The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) is marking its 50^th anniversary with a class of inductees featuring a significant UConn presence.

Twelve UConn faculty members from across multiple schools and colleges are among the 36 total new members for the CASE Class of 2025. The Academy is comprised of top researchers, scholars, scientists, and engineers who have made significant original contributions to their respective fields.

UConn accounts for one-third of the entire 36-person class of new inductees. CASE will formally introduce the honorees at the Academy’s 50^th Annual Dinner, which will be held at UConn’s main campus in Storrs on May 28.

Faculty from the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy are represented as inductees. They join hundreds of UConn leaders and researchers who are CASE members dating back to the Academy’s founding in 1975. The 12 inductees matches UConn’s total from 2024.

“UConn’s inductees to CASE exemplify the University’s commitment to excellence across many disciplines,” says Pamir Alpay, UConn’s vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as a CASE member. “Through their work as researchers and as educators, these faculty members are contributing to advancing science and engineering as they instruct the next generation to make its own positive impact. Congratulations to all of UConn’s 2025 inductees and thank you for your dedicated work on behalf of the State of Connecticut.”

Scientists and engineers living or working in Connecticut are eligible for CASE election. The Connecticut General Assembly established the Academy in 1976, seeking to provide expert guidance on science and technology to the State. Each member of CASE has achieved a level of scientific distinction through original contributions to science and engineering.

“CASE is honored to have these outstanding scientists and engineers join us as we seek to fulfill our mission to provide evidence-based advice to inform policy and promote innovation in Connecticut,” says CASE President Amy Howell.

The following UConn faculty members will be introduced in late May:

• Gerald Berkowitz, Professor of Horticulture, CAHNR
• Ming-Hui Chen, Department Head of Statistics; Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, CLAS
• Jie He, Professor of Chemistry, CLAS
• Omer Khan, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, COE
• Guozhen Lu, Professor of Mathematics; Director of Mathematical Sciences Research Collaboratory, CLAS
• Xiuling Lu, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Associate Director, Kildsig Center for Pharmaceutical Processing Research, School of Pharmacy
• Vijay Rathinam, Professor of Immunology, UConn Health School of Medicine
• Kumar Venkitanarayanan, Professor of Animal Science; Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, CAHNR
• Ji-Cheng Zhao, Dean of the College of Engineering; Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, COE
• Jing Zhao, Professor of Chemistry, CLAS
• Guoan Zheng, UTC Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Director, UConn Center for Biomedical and Bioengineering Innovation, COE
• Xiao-Dong Zhou, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Professor in Sustainable Energy; The Nicholas E. Madonna Chair in Sustainability; Director, Center for Clean Energy Engineering; Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, COE