, Connecticut Academy Science Assessment Program (CASAP), K-12 Mathematics and Science Guides, Systemic Improvement Protocol, and Mathematics and Science Technical Assistance and Professional Development Programs.

Cole served as Study Manager for Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) study, Evaluating the Impact of Supplementary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Educational Programs, and is currently a member of the CASE Study Committee on The Development of Guidelines for the Connecticut Strategic Plan for Broadband Accessibility and Adoption.

Earlier in his career, Cole was a teacher, school and district administrator, college instructor, and owned his own communications company prior to joining the United Technologies Corporation, where he served as Director of Public Affairs.

Glenn Cassis

Glenn Cassis addresses the Academy’s 37th annual meeting and dinner in May 2012 after receiving Honorary Membership.

Glenn Cassis was elected to Honorary Membership in recognition of his more than 20 years of service as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP) and for his support and stewardship of education programs as Executive Director of the African-American Affairs Commission (AAAC).

CPEP is a non-profit educational program that encourages underrepresented minority and female middle and high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. Under Cassis’ leadership, CPEP expanded from a single school district serving 43 students to 12 urban school districts serving more than 9,000 students. Through grants and proposals, he was responsible for increasing the annual budget from $20,000 to $1.4 million.

AAAC’s mission is to improve and promote the economic development, education, health, and political well-being of the African-American community in Connecticut, through advocacy, information sharing, cultural awareness, community networking, and influencing legislation. Since becoming Executive Director of AAAC, Cassis has remained active in STEM initiatives including serving on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology until June 2011, as well as testifying before the General Assembly on STEM education issues. Additionally, he has led and coordinated KnowHowToGo and College Goal Sunday, two statewide college preparation initiatives targeting first-generation students.

A native of New York and a resident of Bloomfield, Cassis holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in arts administration from the University of Connecticut. He also completed coursework in higher education administration at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst). He began his professional career as an administrator at Oakland University in Michigan and later served as Director of the Campus Center at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (formerly North Adams State College).

Cassis is active in several professional and nonprofit organizations, including the American Society of Engineering Educators, the Southern New England Association of Technical Professionals, the Education Advisory Board of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, past-president of the Connecticut Association of Education Opportunity Programs, vice-president of the Bloomfield Education Foundation, and treasurer for the National Association of Pre-College Directors. He has also served as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation and NASA.

Elliot Ginsberg

Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering President Lou Manzione, left, shakes hands with Elliot Ginsberg, President and CEO of CCAT. Ginsberg was elected to Honorary Membership and recognized at the 38th Annual Meeting and Dinner of the Academy.
(Photo: Frank LaBanca)

Elliot Ginsberg was elected to Honorary Membership in recognition of his accomplishments as President and CEO of CCAT, where he identifies and directs the formulation, implementation, and execution of innovative economic development tools and programs to promote the region’s technological capabilities.

CCAT offers a wide range of services to its diverse customer base by offering programs in technology, efficiency, and workforce development. CCAT addresses military and civilian advanced manufacturing needs, promotes energy planning and policy initiatives, and stimulates innovation and workforce development efforts. In addition, CCAT is actively involved in researching and field-testing how enhancements in lasers, computational modeling, and next-generation manufacturing can aid the competitive needs of the U.S. industry. For the past five years, CCAT has partnered with the Academy to sponsor the H. Joseph Gerber Medal of Excellence.

Under Ginsberg’s leadership, CCAT has made major achievements including:

creation of an advanced manufacturing center
development of additive manufacturing processes and materials to support the maintenance and repair of aerospace components; and patents for CCAT’S structured light scanner and its acoustic monitoring for laser-hole drilling of turbine engine components
provision of a program to advance the value of alternative fuels and clean energy sources
Ginsberg joined CCAT in 2007 after a decade serving as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. John B. Larson. He previously served as commissioner of the Department of Human Resources under Gov. William O’Neill, where he managed the statewide human services department for six years. A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, Ginsberg holds a J.D. from the UConn School of Law.

Ginsberg is a member of the board of directors of Connecticut Technology Council, Capital Workforce Partners, MetroHartford Alliance, Oak Hill, Natick, and Hanscom Science and Technology Boards, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Connecticut Landmarks, and Connecticut Legal Rights Project. He is a member of advisory boards for the NASA Space Grant Consortium, CT Regional Institute for the 21st Century, Charter Oak Cultural Center, Statewide Advanced Manufacturing Committee, Defense Technology Initiative, and the Connecticut Small Business Administration. He also is a member of the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission, the state Nanotechnology Council and the board of overseers for the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Michael P. Speciale

Speciale, center, is pictured with CASE President Lou Manzione and 2012 Honorary CASE Member Glenn Cassis, Executive Director of the African-American Affairs Commission. (Photo: Frank LaBanca)

Michael P. Speciale was elected to Honorary Membership to recognize his 29 years as executive director of the New England Air Museum. His tenure began six years after the disastrous 1979 tornado which nearly destroyed the Museum. At that time the Museum had relocated to its current site and had a substantial mortgage on its only building with no cash reserves. Speciale overhauled the once-struggling Museum which now boasts an additional 62,000 square feet and nearly 60,000 annual visitors.

Speciale has helped to create new and innovative exhibits and has overseen the restoration of numerous aircraft through the years including the VS-44 Flying Boat, the A-26 Invader, the Sikorsky S-51 helicopter, and the B-29 Superfortress. He oversaw the construction of two new exhibit hangars, and with the assistance of the 58th Bomb Wing, created a hangar to preserve the history of these veterans and their accomplishments during World War II.

In addition, Speciale incorporated special events into the Museum’s programming, instituted a corporate partnership program, and created a weekend, school holiday, and summer program that makes Museum educators available to teach the public about the science of aviation. He oversaw the creation and funding of the SOAR for Science program which teaches students the concepts of flight through discussion, demonstration, and hands-on activity and reaches over 135 classrooms in Connecticut. While proud of the Museum’s accomplishments, Speciale is quick to credit his talented staff (4 full-time, 16 part-time) and a dedicated cadre of more than 150 volunteers.

A graduate of Fordham College, Speciale holds a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University’s School of Social Service and a master’s in public administration from the University of Hartford. Speciale began his career as a social worker for the Community Church of New York and went on to work for the Greater Hartford United Way and later the United Way Connecticut, where he helped to develop and was the first director of the statewide 211 Infoline program.

Bruce Carlson

Bruce Carlson accepts Honorary Membership at the 2015 Annual Meting and Dinner. (Photo: Frank LaBanca)

Bruce Carlson, President & CEO of the Connecticut Technology Council, was elected to Honorary Membership for leadership and contributions throughout his career that support the Academy’s vision to “foster an environment where scientific and technological creativity can thrive and contribute to Connecticut becoming a leading place in the country to live, work and produce for all its citizens …”

Carlson has served as an associate project director/manager for two CASE studies: Broadband Access and Availability (2011) and Workforce Development (2012). He was also Chief of Staff at the UConn Health Center when CASE conducted the UConn Health Center (UCHC) study (2008), where he was key in providing CASE access to UCHC information and staff throughout the study. He is the President and CEO of the Connecticut Technology Council, the state’s largest broad-based technology industry association, representing the over 2500 technology companies in Connecticut. He also serves as Chairman of The IP Factory, an organization he founded and which is dedicated to creating new companies and jobs through commercializing technologies that have been developed in mid-sized to large companies; and Managing Partner of Jigsaw Ventures, a strategic planning consultancy. During his tenure as UCHC’s Chief of Staff, Carlson established the university’s technology transfer program and held the position of Managing Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization.

Prior to UConn Health Center, Carlson served as Policy Development Director with the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management for two decades. During that time, he served four governors from three political parties, with a primary focus on economic development and budget-related issues. He holds a BA in History from UConn.

Eloise Farmer

Eloise Farmer was elected to Honorary Membership for leadership and contributions throughout her career that support the Academy’s vision to “foster an environment where scientific and technological creativity can thrive and contribute to Connecticut becoming a leading place in the country to live, work and produce for all its citizens …”

Farmer continues to be a leader and advocate for science education in Connecticut. She taught science at Torrington High School from 1967 to 2003 and has served as president of the Connecticut Science Teachers Association (CSTA) as well as the Connecticut Science Supervisors Association (CSSA). She has been the editor of CSTA’s Science Matters for the past 10 years. This science education newsletter is published once a month during the school year and occasionally over the summer. It is distributed via email to a point-of-contact in every Connecticut public school, as well as private schools, higher education faculty, science-rich organizations, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), and other interested parties. Science Matters is the only newsletter that reaches the state’s K-12 science education community with time-sensitive news, professional development opportunities, request for proposal notifications, and CSDE reports.

Farmer’s dedication to Connecticut teachers and students has earned her several honors, including Torrington Teacher of the Year, CSTA Outstanding Science Educator Award, CSSA Connecticut Science Educator Fellowship, and CSDE’s Celebration of Excellence Award. She was a Fellow of the Project to Increase Mastery of Mathematics and Science at Wesleyan University and the former Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. Farmer has been a mentor and supervisor to student teachers at Connecticut universities and continues to mentor Torrington Public School District science teachers. Additionally, she has conducted numerous professional development workshops across the state and served for three years as science content director of EastConn’s Project Opening Doors, an Advanced Placement (AP) training, and support program. Always generous with her time and expertise, Farmer has been a reader/scorer for the College Board’s AP Tests, and a book reviewer for the National Science Teacher Association.

Farmer has a bachelor’s in education from the State University of New York at Cortland and a master’s degree from St. Joseph’s College, as well as postgraduate credits from various universities and an Intermediate Administrators Certificate from Southern Connecticut State University. She began her career in the Milwaukee Public School system.