The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) has once again recognized UConn’s significant contribution to research and innovation with the election of nine new members to the prestigious group.

UConn and UConn Health faculty account for 25% of the CASE induction class of 2026, announced earlier this week. The Academy will introduce a total of 36 new members at CASE’s 51^st Annual Dinner, scheduled to be held on May 19.

CASE membership is reserved for scientists and engineers who live or work in the state. The Connecticut General Assembly established the Academy in 1976, seeking to provide expert guidance on science and technology to influence policy and investment. Each member of CASE has achieved a level of scientific distinction through original contributions to science and engineering.

UConn is well represented in CASE, both in the Class of 2026 as well as historically. Hundreds of CASE members are current or emeritus UConn faculty and leaders, with numerous alumni also among the membership ranks.

“UConn is proud of the many faculty members who have transcended the University to become excellent contributors to Connecticut’s legacy in innovation, science, engineering, and health,” says Linsday DiStefano, UConn’s interim Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. “Our University aligns with CASE’s mission, as evident by the nine new members as well as the many UConn-affiliated members throughout the Academy’s history.”

The Class of 2026 includes UConn and UConn Health leaders, endowed professors, researchers from several different schools and colleges, and emeriti. UConn’s new CASE inductees are:

• Abhijit Banerjee, Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Connecticut
• Nora Berrah, Distinguished Professor of Physics, University of Connecticut
• David Goldhamer, Professor; Graduate Program Head, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut
• Amy Gorin, Senior Vice Provost; Professor of Psychological Sciences, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
• Christopher Heinen, Tenured Professor of Medicine, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health
• Daniel Mulkey, Professor of Physiology; Professor of Neurobiology, University of Connecticut
• Thanh Nguyen, Associate Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Connecticut
• Lea F. Santos, Professor of Physics; Associate Department Head for Administration, University of Connecticut
• Liang Zhang, Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut