By Claire Galvin, UConn School of Engineering Manager of Communications and Digital Strategy
University of Connecticut School of Engineering faculty, staff, alumni and friends gathered on May 11 to celebrate the UConn Academy of Distinguished Engineers Class of 2023.
New inductees include Anthony D’Andrea, Brian Heery, Richard Ierardi, Nader Jalili, Anne-Marie McDonnell, Matthew Olander, Vineet Sahasrabudhe, Michael Sarpu, and Richard Thibeault.
The UConn Academy of Distinguished Engineers is a highly selective and esteemed community of accomplished alumni and friends who have made exceptional contributions to their fields of engineering. Membership in the academy is a recognition of an individual’s significant achievements and leadership in their profession, as well as their commitment to the advancement of engineering education and research.
D’Andrea is the President of Rocco V. D’Andrea, Inc, a land-use consulting firm. He graduated with a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering.
Heery is Chairman of the Board for Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. He graduated with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering.
An engineering Fellow for Pratt & Whitney, Ierardi has worked at Raytheon Technologies for his entire career. He graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering.
Jalili is the Southern Methodist University Mary and Richard Templeton Dean of Lyle School of Engineering. He earned a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering.
McDonnell is recently retired from Connecticut Department of Transportation after 35 years of service. She graduated with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
Olander is the Vice President for Design and Engineering at General Dynamics Electric Boat. He currently sits on the advisory board for the School and for the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy.
Director of Engineering Services and Systems Engineering at Sikorsky, Sahasrabudhe is also a member of the Systems Engineering and Professional Education Advisory Board.
Sarpu is a retired Lockheed Martin Operations Executive. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Finally, Thibeault is a Principal Investigator for Shipboard Electromagnetic Compatibility Improvement Program for all active United States submarines. He graduated with a bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering.
New this year is the GOLD Rising Star Awards. This award recognizes graduates of the last decade, alumni who inspire the world around them through their contributions to engineering. Two rising stars earned this distinction: Morad Behandish and Nicole Piscopo.
Behandish is the Research Director for Digital Design and Manufacturing at the Palo Alto Research Center. He graduated in 2016 with a master’s in Computer Science and Engineering and a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering.
Piscopo is a Senior Engineer in Cell Therapy Process Development at CRISPR Therapeutics in the immune-oncology division. She graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering.
More information about the 2023 winners is available in this download. More information about all award winners throughout the years is available on our website.
