Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. earned his B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton, his M.D., Magna Cum Laude, from the Harvard Medical School, and his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology from M.I.T.

He is the pioneer of the field of Regenerative Engineering.

In receiving the Spingarn Medal, he was named the world’s foremost engineer-physician-scientist. Dr. Laurencin pioneered the novel use of polymeric biomaterials for treating musculoskeletal conditions. In recognition of his breakthrough achievements, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers created the Cato T. Laurencin Regenerative Engineering Founder’s Award.

Dr. Laurencin’s work spans fundamental science, applied science, and technology translation. He has received the highest honors in all areas including Chemistry (Priestley Medal), Materials Science (Von Hippel Award), Biological Engineering (Jay Bailey Award), Medical and Biological Engineering (Pierre Galletti Award) and Surgery (Nicolas Andry Award).

In science, engineering, medicine, and innovation, he is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, and an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He is the first surgeon in history to be elected to all four national academies. Dr. Laurencin received the Philip Hague Abelson Prize, the highest honor of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, for "signal contributions to the advancement of science in the United States" for his work in Regenerative Engineering. He is the first person to receive both the oldest/highest award from the National Academy of Engineering (the Simon Ramo Founder's Award) and one of the oldest/highest awards of the National Academy of Medicine (the Walsh McDermott Medal). In innovation, Dr. Laurencin was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, America's highest honor for technological advancement, by President Barack Obama in ceremonies at the White House.

Dr. Laurencin is the University Professor and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor at the University of Connecticut.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at UConn.