Lehigh's Trailblazing Professors Honored as Top Academic Inventors of 2026
Five professors from Lehigh University have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in its 2026 cohort. The honour highlights their contributions to innovation, from medical devices to energy storage and advanced materials. Their achievements will be celebrated at the NAI's 15th Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
The 2026 class is the largest yet, with 230 inventors from 82 institutions worldwide holding over 2,000 U.S. patents. Lehigh's faculty stand out for their interdisciplinary work in engineering, chemistry, and applied science.
Among the honourees is Hannah Dailey, an associate professor who co-founded OrthoXel, an orthopaedic device company. She holds patents for technologies that improve bone fracture repair. Her work bridges medical engineering and clinical applications.
Carlos Romero, a full professor of mechanical engineering, developed a 'thermal battery' system for energy storage and power plant efficiency. His innovations aim to enhance renewable energy integration and grid stability.
Martin Harmer, Alcoa Foundation Professor Emeritus, collaborated with the Army Research Laboratory to create a copper-based superalloy. This material maintains high-temperature stability, offering potential uses in aerospace and defence industries.
Mayuresh Kothare, R.L. McCann Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, co-founded Omnilife, a startup focused on affordable oxygen concentrators. He also patented 'controller-on-chip' systems and microfluidic reactors, advancing both medical and industrial technologies.
Kai Landskron, a chemistry professor, rounds out the group, reflecting the broad scope of modern invention. His research spans materials science and nanotechnology, contributing to fields like sustainable chemistry.
The NAI Senior Member program recognises academic inventors who drive technological progress through patents. Lehigh's P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science fosters this culture, with faculty regularly translating research into real-world solutions.
The five professors will join the NAI's 2026 class at the upcoming conference in Los Angeles. Their patents and startups demonstrate how university research can address global challenges in healthcare, energy, and materials science. The recognition also underscores Lehigh's role in advancing innovation across multiple disciplines.
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