Health Center VP honored for chemical engineering achievements

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, vice president for health affairs at the UConn Health Center and dean of the medical school, has been named among “100 Chemical Engineers of the Modern Era” by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

The recognition from the world’s leading organization for chemical engineering professionals acknowledges Laurencin’s work in tissue engineering to develop materials to promote bone repair and wound healing.

Specifically, AIChE recognized Laurencin for development of a novel polymer-synthesized, ceramic composite-based system for bone repair and in vitro evaluation.

“This is a wonderful honor, made possible by the collective work of the colleagues on my research team,” says Laurencin, who received the recognition as part of the organization’s centennial celebration.

The recognition is designed to highlight individuals who have contributed to the profession during the “Modern Era,” the years following World War II. The awards will be presented at the AIChE’s annual meeting in Philadelphia next month.

An orthopedic surgeon as well as a chemical engineer, Laurencin has focused much of his research on the development of materials to assist in treating orthopedic trauma and performing reconstructive surgeries and arthroplasties.

“The synthetic materials are biodegradable polymers or plastics made from specific compounds that are absorbed into the body as part of the healing process,” he says.

“Besides aiding in tissue repair and regeneration, these new materials don’t need to be removed like traditional materials.”

Mun Choi, dean of the School of Engineering, says, “Through the AIChE recognition, Dr. Laurencin has taken his rightful position alongside leading figures in the field.”