Two women from UConn were among 10 from across Connecticut who were honored for their innovation and leadership during the eighth annual Women of Innovation awards dinner on March 1.
Amy Anderson, an associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Nicole Wagner, a graduate student studying molecular and cell biology, were selected from among 53 finalists. The Connecticut Technology Council sponsors the awards to recognize women in the workforce who are innovators, role models, and leaders in the fields of technology, science, and engineering. Young women in high school were also recognized.
Besides Anderson and Wagner, seven other women representing UConn were included in the field of 53.
“Many of Connecticut’s most extraordinary and talented women working in technology are here tonight,” said Matthew Nemerson, president and CEO of the Connecticut Technology Council, during the awards presentation. “This awards event puts a spotlight on exceptional innovators and leaders, while also introducing them to a professional network of peers who are equally accomplished.”
Anderson was recognized in the Research Innovation and Leadership category for her work in leading a research group that hopes to discover and develop novel drugs for treating infectious diseases and cancer, and to understand and overcome mechanisms of drug resistance. Wagner’s award is in the Collegian Innovation and Leadership category. She won the award as CEO of LambdaVision, a company that is a direct outgrowth of her graduate studies. Wagner is working on getting her company’s protein-based retinal implant through preclinical trials.
The Connecticut Technology Council is Connecticut’s industry association for the technology sector. Its mission is to connect people, ideas, and opportunities to the global technology and innovation community. CTC provides members with business assistance and specialized programs, in addition to promoting and supporting public policies that globally position Connecticut’s culture of innovation, helping to attract great ideas and entrepreneurs to develop new jobs and wealth for the state.
