The LAU Alumni Association has honored two exceptional graduates whose groundbreaking work in science, engineering, and biotechnology continues to shape industries and improve lives around the world: Dr. Elio Challita (BE ’15) and Mr. Harout Semerjian (BS ’93), who exemplify the breadth of LAU’s global impact in their fields.

The annual Alumni Awards recognize graduates whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service embody LAU’s mission of excellence, innovation, and positive societal value. They are selected based on nomination by other alumni and through a committee that brings together representatives from the LAU Alumni Relations Office, the Alumni Association Board, Student Development and Enrollment Management, and Academic Affairs.

Through achievements spanning the sciences, healthcare, business, public service, and the arts, LAU alumni continue to strengthen the university’s global reputation while inspiring future generations to pursue bold ideas that make a difference.

Dr. Challita received the Alumni Recognition Award for his pioneering contributions to bioengineering, microrobotics, and environmentally driven scientific discovery.

The first Lebanese Schmidt Science Fellow and a postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory, Dr. Challita is advancing cutting-edge research at the intersection of biology, robotics, smart materials, and environmental monitoring.

Inspired by the remarkable capabilities of insects, he is currently developing next-generation microrobots equipped with lab-on-chip sensing technologies designed to detect and analyze water contamination, and help address some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Dr. Challita’s work demonstrates how scientific curiosity can be transformed into practical technologies with real-life applications, while showcasing Lebanese talent at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest-evolving fields of research.

The recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award, Mr. Semerjian’s distinguished career has positioned him as a leading global executive in biotechnology.

In 2025, he was appointed president and chief executive officer of Geron Corporation, bringing more than three decades of experience in oncology and hematology to the commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with serious blood cancers.

Throughout his career, Mr. Semerjian has held executive leadership positions at Geron, GlycoMimetics, Immunomedics, Ipsen, and Novartis Oncology, helping transform scientific discoveries into therapies while guiding organizations through periods of scientific advancement, growth, and commercialization.

His expertise has also been recognized through his service on the board of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, underscoring his influence across the global life sciences sector.

His leadership has contributed to transforming cancer care and improving the lives of patients worldwide, exemplifying the impact that can be achieved by combining scientific innovation with strategic business leadership.