Events

Call for Applications
The Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is a 2-year program of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering which aims to develop the next generation of innovative scientists by providing academic training to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science. The program is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented students to contribute towards developing a sustainable pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school and/or graduate school. YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to obtain a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
Overview:
YIIP is an intensive research program for college graduates comprised of graduate level coursework and mentored research in biomedical laboratories at the University of Connecticut (Farmington and Storrs campuses). It provides individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. YIIP Scholars earn a stipend and qualify for health insurance coverage. In addition, some tuition expenses and fees associated with required graduate level courses are waived. Upon successful completion of year one, scholars obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science. In year two, Scholars who meet the academic qualifications pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science involving innovative mentored research.
Eligibility:
The selection committee is committed to the principle of IDEAL, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Learning, as a plan to achieve justice and equity. A priority for the program is increasing (1) individuals traditionally underrepresented and marginalized in the biomedical sciences and (2) first-generation students. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
All applicants must:
• Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
• Meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
For more information, please visit our website: https://health.uconn.edu/regenerative-engineering-institute/young-innovative-investigator-program/ or contact:
Jolene Monahan Wilding
Program Manager
monahanwilding@uchc.edu
or
Gualberto Ruaño, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Special Projects
ruano@uchc.edu
Due to the competitiveness of the program, YIIP has a shorter application timeline, than the dates indicated by The Graduate School for Fall 2025 enrollment. Apply at the Graduate School’s Website by Sunday March 30th, 2025. In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, please submit a copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement of Interest and Professional Goals, a Narrative on Research Experience, a Statement describing how your past, present, and future achievement will serve to advance the program’s commitment to the principle of IDEAL, and two letters of recommendation. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
As we are committed to promoting a diverse graduate community, the Graduate School has agreed to waive the $75 non-refundable application fee for prospective YIIP students. Once you begin your online application, you must email the YIIP Program Manager stating that you are applying to the program to initiate the waiver. You will be notified when the waiver has been granted and how to proceed with your application submittal.

This talk focuses on Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) and neuromorphic computing as a promising path forward. We begin with fundamental neurobiological concepts underlying SNNs and their theoretical foundations that form the computational basis of neuromorphic systems. We then present our team’s significant progress in designing large-scale neuromorphic systems, starting from the ground up with the implementation of biological neuron and synapse models using CMOS and non-volatile memories to create a many-core architecture with time-multiplexed interconnect. Our design also includes a novel memory organization and a programmable interconnect to support millions of neurons and synapses, along with a hardware-software interface designed to enhance system programmability.

In this talk, Robert explores practical strategies to bridge the divide between design and engineering, enabling teams to work faster and smarter without sacrificing creativity or functionality. Drawing from real-world case studies, he’ll discuss tools and methodologies—such as iterative prototyping, cross-functional workflows, and shared digital platforms—that foster synergy and streamline the product development process. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to enhance collaboration, reduce time-to-market, and create innovative, user-focused products. Whether you’re a designer, an engineer, or a product manager, this session offers a fresh perspective on building better products together.

Call for Applications
The Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is a 2-year program of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering which aims to develop the next generation of innovative scientists by providing academic training to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science. The program is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented students to contribute towards developing a sustainable pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school and/or graduate school. YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to obtain a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
Overview:
YIIP is an intensive research program for college graduates comprised of graduate level coursework and mentored research in biomedical laboratories at the University of Connecticut (Farmington and Storrs campuses). It provides individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. YIIP Scholars earn a stipend and qualify for health insurance coverage. In addition, some tuition expenses and fees associated with required graduate level courses are waived. Upon successful completion of year one, scholars obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science. In year two, Scholars who meet the academic qualifications pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science involving innovative mentored research.
Eligibility:
The selection committee is committed to the principle of IDEAL, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Learning, as a plan to achieve justice and equity. A priority for the program is increasing (1) individuals traditionally underrepresented and marginalized in the biomedical sciences and (2) first-generation students. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
All applicants must:
• Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
• Meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
For more information, please visit our website: https://health.uconn.edu/regenerative-engineering-institute/young-innovative-investigator-program/ or contact:
Jolene Monahan Wilding
Program Manager
monahanwilding@uchc.edu
or
Gualberto Ruaño, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Special Projects
ruano@uchc.edu
Due to the competitiveness of the program, YIIP has a shorter application timeline, than the dates indicated by The Graduate School for Fall 2025 enrollment. Apply at the Graduate School’s Website by Sunday March 30th, 2025. In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, please submit a copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement of Interest and Professional Goals, a Narrative on Research Experience, a Statement describing how your past, present, and future achievement will serve to advance the program’s commitment to the principle of IDEAL, and two letters of recommendation. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
As we are committed to promoting a diverse graduate community, the Graduate School has agreed to waive the $75 non-refundable application fee for prospective YIIP students. Once you begin your online application, you must email the YIIP Program Manager stating that you are applying to the program to initiate the waiver. You will be notified when the waiver has been granted and how to proceed with your application submittal.

Call for Applications
The Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is a 2-year program of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering which aims to develop the next generation of innovative scientists by providing academic training to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science. The program is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented students to contribute towards developing a sustainable pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school and/or graduate school. YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to obtain a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
Overview:
YIIP is an intensive research program for college graduates comprised of graduate level coursework and mentored research in biomedical laboratories at the University of Connecticut (Farmington and Storrs campuses). It provides individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. YIIP Scholars earn a stipend and qualify for health insurance coverage. In addition, some tuition expenses and fees associated with required graduate level courses are waived. Upon successful completion of year one, scholars obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science. In year two, Scholars who meet the academic qualifications pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science involving innovative mentored research.
Eligibility:
The selection committee is committed to the principle of IDEAL, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Learning, as a plan to achieve justice and equity. A priority for the program is increasing (1) individuals traditionally underrepresented and marginalized in the biomedical sciences and (2) first-generation students. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
All applicants must:
• Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
• Meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
For more information, please visit our website: https://health.uconn.edu/regenerative-engineering-institute/young-innovative-investigator-program/ or contact:
Jolene Monahan Wilding
Program Manager
monahanwilding@uchc.edu
or
Gualberto Ruaño, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Special Projects
ruano@uchc.edu
Due to the competitiveness of the program, YIIP has a shorter application timeline, than the dates indicated by The Graduate School for Fall 2025 enrollment. Apply at the Graduate School’s Website by Sunday March 30th, 2025. In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, please submit a copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement of Interest and Professional Goals, a Narrative on Research Experience, a Statement describing how your past, present, and future achievement will serve to advance the program’s commitment to the principle of IDEAL, and two letters of recommendation. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://www.aiche.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/statement.
As we are committed to promoting a diverse graduate community, the Graduate School has agreed to waive the $75 non-refundable application fee for prospective YIIP students. Once you begin your online application, you must email the YIIP Program Manager stating that you are applying to the program to initiate the waiver. You will be notified when the waiver has been granted and how to proceed with your application submittal.