Lehigh's Five Professors Honored for Groundbreaking Energy and Medical Inventions

Lehigh's Five Professors Honored for Groundbreaking Energy and Medical Inventions

Five professors from Lehigh University have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for 2026. The honour highlights their contributions to innovation, spanning engineering, chemistry, and biomedical technology. Their work includes patents for energy storage, medical devices, and advanced materials.

The 2026 NAI class is the largest yet, with 230 inventors from 82 institutions worldwide. Collectively, they hold over 2,000 U.S. patents, demonstrating the breadth of academic-driven technological progress.

Among the Lehigh honourees is Carlos Romero, a research professor of mechanical engineering. His patented 'thermal battery' system stores both electricity and heat, improving power plant efficiency and flexibility. The technology aims to make energy grids more adaptable to demand fluctuations.

Hannah Dailey, an associate professor, co-founded OrthoXel, a company specialising in orthopaedic devices. She also holds patents for bone fracture repair implants, designed to enhance healing outcomes. Her work bridges biomedical engineering and clinical applications.

Mayuresh Kothare, the R.L. McCann Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, co-founded Omnilife, a startup focused on affordable oxygen concentrators. The devices are intended to improve access to critical respiratory care in low-resource settings.

Martin Harmer, Alcoa Foundation Professor Emeritus, collaborated with the Army Research Laboratory to develop a copper-based superalloy. The material is engineered for high-temperature applications, potentially benefiting aerospace and defence industries.

Kai Landskron, a chemistry professor, was also recognised, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of modern invention. His inclusion reflects Lehigh's broader commitment to advancing science and engineering across multiple fields.

The NAI Senior Member programme celebrates academic inventors whose work drives technological progress. It fosters an environment where research transitions into practical, accessible solutions. The 15th Annual NAI Conference in Los Angeles will showcase these innovations to industry leaders and policymakers, further connecting research with real-world impact.

Lehigh's P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science supports this culture of innovation. Faculty contributions span diverse areas, from energy systems to medical technologies, reinforcing the university's role in shaping future advancements.

The five Lehigh professors join a global group of 230 inventors in the 2026 NAI cohort. Their patents and research address challenges in energy, healthcare, and materials science. The recognition also highlights Lehigh's ongoing role in translating academic discoveries into technologies with broad societal benefits.