Connecticut Technology Council Honors 11 From UConn

Formed in 1994, the organization is the voice of all technology companies in Connecticut

Honorees posing for a photo at the event

(Photo courtesy of J. Fiereck Photography)

An impressive 11 members of the University of Connecticut community were honored as part of the 19th annual Women of Innovation Awards, hosted by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) and held on October 22 at the Woodwinds in Branford.

Fumiko Hoeft, Dean of UConn Waterbury, speaks at the CTIC awards ceremony on Oct. 22.
Fumiko Hoeft, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of UConn Waterbury, speaks at the CTIC awards ceremony on Oct. 22 (Photo courtesy of J. Fiereck Photography)

The honorees included faculty and students from four different schools and colleges across UConn Health, UConn Storrs, and UConn Waterbury.

“I could not be more proud of the extraordinary group of UConn women who received these well-deserved honors,” says UConn President Radenka Maric. “From undergraduate students to senior faculty, they exemplify the innovative spirit and passion for discovery that make our University such a special place.

The CTC recognizes women who have achieved remarkable success and are empowering other women and girls in scientific research, education, manufacturing, and business. Formed in 1994, the organization is the voice of all technology companies in Connecticut.

“Since the first Women of Innovation event that I attended, I have been extremely impressed with the great contribution these outstanding women – including this 2024 WOI group – have had and continue to have on the technology ecosystem and our society,” says Giovanni Tomasi, President/Chief Technology Officer of RSL Fiber Systems and Board Chair of CTC.

All honorees are currently working or studying in Connecticut, demonstrating strong leadership abilities, and have served as a mentor – either short or long-term, peer, career or life mentor.

The following are the UConn honorees from the event with the category that they were recognized in.

Screen displaying all of the honorees
(Photo courtesy of J. Fiereck Photography)

Research Innovation and Leadership

Xiuling Lu , Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy

Zongjie Wang , Associate Director, Eversource Energy Center/Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Yanjiao Zhou, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, UConn Health

Community Innovation and Leadership

Jennifer Pascal, Associate Professor in Residence and Associate Department Head, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Academic Innovation and Leadership

Sama Abdulmalik, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UConn Health

Caroline Dealy, Associate Professor, Departments of Orthodontics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Dental Medicine; and Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Cell Biology, School of Medicine.

Fumiko Hoeft, Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, UConn Waterbury

Jasna Jankovic, Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering Department, College of Engineering

Collegian Innovation and Leadership

Patricia Hare, DMD-Ph.D. Candidate, School of Dental Medicine

Tvesha Parikh, Ph.D. Graduate Student, Biomedical Sciences, UConn Health

Laxmi Vobbineni, Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering major