The National Academy of Engineering has elected Anne Aunins, a University of Virginia chemical engineering alumna and board member of the University of Virginia Engineering Foundation, to its Class of 2026. Election to the NAE is one of the profession’s most prestigious distinctions, honoring engineers whose innovations and leadership have had transformative impact on industry and society.
Aunins is recognized for leadership and innovation in bioprocess engineering and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with a career dedicated to translating engineering advances into scalable, life-changing technologies. As a senior leader in the biopharma industry, she has shaped modern biologics development and manufacturing, advancing therapies that improve health outcomes worldwide.
Notably, during the global COVID-19 crisis, Aunins served as program leader for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine program, overseeing efforts on regulatory approval, booster strategies and variant response—all critical components of the pandemic response. Her role placed her at the center of one of the most consequential public health efforts in recent history and highlights UVA Engineering alumni contributions to addressing global health challenges.
Aunins has remained deeply connected to UVA Engineering as a board member of the University of Virginia Engineering Foundation, providing strategic insight informed by decades of industry experience. Her engagement reflects the school’s emphasis on partnerships between academia and industry and on preparing engineers to lead across sectors.
“Anne Aunins’ election to the National Academy of Engineering speaks to the global impact UVA engineers make long after graduation,” said Jennifer L. West, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and an NAE member. “Her career exemplifies how engineering excellence, visionary leadership, and a commitment to mentorship can drive innovation at scale and serve society in profound ways.”
NAE members are elected annually by their peers for outstanding contributions to engineering. When Aunins is formally inducted during the academy’s annual meeting this fall, she will be joined by fellow UVA chemical engineering alumnus and current professor of practice Michael L. King. King also made his contributions in the pharmaceutical industry, as did three other recent inductees who earned their Ph.D.s at UVA — Paul Mensah , NAE Class of 2022, and Shailendra V. Bordawekar and Jose E. Tabora from last year’s class.