Five Yale Engineers Elected to Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering

SEAS faculty members James Duncan, Jay Humphrey, Laura Niklason, Joseph Pignatello, and Kurt Zilm have been elected to membership in the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE). In addition to the five SEAS representatives, 16 other new CASE members are affiliated with Yale University.

James Duncan, Ebenezer K. Hunt Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, & Diagnostic Radiology, was cited for outstanding contributions to the development and application of mathematical models that can be used to analyze biomedical images, including seminal work on the use of parameterized deformable shape models to locate biological structures and integrated methods to track and quantify the non-rigid motion of the heart.

Jay Humphrey, John C. Malone Professor of Biomedical Engineering, was cited for improving our understanding of both blood vessel mechanics, and our ability to diagnose and treat life-threatening conditions, such as aneurysms. Humphrey, a pioneer in cardiovascular biomechanics, was also praised for being one of the most thoughtful teachers of mechanobiology in the world.

Laura Niklason, professor of anesthesiology & biomedical engineering, was cited as a pioneer in tissue engineering, including ex vivo construction of vessels and lung as well as engineered arteries that are now in clinical trials. Additionally, she was recognized for developing new bioreactor technologies, revealing new principles in vessel remodeling, and contributing to our understanding of cellular aging.

Joseph Pignatello, adjunct professor of chemical & environmental engineering, was cited for establishing himself as a world leader in environmental science, specifically the fate and remediation of contaminants. In addition to being an ISI Highly-Cited author in both Engineering and Ecology /Environment, he has taught at the graduate level, mentored graduate and post-graduate students, and served the public through outreach.

Kurt Zilm, professor of chemistry & chemical & environmental engineering, was cited for outstanding contributions to the design of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) hardware and for the application of solid state NMR, yielding unprecedented insights into the physical chemistry of polymers and proteins.

Election to the Academy is on the basis of scientific and engineering distinction achieved through significant contributions in theory or applications, as demonstrated by original published books and papers, patents, the pioneering of new and developing fields and innovative products, outstanding leadership of nationally recognized technical teams, and external professional awards in recognition of scientific and engineering excellence.

CASE was chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1976 to provide expert guidance on science and technology to the people and to the state of Connecticut, and to promote the application of science and technology to human welfare and economic well-being.