The National Academy of Inventors has named five State University System inventors to its inaugural class of Senior Members, including four from the University of South Florida and one from Florida International University. Sixty-Six academic inventors were selected nationwide.
National Academy of Inventor Senior Members are active faculty, scientists and administrators from National Academy of Inventor member institutions with success in patents, licensing, and commercialization. They have produced technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society.
Senior Members also foster a spirit of innovation within their communities through enhancing an inventive atmosphere at their institutions, while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors.
“The State University System is building momentum in research, which has an enormous human and economic impact,” said Marshall Criser, State University System chancellor. “Congratulations to those who have been selected, and thank you for your commitment to invention and discovery.”
This inaugural class of National Academy of Inventor Senior Members represents 37 research universities and government and non-profit research institutes. They are named inventors on over 1,100 issued U.S. patents.
“The election of the inaugural class of National Academy of Inventor Senior Members is a significant designation for a group of prolific inventors from National Academy of Inventor Member Institutions who are collectively a driving force in American innovation,” said Paul R. Sanberg, National Academy of Inventors President. “This is truly an accomplishment worth celebrating.”
The Senior Members representing the State University System of Florida in the inaugural class are:
Norma A. Alcantar is a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at University of South Florida. Dr. Alcantar is recognized for her creative approaches for tackling diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Dominic D’Agostino is a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and Associate Professor of the College of Medicine Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at University of South Florida. Dr. D’Agostino patented a novel dietary supplement to induce nutritional ketosis, a natural metabolic state in which the body adapts to burning fat rather than carbohydrates as its primary fuel.
Shuliang Jiao is a professor of Biomedical Engineering at Florida International University. Dr. Jiao’s technological breakthrough has the potential to make significant impact on the diagnoses of major blinding diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
Subhra Mohapatra is a professor of the College of Medicine Molecular Medicine at University of South Florida. Dr. Mohapatra has pioneered new technologies that advance personalized cancer treatment.
Kyle B. Reed is an associate professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of South Florida. His iStride™ device, formerly known as the Gait Enhancing Mobile Shoe, is a low-cost method of providing rehabilitation, including for individuals recovering from stroke.
Senior Members undergo a two-step selection process, including internal National Academy of Inventor review and consideration by the Advisory Committee. The committee comprises elected National Academy of Inventor members and other professionals considered pioneers in their respective field.
Senior Members are elected quarterly, and nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Nominations are currently being accepted for the Spring 2019 class on the National Academy of Inventors website.
A full list of NAI Senior Members is available on the National Academy of Inventors website.
Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 345,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive. For more, visit Flbog.edu, Think-Florida.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
