In a remarkable demonstration of innovation and academic excellence, five distinguished professors from Lehigh University have been honored as Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in the prestigious 2026 cohort. This accolade recognizes their groundbreaking work and substantial contributions to the advancement of technology and engineering. The 2026 class is the largest to date, encompassing 230 emerging inventors from an impressive 82 NAI Member Institutions worldwide, collectively holding more than 2,000 U.S. patents which underscore the vast scope and impact of their inventive efforts.
The NAI Senior Member designation is a distinguished recognition that celebrates inventors who have demonstrated prolific innovation in their respective fields. These individuals do not merely contribute to academic research but translate their discoveries into practical technologies that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives. As NAI President Paul R. Sanberg noted, this year’s cohort is a “truly impressive” group of innovators whose work traverses various scientific and engineering disciplines, reflecting the diverse and multifaceted nature of modern invention.
Among the honored faculty at the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, associate professor Hannah Dailey stands out not only for her academic credentials but also for her entrepreneurial ventures. As a co-founder of OrthoXel, an orthopaedic device company, Dailey’s patented inventions address critical challenges in bone fracture repair. Her novel implant designs utilize controlled micromotion to stimulate and accelerate bone healing, a significant advancement in biomedical engineering that could redefine therapeutic strategies for orthopedic injuries.
Martin Harmer, Alcoa Foundation Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering and director of Lehigh’s Nano | Human Interface Presidential Research Initiative, brings a fundamentally new understanding to grain boundary complexions — specialized nanoscale structures within metals that dictate material properties. His collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory has culminated in innovative nanocrystalline alloy designs, including a recently discovered copper-based superalloy that retains stability under extreme thermal conditions. This breakthrough is critical for aerospace and defense applications where material endurance under high temperatures is paramount.
Professor Mayuresh Kothare, serving as R.L. McCann Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and associate dean for research, embodies the intersection of theoretical innovation and practical biomedical application. His patented contributions include advanced “controller-on-chip” systems that integrate control algorithms with chip-scale devices, microfluidic reactors for precise chemical processing, and compact oxygen concentrators that make life-saving respiratory technologies accessible. Notably, Kothare has co-founded Omnilife, a startup based in India focused on developing affordable oxygen concentrators, an impactful solution amid global healthcare challenges.
Carlos Romero, a research full professor of mechanical engineering and director of Lehigh’s Energy Research Center, is a pioneering figure in renewable energy technologies. He has secured patents for novel power plant innovations, including a groundbreaking “thermal battery” system that stores both electricity and heat. Romero’s technology facilitates energy decarbonization and enhances the operational flexibility of power plants, crucial for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources. Moreover, his innovations have promising applications in energy-intensive data centers, addressing their energy efficiency and carbon footprint challenges.
The recognition extends beyond engineering, as chemistry professor Kai Landskron from Lehigh’s College of Arts and Sciences was also named an NAI Senior Member. His work, although less detailed in this announcement, affirms the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary invention — showcasing how chemistry and materials science collaboratively contribute to technological progress and innovative patents.
The NAI’s 15th Annual Conference, scheduled from June 1 to 4 in Los Angeles, will celebrate these new Senior Members, providing a platform to showcase their innovations to industry leaders, fellow inventors, and policymakers. This event underscores the critical role of intellectual property in fostering collaboration between academia and industry, highlighting the journey from conceptual research to transformative commercialization.
Each of these faculty members at Lehigh plays a crucial role in bridging the traditional divide between scientific exploration and real-world impact. Their patented inventions range from medical devices improving patient care to advanced materials enhancing aerospace capabilities and energy storage systems crucial for sustainable future infrastructure. Their recognition by the NAI not only emphasizes their individual achievements but also reflects Lehigh University’s commitment to nurturing innovation with societal benefits.
The patents held by these inventors are more than technical accomplishments; they symbolize potential industries transformed and lives improved through practical applications of science. For instance, Dailey’s work on orthopedic implants addresses a universal medical need with an innovative approach that allows biological systems to heal more effectively. Similarly, Harmer’s research into nanoscale material structures tackles a problem at the forefront of materials engineering—how to design metals that can withstand harsh operational environments without degradation.
Kothare’s patents translate complex control theory into hardware that can support precision medicine and affordable healthcare solutions. His involvement in developing low-cost medical devices indicates a crucial trend in global health innovation, offering scalable technologies to under-resourced regions. Romero’s thermal battery technology holds significant promise for reducing carbon emissions in energy production, thereby aligning with global endeavors to combat climate change through technological innovation.
Their collective accomplishments exemplify how academic research fosters economic development by creating intellectual property that fuels startups and novel technology sectors. The collaboration between inventors, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders facilitates technology transfer—turning lab discoveries into commercial realities, which stimulates job creation, industrial competitiveness, and societal advancement.
Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science maintains a culture of innovation, as evidenced by these honors. Their faculty’s contributions span multiple dimensions of engineering and science, from bioengineering and materials science to chemical engineering and energy systems. The tangible benefits of their work, supported by patents and commercial ventures, demonstrate the vital link between research excellence and practical innovation.
The announcement of this pioneering group reinforces the importance of patent development as a measure of academic impact and technology advancement. Patents protect intellectual property rights and enable inventors to pursue commercial partnerships, facilitating an ecosystem where breakthrough ideas evolve into accessible technologies. The NAI Senior Member program serves as a catalyst to recognize and promote this process on a national and international level.
As these inventors prepare to be celebrated alongside other outstanding innovators at the forthcoming NAI Conference, their stories highlight the transformative power of academic innovation. Their work not only exemplifies scientific rigor and technical expertise but also embodies a vision where research transcends academic boundaries to deliver solutions with far-reaching societal implications.
This recognition casts a spotlight on the dynamic research environment at Lehigh University, underscoring its faculty’s role as global leaders in invention and innovation. With a patent portfolio reflecting a spectrum of cutting-edge technologies, these professors are not only advancing knowledge but also shaping the future of engineering, healthcare, energy, and beyond.
The National Academy of Inventors continues to champion inventors whose creativity drives technological progress and societal benefit. The 2026 Senior Member class, which prominently includes these Lehigh University professors, marks an inspiring milestone in the journey of innovation—illustrating how the fusion of academic insight and inventive spirit can transform the world.
Subject of Research: Innovation in Engineering and Applied Sciences including biomedical devices, nanomaterials, chemical engineering technologies, and energy storage systems.
Article Title: Lehigh University Professors Named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors 2026 Cohort
News Publication Date: Not specified
Web References:
Image Credits: Lehigh University
Keywords
Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Energy, Patents, Research and Development, Technology Transfer
