We are excited to highlight yet another outstanding recent graduate of our department, Katelynn Horvath!

Katelynn conducted research with Professor Yongku Cho where she engineered proteins that bind to modified RNA molecules—critical tools for studying RNA modifications associated with human disease. Her passion for research led her to prestigious national opportunities: she was selected as a 2024 Amgen Scholar, spending a transformative summer at Caltech, and previously expanded her research experience as a 2023 REU participant at the University of Florida.

At UConn, Katelynn graduated as an Honors Scholar with a perfect GPA and served as one of the 2025 Engineering Commencement Banner Carriers — a distinction awarded to top-performing students who exemplify academic excellence and leadership. This fall, she will begin her PhD at MIT Chemical Engineering. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in the world. Congratulations, Katelynn!

As we continue to reflect on the commencement weekend, we’re thrilled to highlight the achievements of another outstanding graduate from our department, Jacob Crow!

Engineering runs deep in Jacob’s roots. With a proud Husky legacy—his grandmother, great aunt, parents, uncle, and siblings all UConn grads—Jacob continued the family tradition with excellence in College of Engineering. During his time at UConn, he actively participated in several professional and academic organizations, including the UConn Chapters of AIChE, ISPE, and Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society), as well as the Badminton, Chess, and Quantum Computing Clubs.

This fall, Jacob is headed to Duke University to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and materials science with Dr. Miaofang Chi.

Congratulations, Jacob – we are proud of your achievements and can’t wait to see what you will accomplish next!

Read Jacob’s story on UConn Today.

As Commencement Weekend comes to a close, we’re proud to share the incredible journey of one of our outstanding graduates, Camila Connolly!

Camila’s path through UConn is a powerful story of growth, leadership, and service. A Chemical Engineering major and Air Force ROTC cadet, she’s held numerous leadership roles across campus—including as a Weekend of Welcome captain, undergraduate TA for Engineering 1166: Foundations of Engineering, and an event manager/ambassador at the Student Union. She also held leadership roles with Phi Sigma Rho, Major General Joseph Ward Silver Wings Chapter, and the Towers Residence Hall Association.

Originally planning to attend medical school, Camila discovered her passion for engineering after joining ROTC and interning at Pratt & Whitney. That pivotal experience reshaped her goals—and now, she’s preparing to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. She’ll begin her career as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Kadena Air Base in Japan before transitioning into acquisitions and, eventually, project management in the aerospace defense industry.

Congratulations, Camila — we are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for all that’s ahead!

Read Camilla’s story on UConn Today.