Cato T. Laurencin

University Professor

Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Professor of Biomedical EngineeringCenter for Resilient Materials and Systems

Director, The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Center for Biomedical, Biological, Physical and Engineering Sciences

Chief Executive Officer, The Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering

The University of Connecticut

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 8:30-9:30 AM
Innovation Room, The Convergence Center

"Regenerative Engineering: Chemistry and Materials Science in Regeneration"

Abstract: We define the field of Regenerative Engineering as the Convergence of Advanced Materials Science, Stem Cell Science, Physics, Developmental Biology, and Clinical Translation for the regeneration of complex tissues and organ systems. Work in the area of musculoskeletal tissue regeneration has focused on a number of technologies. Polymeric nanofiber systems create the prospect for biomimetics that recapitulate connective tissue ultrastructure allowing for the design of biomechanically functional matrices, and next generation matrices that create a niche for stem cell activity. Polymer and polymer-ceramic systems can be utilized for the regeneration of bone. Through the use of inducerons, small molecules fostering induction, the design of regeneration-inducing materials can be realized. Hybrid matrices possessing micro and nano architecture can create advantageous systems for regeneration, while the use of classic principles of chemistry, materials science, and engineering can lead to the development of three-dimensional systems suitable for functional regeneration of tissues. Work in the creation of synthetic artificial stem cells present prospects for joint restoration. Through convergence of a number of technologies, we believe the prospect of engaging future grand challenges is possible.

Cecilia R. Aragon

Professor, Director, Human-Centered Data Science Lab, Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 10:15-11:15 AM
Innovation Room, The Convergence Center

"What Flying Upside Down Taught Me About Engineering and AI"

Abstract: In this talk, Cecilia Aragon describes her journey from extremely fearful daughter of immigrants to daredevil airshow pilot — and then to using supercomputers and human-centered artificial intelligence to solve some of the greatest mysteries of the universe. She'll present examples from a 30-year career in data science, artificial intelligence, and aviation and talk about how using math to face her fears enabled her to become the first Latina pilot on the US Unlimited Aerobatic Team. She scaffolded that courage to build a career in data science and AI, developing the new field of human-centered data science and becoming the first Latina to achieve the rank of Full Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington in its 100-year history.

Rebecca Brent

President, Education Designs, LLC., Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Richard M. Felder

Hoechst Celanese Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Office of Naval Research

Thomas C. Fu

Head, Sea Warfare and Weapons Department, Office of Naval Research

National Science Foundation

Ronald D. Joslin

Program Director, Fluid Dynamics, Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, & Transport Systems Division, Directorate for Engineering

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Dave Gutekunst

Program Director, NIBIB Division of Interdisciplinary Training

Department of Energy

Marina Sofos

Program Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) U.S. Department of Energy

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Ellen M. Robinson

Senior General Engineer in the Air Force Office of Scientific Research's (AFOSR) Science and Engineering Division, Science and Engineering Collaboration Branch

Oscar Barton

Dean, Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering, Morgan State University

Mark J. McCready

Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame

La'Tonia Stiner-Jones

Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Associate Professor of Practice in Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University's College of Engineering

Karina Vielma

Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, at The University of Texas, at San Antonio

John Fitzgerald Gates

Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Clinical Professor in the Krannert School of Management

Olivia A. Graeve

Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Director, CaliBaja Center for Resilient Materials and Systems
University of California, San Diego

LATinE Keynote Lecture Title: Building Compassion and Human Bridges Through Research Collaborations

Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 9:45-10:45 AM

Abstract: We have often been asked why it is important to promote and implement gender and ethnic diversity in academia and industry. We believe it should not be justified based on economic considerations. Diversity has many more positive outcomes. It promotes human understanding and compassion and allows people of all identities to recognize value in others and themselves. We are convinced it is the solution to world peace, and with a fervent belief in the beauty of peace, have built an educational program where diversity takes center stage. The ENLACE summer research program was built on hope; hope that we can build something extraordinary, with kindness, compassion, and respect for others. During this talk, owe will discuss this program as an example broader impacts effort that is highly effective and that may serve as a model for other programs.

Moderators:  Luciano Castillo, Kenninger Professor of Renewable Energy and Power Systems in Mechanical Engineering
Julio Ramirez, Karl H. Kettelhut Professor in Civil Engineering and National Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) Network Coordination Office (NCO) Center Director

C. Fred Higgs III

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Director, Rice Center for Engineering Leadership; John and Ann Doerr Professor of Mechanical Engineering, at Rice University

BTE Keynote Lecture Title: A Flourishing America Must Have More and More Tenured URM Engineering Faculty

Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 1:15-2:15 PM

Abstract: A nation’s power is determined by three key components: economic, military, and political strength. Technology greatly affects all three of these components, and it is researched and/or developed by universities, companies, and government labs. All these institutions are dependent on well-trained students from universities. So, at the heart of a nation’s power is university professors whose labs are continuously producing professionals, professors, and products. And at the start of the pandemic (2019), history was made when more than half of the nation’s under-16 population identified as racial or ethnic majority. Therefore, the future workforce and student base is more diverse and if the nation is to flourish, technology needs to be advanced and continuously commercialized and utilized. These aspirations cannot be fulfilled unless higher education diversifies its faculty, but at the crux of it is more and more tenured underrepresented minority (URM) engineering faculty. In this talk, I make the case for engineering trailblazers to first and foremost, consider academia.

Moderator: Phillip S. Dunston, Professor of Civil Engineering and Professor of Construction Engineering and Management

Lisa Hanasono

Academic Director of Training & Content; Certified Workshop Facilitator; Faculty Success Program Coach, National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD)

Time Management: How to Manage Your Time So You Can Publish Prolifically AND Have a Life Beyond the Ivory Tower

Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 8:00-11:00 AM

Lance Collins

Inaugural Vice President and Executive Director, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Navigating the complex landscape of "privilege"

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 6:00-7:00 PM

Following a brief summary of the major milestones of my career, I will delve into the meaning of the loaded and highly contextualized word “privilege” as it applies to different people in different circumstances. I have come to realize that only its absence is visible, hence it creates a complex landscape to negotiate. In my own reflections, it has been a rich tapestry of mentors that enabled me to navigate the unseen twists and turns. In this talk, I will relate 40 years of experience – my college years to the present – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Olivia A. Graeve

Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Director, CaliBaja Center for Resilient Materials and Systems; Editor, Materials Letters
University of California, San Diego

Building Compassion and Human Bridges Through Research Collaborations: A Personal Bi-national Journey

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 6:00-7:00 PM

I have often been asked why it is important to promote and implement gender and ethnic diversity in academia and industry. One common justification originates from the social science literature, which describes that diversity has a positive impact on innovation, transparency, and financial performance. However, I do not believe that diversity should only be justified based on economic considerations. Diversity has many more positive outcomes. It promotes human understanding and compassion and allows people of all identities to recognize value in others and themselves. I am convinced it is the solution to world peace, and with a fervent belief in the beauty of peace, have built a variety of bi-national educational programs where diversity takes center stage. The Tijuana-San Diego border regionmy homeis my inspiration. It has allowed me to connect with extraordinary people that are up to the challenge of exploring and solving the extreme social and economic challenges found along the Tijuana-San Diego border, the busiest border in the world, a place where extremes collide and converge to form a unique social fabric and an emerging bi-national identity. As I continue growing my bi-national programs, it is my aspiration and promise that walls and bordersall kinds of walls and borderscan be eradicated. During my talk, I will share my journey and vision of hope; the hope that we can build something extraordinary, with kindness, compassion, and respect for others.

Moderator
Barrett Caldwell

Professor of Industrial Engineering and Professor of Aeronautics & Astronautics (By Courtesy), Purdue University, and Director, NASA Indiana Space Grant Consortium

Stephanie G. Adams

Dean and Lars Magnus Ericsson Chair of Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas, Dallas and Past President of the American Society of Engineering Education

Richard A. Tapia

University Professor, Rice University; Maxfield and Oshman Professorship in Engineering, Rice University; Adjunct Professor, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Houston; Director, Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), Rice University; Director, Center for Excellence and Equity in Education, Rice University; Associate Director of Minority Affairs, Office of Graduate Studies, Rice University

Rebecca Brent

President, Education Designs, Inc., Cary, North Carolina

Richard M. Felder

Hoechst Celanese Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Ronald D. Joslin

Program Director, Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport (CBET) System, National Science Foundation

Office of Naval Research (ONR)

Thomas C. Fu

Head, Mission Capable, Persistent and Survivable Naval Platforms Department of the Office of Naval Research (ONR); Acting Director, Advanced Naval Platforms Division within the Mission Capable, Persistent and Survivable Naval Platforms Department, Office of Naval Research

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Joan M. Greve

Scientific Program Manager, Division of Interdisciplinary Training (DIDT) at National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)

Ellen M. Robinson

Program Coordinator for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research’s (AFOSR) Science and Engineering Division, Physical and Biological Sciences Branch; and the Department of Defense (DoD) Program Manager for the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG) Program