Faculty members honored by Louisiana Tech University for their inventions, patents and licenses

Innovations gaining attention of entrepreneurs, industries nationwide

Several faculty members from Louisiana Tech University have received recognition for recent inventions, patents and licenses as well as their overall contributions to the institution's commercialization efforts.

Louisiana Tech's Intellectual Property Committee honored these faculty members whose inventions have been granted patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or those that have had their technologies licensed to an outside company for commercialization.

"I continue to be impressed by how dedicated these faculty members are to their research and the quality of their inventions," said Dr. Rich Kordal, director of Louisiana Tech's Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization (OIPC).

"The spirit of cooperation and innovation here at Louisiana Tech has led us to a disclosure rate that is higher than the national average."

Dr. Vir Phoha, professor of computer science, has licensed his computer authentication software featuring technology that will enhance computer system security by identifying specific user keystroke patterns.

Dr. Yuri Lvov, professor of micro and nanosystems, has licensed his drug delivery technology to Nemucore Medical Innovations. Lvov's technology uses nanoencapsulation to control the release of drugs in a patient's system.

Dr. Erez Allouche, associate professor of civil engineering and research director of Tech's Trenchless Technology Center, and Dr. Ray Sterling, professor emeritus of civil engineering, were also recognized for their work in advancing the commercialization of trenchless technology.

Certificates of Commemoration were presented to first-time inventors as well as faculty that have reported inventions and submitted patent applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

According to the OIPC's latest annual report, Louisiana Tech averages about 25-30 Reports of Invention (ROIs) annually.

The inventions generated by Louisiana Tech's faculty continue to capture the attention of entrepreneurs, established companies and other potential partners and collaborators from around the nation.

Among all of the achievements and accomplishments of these inventors, Kordal says Tech is most pleased to see that some of its previously licensed technologies are poised to enter the marketplace and to benefit the general public.

"As we look toward the future, we are excited about the prospect of additional Louisiana Tech-based products being launched into the marketplace and the positive impact they will make on our society," said Kordal.

"It is a privilege to work in such a dynamic environment and with such a supportive and forward-thinking administration."