Three UF professors named Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors

December 16, 2014

Three University of Florida scientists are among 170 new Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors, which recognizes the contributions of researchers from universities and non-profit organizations who are named inventors on U.S. patents.

Brij M. Moudgil, a distinguished professor of materials science and engineering; W. Gregory Sawyer, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Janet K. Yamamoto, a professor of immunology, are being recognized for their contributions to innovation in areas such as patents and licensing, innovative discovery and technology, significant impact on society, and support and enhancement of innovation.

 Moudgil is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and director of the UF College of Engineering’s Center for Particulate and Surfactant Systems. His research on surface coatings has led to advances in the mineral processing, microelectronics, paint and pulp, and pharmaceutical industries.

 Sawyer is director of UF’s Tribology Laboratory, where he focuses on the science of friction in everything from space vehicles to contact lenses. Many of his discoveries have commercial applications. Sawyer has a total of 16 patents and patents pending and is the author of more than 100 journal articles.

Yamamoto, a world-renowned immunologist in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s department of infectious diseases and pathology, is a co-discoverer of the deadly feline immunodeficiency virus in cats and developed the first FIV vaccine. She holds patents on key practical technologies related to the FIV virus. Yamamoto is also applying her discoveries in cats to the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS.

Election to NAI Fellow status is a major professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.

Those named today bring the total number of NAI Fellows to 414, representing more than 150 prestigious research universities as well as governmental and non-profit research institutions.