As a McNair Scholar and Honors Chemical Engineering student, Shihao Zhai has exemplified the highest standards of scholarship and commitment to the field. Throughout his undergraduate years, Shihao’s contributions to our department and the broader community have been invaluable. As he embarks on the next phase of his career, we wish him continued success, growth, and fulfillment.
Read more about Shihao’s journey on UConn Today.

World-renowned surgeon and scientist, Dr. Cato Laurencin, has founded a new startup to help humans regrow limbs. With over 30 years of experience in the field of regenerative engineering, Dr. Laurencin is leading the charge in developing cutting-edge technologies to restore lost limbs and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. We are thrilled to see such groundbreaking research taking place right here in the UConn Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department!
The University of Connecticut has established The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a new cross-campus institute focused on innovative approaches in medicine, science, engineering, and technology. We are thrilled that this new institute is named in honor of Cato T. Laurnecin, our distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and a leading figure in the field of regnerative engineering. Congratulations to Professor Laurnecin on this exciting new venture!