Investors Keen on Alumnus’ Pet-Insurance Brokerage Business

February 23, 2021

a woman sits in her lounge and browses on her digital tablet whilst sorting her paperwork with her dog
(istockphoto.com)

Alumnus Travis Bloom’s Pawlicy Advisor, a pet-insurance marketplace, has raised an additional $6.5 million in funding, allowing the company to move on to the next stage of strategic growth.

The company analyzes top pet-insurance brands to explain coverage and price options for pet owners seeking medical insurance for their animals. Bloom, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business from UConn in 2013, is the co-founder and CTO.Continue Reading

OPIM Professor Bob Day’s Work Recognized by Nobel-Prize Winner

February 22, 2021

back view of buyers raising hands to auctioneer during auction
(istockphoto.com)

Most people appreciate having their expertise and work acknowledged, but exponentially so when the praise comes from a highly respected Nobel Prize winner.

“I was both thrilled and humbled to have professor Paul Milgrom highlight our joint work in his recent Nobel Prize lecture,” said Bob Day, associate dean for undergraduate programs in the School of Business and a professor of Operations and Information Management.Continue Reading

Alumna: Happiness Isn’t as Elusive as it May Seem

February 18, 2021

UConn TodayUConn alumna Michelle Wax ’12 (BUS) drove her Jeep across the country in search of people who were truly happy.

She found hundreds of them, from teenagers to senior citizens. None of them were millionaires. All of them led normal lives with challenges, from the mundane to the extreme, yet their outlooks were inspirational.

In a documentary film, American Happiness, which debuts next week, Wax chronicles her journey and what she discovered from those who live joyful, energetic, and meaningful lives.Continue Reading

UConn Grows in Stamford with New Data Science Incubator

February 16, 2021

UConn Today – The University of Connecticut announced today the opening of a data science technology incubator in Stamford, the state’s fastest growing city. The 5,685 square-foot facility at 9 West Broad Street adds to UConn’s existing Technology Incubation Program (TIP) locations on the main campus in Storrs and at UConn Health in Farmington.

Connecticut is Thriving: Let’s Keep It Going

Gov. Ned Lamont created the Governor’s Workforce Council to lead efforts to grow and refine Connecticut’s workforce. Led by distinguished individuals, four committees foster a broad approach to workforce development. For example, UConn President Tom Katsouleas is an ex-officio member of the Career & Education Committee, while Jim Loree, CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, chairs the Business Leadership Committee. I serve as one of many collaborators in this effort. Continue Reading

Connecticut Startup Creates Over-the-Counter Pain Creams Without the Harmful Additives

February 12, 2021

The Feel Good Lab, a local startup, develops over the counter pain relief products free of harmful chemicals. (Contributed Photo)

Pharmacist Gene Gresh’s customers often asked him what kinds of over-the-counter pain relief products he would recommend.

After looking at the ingredient lists of the leading products, he discovered all contained harmful substances. In good faith, he couldn’t truly recommend any of them.

Gresh, the owner of Pioneer Health Compounding Pharmacy in Vernon, began formulating his own product, using natural ingredients. The new medications, now available from the company he helped create called The Feel Good Lab, are gaining traction in the healthcare market and are now sold in many large pharmacies, as well as online.Continue Reading

Invention Runs Deep at UConn

February 11, 2021

UConn Today – Being an inventor is kind of like running a marathon. A spark of inspiration coupled with a lot of endurance, mental strength, and moral support are needed to cross the finish line.

Just like the runners who pound the pavement to achieve their goals, dozens of UConn inventors disclose new inventions each year. Some may go the distance. Others will fail. While it could take years for a discovery from an academic researcher’s lab to become a licensed technology or company, there are always lots of people cheering along the way. That is certainly true at UConn, where inventors have access to many programs that support innovation and entrepreneurship.