Five Virginia Commonwealth University researchers spanning a range of disciplines were inducted last week into the university chapter of the National Academy of Inventors. The organization founded in 2010 includes more than 4,600 members worldwide and recognizes inventors who hold U.S. patents.
“These new members are among VCU’s best and brightest researchers and inventors, and we recognize not only their contributions to Virginia, but also to the world,” said Ivelina Metcheva, Assistant Vice President for Innovation and head of VCU TechTransfer and Ventures. “While there is much uncertainty in the federal research landscape, those of us who work at VCU in research remain focused on the goal and mission: advancing our science, discovery and innovation, and translating our intellectual property into economic prosperity across the region and the Commonwealth.”
The inductees include:
- Maryanne M. Collinson, Ph.D., Chair and John B. Fenn Professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Humanities and Sciences
- Thomas Roper, Ph.D., Director of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Engineering Foundation Professor, Chemical and Life Sciences Engineering, College of Engineering
- Hengbin Wang, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine
- Xiang-Yang (Shawn) Wang, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine and Harry and Judy Wason Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Shijun Zhang, Ph.D., Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy