On Monday in a crowded Keller Auditorium, the UConn Health community gathered to recognize the outstanding contributions of women in science and medicine.

Dr. Julie Gowacki of Massachusetts General Hospital was the keynote speaker at the symposium, which is an annual event. Gowacki, an oral maxillofacial surgeon, discussed skeletal research, tissue engineering, and skeletal reconstruction at a cellular level, and outlined new opportunities for translational research, from stem cell manipulation to accelerated proliferation of osteoblasts.

The keynote address set the stage for the presentation of awards to faculty and students who have made significant contributions to the advancement of research during the past year. Dr. Marja Hurley, associate dean for health career opportunities, presided over the awards ceremony.

Linda Shapiro, associate professor of cell biology and director of the Center for Vascular Biology, was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Recognition Award for her career accomplishments in inflammation and angiogenesis in cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Stormy Chamberlain, assistant professor of genetics and developmental biology, was honored by the Connecticut Technology Council with its Women of Innovation award. The award recognizes her work on imprinting disorders and her recent studies of Angelman’s Syndrome.

The Group on Women in Medicine and Science also honored three medical students for distinctions earned in the past year:

Deborah Hall ’15 MD was recognized for her selection as the President of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA).

Fludiona Naka earned recognition for her election as the AMSA Secretary for 2015.

Melina Benson was honored as the recipient of the 2015 Provost’s Academic Achievement Award for her accomplishments, including original research on percutaneous cholecystectomy tubes.