Guleid Awale is a 5th year Ph.D. candidate in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at the University of Connecticut Health Center. He received his B.S.E. degree and M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. Currently, he is conducting research within the Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering under Dr. Cato Laurencin. His research interests include osteoinductive small molecule delivery and biomaterials for bone regenerative engineering. More specifically, his dissertation work centers around harnessing the capability of cyclic AMP small molecules to promote the growth and repair of bone tissue. This work has received support from the NSF Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship, the GE Graduate Fellowship for Innovation Award, and the NIH Research Supplement Grant to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research. Upon graduation, he plans on seeking a role within the pharmaceutical or biomedical industry.

What are you most proud of in your work or life?

Besides my family, I am most proud of being able to mentor future STEM leaders through my research work.

What are your passions and hobbies?

Running, watching sports (Go Celtics!), hanging out with friends and family.

Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?

Surround yourself with positive energy.

Favorite snack food?

Sour patch kids