The University of Connecticut College of Engineering has recognized 12 faculty members with endowed and term professorship appointments, honoring their outstanding achievements in research, teaching, innovation, and service.
The appointments recognize faculty whose work is advancing engineering knowledge, educating future generations of engineers, and driving innovations that extend far beyond the University. Through groundbreaking research, industry partnerships, technology development, and student mentorship, these scholars are helping address some of society’s most pressing challenges while strengthening UConn Engineering’s reputation as a leader in research and innovation.
“These appointments recognize faculty whose scholarship, innovation, and leadership have made a meaningful impact within UConn Engineering and beyond,” says Dean JC Zhao. “Their accomplishments strengthen our reputation for excellence while helping to advance research, educate engineers, and address important challenges in society.”
The following faculty members have been appointed to professorships:
Centennial Professors
- Luyi Sun (chemical and biomolecular engineering)
- Pu-Xian Gao (materials science and engineering)
- Lesley Frame (materials science and engineering)
- Kelly Burke (chemical and biomolecular engineering)
Collins Aerospace Term Professors
- Desen Özkan (chemical and biomolecular engineering)
- Diego Cerrai (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
- Seok-Woo Lee (materials science and engineering)
Castleman Term Professors
- Xueju “Sophie” Wang (materials science and engineering)
- Yongku Cho (chemical and biomolecular engineering)
- Anna Tarakanova (School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering)
- Yupeng Chen (biomedical engineering)
- Nick Lownes (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Endowed and term professorships represent one of the highest recognitions a faculty member can receive. They honor sustained excellence while providing additional support to expand research programs, attract top students and collaborators, and accelerate discoveries with real-world impact.
Across disciplines ranging from advanced materials and biomedical engineering to transportation, sustainability, manufacturing, and chemical engineering, these faculty members are developing new technologies, forging partnerships with industry and government, and translating research into solutions that improve lives and strengthen economic competitiveness.
Together, their work exemplifies the College of Engineering’s commitment to excellence in research, education, and innovation, while reinforcing UConn’s role as a leading public research university.
