SEVEN UNC CHARLOTTE PROFESSORS HONORED AS NATIONAL ACADEMY OF INVENTORS SENIOR MEMBERS
The Division of Research (DR) is proud to celebrate another ‘first’ for UNC Charlotte research and innovation: seven faculty were named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The announcement, made on February 20, 2025, honors distinguished academic inventors whose achievements in patents, licensing, and commercialization have led to and have the potential to create meaningful differences in our world.
This year’s honorees—Dr. Kirill Afonin, Dr. James Amburgey, Dr. Glenn Boreman, Dr. Olya Keen, Dr. Jordan Poler, Dr. Susan Trammell, and Dr. Michael Walter—join the largest class of NAI Senior Members to date, comprising 162 innovators from 64 institutions nationwide.
“We are incredibly proud that seven of our faculty members are being honored as Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors,” said Laura Peter, Executive Director of the Division of Research’s Office of Research Commercialization and Partnerships. “Their pioneering research and commitment to turning ideas into real-world solutions embody UNC Charlotte’s leadership in research and innovation. This recognition not only celebrates their individual contributions but also underscores our university’s commitment to advancing innovations to drive meaningful societal and economic impact.”
Leading the Way: UNC Charlotte Faculty Honored for Innovation
Dr. Kirill Afonin – Advancing RNA Nanotechnology
Dr. Afonin, a Professor in the Department of Chemistry, is a pioneer in RNA nanotechnology and nucleic acid-based therapeutics. His research on nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs, a term introduced by Dr. Afonin and now widely used by other labs) has the potential to revolutionize treatments for cancer, bacterial infections, and cardiovascular diseases. He was one of the co-founders of the International Society of RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine and currently serves as a vice president there. His contributions have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute and have helped position UNC Charlotte as a leader in biotechnology innovation.
Dr. James Amburgey – Ensuring Clean and Safe Water
An Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, Dr. Amburgey specializes in water
quality and treatment. With four issued patents, his water filtration
and pathogen removal technologies have been commercialized
across North America, ensuring safer drinking water for millions.
His leadership at Water Treatment Research, Inc. underscores his commitment to applying academic research to solve real-world problems.
Dr. Glenn Boreman – Innovating in Infrared and Optical Science
Dr. Boreman, Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Optical Science, has had a distinguished career in infrared detectors, optical systems, and metamaterials. With 12 patents and over $20 million in research funding, his innovations have led to several license agreements with industry partners, the formation of two successful startup companies, and advancements in night vision, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Dr. Boreman has also been instrumental in creating and enhancing an environment of innovation at UNC Charlotte, establishing the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications and fostering interdisciplinary research programs.
Dr. Olya Keen – Advancing Water Sustainability
An Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, Dr. Keen is known for her work in
advanced water treatment processes. Her research focuses on contaminant removal and water reuse, directly impacting public
health and environmental sustainability. Through her mentorship
and commercialization efforts, she has helped translate her
research into practical applications that benefit communities and industries.
Dr. Jordan Poler – Transforming Nanomaterials for Water Purification
Dr. Poler, a Professor in the Department of Chemistry,
has dedicated his career to nanoscale materials applications.
His work in water purification has resulted in multiple patents
and the formation of startup companies, bolstering innovation
and economic growth in the Charlotte region. Through initiatives
such as Summer Ventures, he actively mentors students and f
osters entrepreneurship.
Dr. Susan Trammell – Innovating in Biomedical Optics
A Professor in the Department of Physics and Optical
Science, Dr. Trammell is recognized for her contributions
to biomedical optics. Her patented biopreservation method,
which enhances the storage and transportation of biological
materials, was honored in the 2024 PMU-NAI International
Patent Awards. She has also been a dedicated mentor,
guiding students and educators through research initiatives.
Dr. Michael Walter – Advancing Photocatalysis and Renewable Energy
Dr. Walter is a Professor and Director of the Chemistry
and Nanoscale Science PhD program. He’s made significant contributions to organic dye materials and photocatalysis.
With over $4.9 million in research funding and three patents,
his work on photovoltaic applications has driven sustainable
energy solutions. His mentorship has led to hundreds of
student research presentations, fostering the next
generation of scientists.
Creating Lasting Impact Through Research and Commercialization
At UNC Charlotte, research goes beyond the lab—it drives real-world solutions that impact industries, communities, and lives. The university’s commitment to innovation is reflected in the groundbreaking work of its faculty, whose inventions have led to transformative advancements across multiple fields, from biotechnology and water purification to renewable energy and optical science.
“It has been an honor to support each of these outstanding faculty members from invention disclosure to patenting and industry engagement,” said Brad Fach, Director of Licensing & Operational Excellence at the Division of Research’s Office of Research Commercialization and Partnerships. “Their relentless pursuit of transformative solutions not only pushes the boundaries of research but also strengthens UNC Charlotte’s role as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth.”
Through strategic partnerships, licensing opportunities, and commercialization efforts, UNC Charlotte empowers researchers to carry their inventions from the lab into the marketplace, where they positively enhance communities and industries. The success of our faculty members reinforces the university’s role as a leader in research commercialization, driving economic growth and technological progress in the Charlotte region and beyond.
The National Academy of Inventors and Its Impact
This year’s NAI Senior Member class is the largest, representing 64 institutions and collectively holding over 1,200 U.S. patents.
“To see this program grow year over year is a testament to the dedication our Member Institutions have to fostering innovation on their campuses and supporting their inventive staff and faculty,” said Paul R. Sanberg, President of NAI. “This year’s class comes from a multitude of impressive fields and research backgrounds from across the world. We applaud their pursuit of commercialization to ensure their groundbreaking technologies can make a difference by tackling the world’s most pressing issues, improving quality of life across society, and advancing the economy.”
The 2025 class of Senior Members will be honored at the NAI’s 14th Annual Conference from June 23-26, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information on UNC Charlotte’s innovation initiatives, visit research.charlotte.edu.
Written by Arianna Harper