UNC CHARLOTTE PROFESSOR NAMED NAI FELLOW – THE FIRST SUCH AWARD FOR THE UNIVERSITY

The UNC Charlotte Division of Research (DR) is excited to announce the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named Dr. Ishwar D. Aggarwal from the Klein College of Science to its 2024 class of Fellows. The NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors, and Dr. Aggarwal is the first UNC Charlotte professor to receive this esteemed recognition.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors, and I am grateful to join such an esteemed group of inventors. This achievement is a testament to the invaluable contributions of my colleagues and students at UNC Charlotte and the NRL, who have been a big part of my journey,” shared Dr. Aggarwal.

Dr. Aggarwal is a pioneering researcher, inventor, entrepreneur, and mentor in the field of optical sciences. With a career spanning decades, he has made impactful contributions by translating cutting-edge research into real-world applications, exemplifying NAI’s mission.

Laura Peter, Executive Director of the Office of Research Commercialization and Partnerships, spearheaded the University’s inaugural nominations. Her work in conjunction with Dr. Robert Keynton, Dean of the William States Lee College of Engineering, and Dr. John Daniels, Vice Chancellor for Research, is a testament to UNC Charlotte’s commitment to amplifying faculty research and innovation.

“With an extensive patent portfolio and publications in fiber optics and optical materials technologies, Dr. Aggarwal’s work speaks for itself. His election as an NAI Fellow highlights UNC Charlotte’s mission to foster innovation that helps solve the grand challenges of our time,” said Peter. 

Dr. Daniels praised Dr. Aggarwal’s contributions, as well as his dedication to shaping the next generation of researchers at UNC Charlotte by teaching students about the importance of innovation, the value of patenting and commercializing their innovations.

“His mentorship has led to successful university-industry partnerships, substantial research funding, and the placement of graduates in prominent positions across industrial and national research laboratories,” shared Dr. Daniels. 

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More on Dr. Ishwar Aggarwal

Dr. Aggarwal is a distinguished Professor of Research in the Physics and Optical Science department.

Before joining UNC Charlotte, Dr. Aggarwal led the Infrared Materials and Devices Branch at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for nearly 25 years, spearheading research and development (R&D) in Optical Materials and Fibers, High-Strength Transparent Materials, and Chem-Bio Sensors. Under his leadership, the NRL achieved several technological breakthroughs in defense, aerospace, and medical applications.

Dr. Aggarwal holds 104 U.S. patents and over 8 foreign patents, with licenses for IR Fiber-Optics, Transparent Spinel, and Laser Gain Ceramics. He founded IR Fiber Optics LLC and co-founded IRFLEX, an IR fiber manufacturing company.

His contributions to the optical sciences field have been recognized by many awards and distinctions, including a fellow of The Optical Society of America (OSA), now known as Optica, the Navy’s Alan Berman Publication Award, the Thomas A. Edison Patent Award, and the Optical Society of America’s David Richardson Medal. He was recently inducted into UNC Charlotte’s inaugural Million Dollar Research Circle for his significant research funding achievements.

Dr. Aggarwal joins College of Engineering Dean Keynton, who prior to joining UNC Charlotte, was elected as an NAI Fellow in 2017.

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2024 Class of NAI Fellows

The 2024 class of Fellows includes 170 honorees representing 39 U.S. states and 12 countries, with 43% identifying as underrepresented inventors. 

“NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation, generating crucial advancements across scientific disciplines and creating tangible impacts as they move their technologies from lab to marketplace,” shared Dr. Paul Sanberg, FNAI, President of the NAI.

The 2024 Class of Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26th, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Written by Arianna Harper & Dr. Barbara Lash