Scene at MIT: A nanoscientist graduates with her very good boy
Michelle Quien, a PhD graduate from MIT, celebrated her graduation with her dog Vinny, who wore a custom doctoral gown. Quien earned her degree in chemical engineering, focusing on nanomaterials, and has been working on innovative materials for next-generation technologies. Vinny has been a supportive presence throughout her PhD journey, helping to reduce stress for her and her research group.
- ▪Michelle Quien graduated with a PhD in chemical engineering from MIT.
- ▪Her dog Vinny wore a custom doctoral gown during the commencement ceremony.
- ▪Quien's research focused on a novel material called 2DPA-1, which combines properties of graphene and Kevlar.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Vinny, an unofficial member of the Strano Lab at MIT, dressed up to celebrate Commencement alongside his human, Michelle Quien PhD ’26. MIT News Publication Date: May 29, 2026 Press Inquiries Press Contact: MIT Media Relations Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-253-2700 Media Download ↓ Download Image Caption: Michelle Quien PhD ’26 holds her dog, Vinny, during the 2026 Commencement exercises. Quien earned her degree in chemical engineering, with a focus on nanomaterials. Credits: Credit: Jake Belcher ↓ Download Image Caption: Kristala Prather, head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, watches as Vinny gets his own doctoral hood to go along with the custom MIT graduation gown that his human, Michelle Quien PhD ’26, crafted.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at MIT News.