Research Commercialization at Texas Tech

🎉 On behalf of Research Commercialization at Texas Tech congratulations to the newest NAI Senior Members to be inducted from across the Texas Tech University System! 🎉 We are proud to celebrate Dr. Anne Gorden, Dr. Wei Li, and Dr. Nadia German on their selection as Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)! 🔬Dr. Anne Gorden is a Professor in the Texas Tech Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry whose research has led to significant advancements in chemical synthesis and material science. 👏Dr. Nadia German is the Director of the Medicinal Chemistry program at the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. German’s groundbreaking contributions to medicinal chemistry and innovation in drug discovery. 💡Dr. Wei Li is the Director of Graduate Studies and an Associate Professor in the Texas Tech University - WCOE Department of Chemical Engineering, recognized for his pioneering work in sustainable energy and advanced materials. They join the largest class of NAI Senior Members to date, representing 64 institutions nationwide and collectively holding over 1,200 U.S. patents. Their achievements highlight Texas Tech University System’s continued leadership in innovation and research excellence. Drs. Gordon, German and Li will be officially inducted at the NAI 14th Annual Conference, June 23-26, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Please join us in celebrating their outstanding contributions to research and commercialization! 👏 Read more at the links below: https://lnkd.in/gza-iwm7 https://lnkd.in/gDwzQ5EF Tosha Dupras; Roland Faller; Grace Kuo; Phil Sizer; Werner Kuhr #NAISeniorMember #Innovation #TexasTech #TTUSInnovators #ResearchExcellence #ChemicalEngineering #Biochemistry #TTUS

#PartnershipSpotlight: The Texas Tech University Nanophotonics Center is advancing neutron detection with cutting-edge technology that improves efficiency, compactness, and resistance to radiation and temperature. Building on their record efficiency of 59% with a thermal neutron detector using B-10 enriched hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), the team is now developing a solid-state semiconductor detector capable of detecting both fast and thermal neutrons. This breakthrough leverages h-BN’s ability to convert neutrons and generate charge carriers, paving the way for more efficient and versatile detection systems. A huge thanks to Drs. Hongxing Jiang, Jingyu Lin, Jing Li, Attasit Tingsuwatit, and the entire Nanophotonics Research Group for their dedication to pushing the boundaries of III-nitride semiconductor materials and neutron detection! For more information on the Center's work, see below: https://lnkd.in/gxUuwacn For more on the team's technology development for semiconductor neutron detectors with ability for detecting thermal to fast neutrons, see below: https://lnkd.in/eb3PYZHU For partnering opportunities, connect with Jennifer Souter for more. #NuclearSafety #NeutronDetection #Innovation #Nanophotonics #CleanEnergy #TTUInnovators 

#InventorSpotlight: Dr. Laurence Wood and his team from the Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology housed within the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy are pioneering a novel approach to targeted drug delivery using Listeria monocytogenes (LM)—a Gram-positive bacterium with significant potential in cancer therapy. Building on LM's strong tumor penetration, immunostimulatory properties, and safety profile, Dr. Wood's research explores its use as a vehicle for delivering chemotherapeutic agents and cytotoxic proteins directly into solid tumors and metastasis. This technology leverages LM’s unique ability to access both endosomal and cytoplasmic spaces, offering enhanced efficacy in treating cancer. https://lnkd.in/gTy3Hk24 With over a decade of experience in breast cancer therapeutics, Dr. Wood's work continues to make strides toward improving cancer treatment by targeting tumor-specific pathways and boosting immune responses. To stay up-to-date with all of the latest innovations being developed from across the Texas Tech University System, follow up at Research Commercialization at Texas Tech today! #Healthcare #CancerResearch #Cancer #Research #Faculty #TTUHSC #Health #Faculty

#InnovatorSpotlight: Meet Dr. Andrew C. Shin, PhD, a leading researcher at Texas Tech University whose work in nutritional sciences is transforming Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment possibilities. After studying the connection between diabetes and AD, Dr. Shin discovered the role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in AD pathology. His findings point to the therapeutic potential of a class of compounds—small molecule benzothiophene carboxylate derivatives. The lead compound, BT2, has shown promise in mimicking the pro-neuronal effects of BCAA restriction, effectively lowering AD-related pathology and improving brain neurotransmitter levels. This research is a critical step forward in the search for AD prevention and treatment strategies. This technology is available for partnering. For more information, contact Jennifer Souter at Research Commercialization at Texas Tech today. https://lnkd.in/gqJs72Sc #AlzheimersResearch #Innovation #TTUInnovators #Healthcare #HealthTech #Research #Faculty #Commercialization #Neuroscience #Alzheimers

The Center for Emerging Energy Science (CEES) in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Texas Tech University is making waves in the world of energy innovation! 💡 Led by Dr. Rob Duncan, the team at CEES is pioneering groundbreaking research in basic energy sciences and exploring new applications in nuclear science. https://lnkd.in/gWnCUVCP Check out their recent interview with APS-TV, where they dive deep into the cutting-edge work being done at CEES and the path forward for energy science. 🔬 #TTUSInnovators #TexasTech #Physics #Energy #Science #Research #Innovation #NuclearTechnology #Technology

#MeetTheTeam: At Research Commercialization at Texas Tech (ORC), we’re fortunate to have Satheesh Kumar PhD on our team as a Licensing Associate. Kumar works closely with researchers from the Texas Tech University - Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. College of Engineering to help commercialize their innovations and bring their inventions to market.    His primary focus is on technology transfer, guiding researchers through the process of licensing their intellectual property and supporting the development of startup companies. Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Flow Dynamics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and a B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering from Anna University, India. With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for innovation, Kumar leverages his expertise in commercialization to transform groundbreaking engineering advancements into practical, real-world solutions.   Kumar’s work is crucial in helping us empower Texas Tech University System innovators to maximize the impact of their discoveries and contribute to technological advancement. We are grateful to have such an outstanding team member supporting our efforts here within the ORC! #TTUSInnovators #engineering #community #startups #faculty #innovation #research #TeamSpotlight

🚀 Calling all researchers and innovators from across the Texas Tech University System! Do you have a groundbreaking innovation or research that could make a difference in the world? The Texas Tech Innovation Hub is here to help bring your ideas to life through its Accelerator Program. This one-of-a-kind program provides:    🔹 Mentorship from industry experts  🔹 $40,000 in funding to help launch your startup  🔹 Access to resources and a dynamic network of investors, entrepreneurs, and fellow innovators    Whether you’re in the early stages of development or ready to take your idea to the next level, the Texas Tech Accelerator is designed to help you commercialize your innovation and turn it into a successful business. 💡 Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your research into the next big thing!    Apply now and take the first step toward launching your startup and turning your ideas into reality. Learn more and apply at:  https://lnkd.in/g9RyCX3g

Obesity is a growing global crisis, and there’s an urgent need for safer, more effective treatments. Dr. Mahmoud Salama Ahmed, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, is dedicated to improving patient outcomes by developing more effective and accessible treatments, particularly in areas like obesity and metabolic disease. At TTUHSC, Dr. Ahmed has pioneered a novel approach by repurposing Indacaterol, an FDA-approved drug for asthma, as a Malonyl Co-A Decarboxylase (MCD) inhibitor for obesity and related metabolic disease.    This novel mechanism of action targets fat metabolism in the body, offering a promising alternative to current obesity treatments that often cause muscle loss. Indacaterol, traditionally used to manage respiratory diseases, has shown impressive results in preclinical trials, including: ✅ A 37% reduction in body weight  ✅ Restoration of glucose homeostasis and improved insulin resistance  ✅ A shift in mitochondrial substrate utilization for enhanced fat metabolism  ✅ Preservation of lean muscle mass while specifically targeting fat loss    Indacaterol is not only a FDA-approved drug, but also cost-effective, making it a prime candidate for quick regulatory approval and scalable production in further disease indications such as obesity. Dr. Ahmed is seeking partners for clinical development and commercialization. If you are interested in partnering with Dr. Ahmed, contact Ganga Baskar, PhD at Research Commercialization at Texas Tech to learn more. https://lnkd.in/gxNncb7A #ObesityTreatment #DrugRepurposing #DrugDiscovery #PharmaInnovation #TexasTechHealth #Healthcare #TTUHSC #TTUSInnovators  

Start 2025 off strong with a commitment to bring your innovation to life! 💡 Whether you’re a Texas Tech University System researcher or inventor, the Office of Research Commercialization is here to support you with resources, programs, and mentorship. Let's make this the year your ideas go from concept to commercialization! Learn how to get involved with the ORC by visiting our website at: https://lnkd.in/gTNGy_cV Ready to disclose your invention? Submit your Invention Disclosure Form here: https://lnkd.in/gVbsJDAT #InnovationGoals #NewYearNewInnovation #ResearchCommercialization 

🌟 Meet Dr. Dominick Casadonte, a visionary in the chemical sciences and a leader in innovative energy solutions in Texas Tech University - College of Arts & Sciences. With an illustrious career spanning groundbreaking research in sonochemistry, supramolecular photochemistry, and STEM education, Dr. Casadonte’s contributions continue to drive advancements in sustainability and science.    📌 One of his latest innovations tackles a critical challenge in clean energy: safe and efficient hydrogen storage. Using high-intensity ultrasound, Dr. Casadonte has developed a novel method to create hydrogenated fullerene, enabling the storage of hydrogen at room temperature and normal pressure—no need for extreme conditions.  For more on this innovative work and for partnering opportunities, check out the link below: https://lnkd.in/gxQ8dAdH For more on Dr. Casadonte and his research group, you can find more here:  https://lnkd.in/gB3xfyyK 🙌 Join us in celebrating Dr. Casadonte's remarkable work, which not only advances energy solutions but inspires innovation across disciplines. #Innovation #CleanEnergy #HydrogenStorage #MaterialsScience #TexasTech #Sustainability #TTUSInnovators