Month: November 2011

Institute for Regenerative Engineering Receives New NIH Research Award

I am very happy to report that we just received an NIH grant award to develop our research on next generation bone grafts. The recognition from the NIH supports our confidence in the potential impact of our ideas on the future treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The innovation of the proposal is the use of small signaling molecules, based on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) combined with matrices for engineering bone tissue. This award highlights the creativity and dedication of our scientists at the Institute for Regenerative Engineering including our the excellent work of co‒investigator, Dr. Kevin Wai Hong Lo.

Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
University Professor
Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Chemical, Materials and Biomolecular Engineering
Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science
Director, Institute for Regenerative Engineering

Honored to Speak at Montana State University

On November 4th, I was so fortunate to be invited by Montana State University to give a public lecture on Regenerative Engineering of the Musculoskeletal System. It was sponsored by the Molecular Biosciences Program and the Montana IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program. This was my first time I visted the beautiful state of Montana. I so appreciated the hospitality. I particularly want to thank Cassandra Langr, a remarkable Ph.D. student at the school who was my host for the event.

I also gave a brief interview to their CBS TV affiliate channel while I was in Montana, and it is online.

Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
University Professor
Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Chemical, Materials and Biomolecular Engineering
Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science
Director, Institute for Regenerative Engineering

Diversity Award 2011

I was honored and humbled to have received the Biomedical Engineering Society’s (BMES) Diversity Award for 2011 at its recent annual meeting. It honors an individual, project, organization, or institution for outstanding contributions to improving gender and racial diversity in biomedical engineering.

During the BMES annual meeting I gave the Diversity Lecture entitled “What I Teach When I Mentor– What I’ve Learned When I’ve Been Taught” I focused on the importance of courage in striving to achieve goals and the importance of the mentor/mentee relationship.

As a mentor for numerous students and fellows, I am so proud when I see the numbers of individuals being recognized for their achievements. There is no greater joy for me than spending time to mentor my students, fellows, and residents. Their curiosity and enthusiasm keep me moving forward.

Thanks for your support.

Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
University Professor
Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Chemical, Materials and Biomolecular Engineering
Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science
Director, Institute for Regenerative Engineering