Franklin R. Chang-Díaz (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, ’73) was inducted into the NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame. He is the first Hispanic astronaut to receive this honor. Dr. Chang-Diaz earned his Ph.D. in applied plasma physics from MIT and established an impressive career as a scientist, astronaut and entrepreneur. He is one of only two astronauts to fly on seven space shuttle missions and has logged more than 1,601 hours in space. Dr. Chang-Diaz is currently president and CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Company

Andrew Chemistruck (B.S. Electrical & Computer Engineering, 05) joined engineering consulting firm Ulteig, headquartered in Fargo, ND.  Ulteig offers a wide variety of engineering, surveying and consulting services. Andy joined the company’s Energy Services unit as a protection and control engineer in the Minneapolis office. He previously worked for Texas Instruments as a senior circuit design engineer.

Benjamin S. Hsiao (M.S., Ph.D., Materials Science/Polymer Science ’84, ’87) was named Vice President for Research at Stony Brook University. Dr. Hsiao was previously a professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook.  In his new position, Dr. Hsiao oversees the Research Foundation, supervises all of the university’s research administration activities and functions, and is the primary advocate for the university’s research enterprise on a state, national and international level.

Chris Norris (B.S. Civil Engineering, ’09) E.I.T., is an Assistant Project Engineer with Siefert Associates, LLC. Chris has worked on a variety of projects, including the Roslyn NY Viaduct Canopy Support, Formwork Design for NYC Amtrak Vent Shafts, Crane Layout Plans for the Tappan Zee Bridge in NY, and others.

Stay in touch with fellow UConn engineering alumni!  Visit http://www.engr.uconn.edu/alumni/ and fill us in on your latest activities or learn what your college friends are doing nowadays!