Image Credit: NAI
The University of Georgia (UGA) has recently achieved a significant milestone with the induction of five distinguished researchers into the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) as Senior Members in 2024. This induction marks the highest number of individuals from UGA to be honored simultaneously, bringing the university’s total number of Senior Members to 16.
Elizabeth Brisbois, an innovator in medical technologies, is an associate professor at UGA’s College of Engineering. With her expertise, she has contributed to the development of advanced therapeutic solutions and materials for medical devices, holding five patents. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her to co-found Nytricx, Inc., where several of her patented innovations are licensed.
David Crich holds the prestigious position of Georgia Research Alliance and David Chu Eminent Scholar in Drug Design at the College of Pharmacy. Recognized for his work in carbohydrate chemistry and antimicrobial drug development, Crich has established a footprint in the international domain, contributing to a Swiss biotech enterprise, Juvabis AG, as one of its co-founders.
In the realm of environmental science, Qingguo “Jack” Huang stands out as an esteemed professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He is credited with developing patented methodologies for the breakdown of persistent environmental contaminants. His patent portfolio includes four U.S patents and two Australian patents. He collaborates with colleague Paul Raymer in their venture Tarazyme, focusing on enzymatic product development.
Paul Raymer brings his expertise to the agricultural sector with innovative research in turfgrass breeding. As a professor, his dedication has led to numerous invention disclosures, contributing to four U.S patents to date. Understanding commercial viability, he has seen one of his latest turfgrass innovations, Seeabreeze, achieve licensing agreements with two American companies. Jointly with Huang, Tarazyme was founded to harness enzyme applications in agriculture.
Ralph Tripp, a notable figure in vaccine research and development, operates from the Department Of Infectious Diseases in the College of Veterinary Medicine. His role as a Georgia Research Alliance Chair and Eminent Scholar in Animal Health Vaccine Development has enabled advances in respiratory virus interventions. With three patents collaborated with the CDC and an additional 16 issued to UGA, Tripp is also the driving force behind TrippBio, a company directed at antiviral treatment innovations.
The accolade these academics have been honored with reflects their dedication to creating impactful research with tangible societal benefits. The NAI Senior Member distinction acknowledges their prolific contributions to science and technology, evident through their successful licensing and commercialization endeavors. In turn, members enjoy enhanced national exposure, increased opportunities to collaborate with leading inventors and investors, and privileges such as publication discounts.
Their formal recognition is set to take place at the NAI annual meeting slated for June in Raleigh, North Carolina. For further insight into their careers and achievements, interested parties can refer to additional details provided on the UGA Research News platform.
