JACKSON,
Miss., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson State University (JSU) proudly announces
its historic recognition as the recipient of the prestigious
Founders Award from the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This
achievement makes JSU the first Historically Black College and
University (HBCU) and the first institution in Mississippi to be honored.
JSU the first Historically Black College
and University (HBCU) and the first Mississippi institution honored.
The Founder's Award is presented to institutions significantly
contributing to NAI's success by enhancing its reach, promoting
access and diversity, and demonstrating a commitment to innovation
and invention.
"This award is a testament to the impactful research and
innovation of our faculty, staff, and students. Being the first
HBCU and the first institution in Mississippi to receive this honor highlights
JSU's leadership in invention and ingenuity," said President Dr.
Marcus L. Thompson. "This
recognition further underscores our dedication to academic
excellence, economic development, and societal progress. It is a
significant milestone not just for JSU, but for all Historically
Black Colleges and Universities, and the state of Mississippi."
Jackson State's journey with NAI
began as a charter member in February
2011. The university's dedication to innovation has been
consistently recognized, with multiple faculty members inducted as
NAI fellows. Dr. Ernest
Izevbigie was the first, inducted in 2012 during the
inaugural conference in Tampa,
Florida.
At that time, Izevbigie had earned two patents, including one
for a Nigerian herbal shrub formula he created called
Veronica amygdalina, or bitter leaf. His research led
to the formation of the JSU-initiated company EdoBotanics, which
sells dietary supplements to boost the immune system and help with
the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. The government of
Nigeria gave the company its
approval to manufacture and sell the dietary capsules in the
country.
"JSU's membership in the National Academy of Inventors has been
pivotal in fostering innovation and research translation among JSU
faculty, empowering them to transform ideas into solutions for
societal impact. We are excited to have received the Founders Award
and will continue to engage with NAI and similar organizations to
promote the inventions of our faculty," said Dr. Almesha Campbell, Assistant Vice President of
JSU's Division of Research and Economic Development.
Dr. Kamal Ali, a professor of
electrical and computer engineering, was inducted in 2017 for
making vital contributions to the invention of Hardware in the Loop
Simulator for autopilots.
In 2019, Dr. Danuta Leszczynska
was inducted after earning a 2018 medical patent on technology to
eliminate inflammation and infection in patients whose artificial
implants become brittle and start chipping. The inventions of these
faculty members have significantly impacted quality of life,
economic development and societal welfare.
Dr. Felix Okojie further elevated
JSU's role in NAI by serving on the Board of Directors from
2013-2014, reinforcing the university's commitment to the
organization.
Campbell, who accepted the award on behalf of the university,
has been engaged with NAI since 2011 and was inducted as an
honorary member in 2022. JSU Innovation Program Manager
Latane Brackett also received the
designation in 2023 for his significant contributions to the
innovation ecosystem.
As one of the NAI's Charter Member Institutions, Jackson State University has been an unwavering
champion of the academy, playing an integral role in supporting its
mission since the NAI's inception.
About Jackson State University
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a
historically black, high research
activity university located in Jackson, the capital
city of Mississippi. Jackson State's nurturing academic
environment challenges individuals to change lives through
teaching, research and service. Officially designated as
Mississippi's
Urban University, Jackson State continues to
enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive
economic development, healthcare, technological and educational
initiatives. The only public university in
metropolitan Jackson, Jackson State is located
near downtown, with four satellite locations throughout
the area. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu.
About the National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors is a member organization
comprising U.S. and international universities, and governmental
and non-profit research institutes, with over 4,000 individual
inventor members and Fellows spanning more than 250 institutions
worldwide. It was founded to recognize and encourage inventors with
patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, enhance
the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the
disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative
students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit
society.
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SOURCE Jackson State University