Georgetown’s NAI Chapter

The Georgetown University (GU) Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)  was launched 2009 to honor and support the university’s outstanding community of researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. 

The GU NAI Chapter acknowledges and honors the remarkable achievements of GU faculty, students, staff, and corporate allies in patenting, licensing, breakthrough innovation, and technology spheres. As a nurturing hub, the chapter empowers members to drive meaningful societal change. Teaming up with Georgetown’s Office of Technology Commercialization, the chapter furnishes essential resources, mentorship, and networking avenues, empowering individuals to thrive in their domains and realize their utmost capabilities.

About the National Academy of Inventors


The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) stands as a distinguished member organization fostering innovation within academia and beyond. With over 4,600 individual members from diverse backgrounds, affiliated with more than 300 institutions worldwide, NAI’s mission is multifaceted. It aims to recognize and encourage inventors, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, promote the disclosure of intellectual property, mentor students, and educate the public about the societal benefits of inventions. Rooted in a collaborative partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), NAI has continually expanded its reach and impact.

Georgetown’s NAI Chapter Roster

Georgetown University NAI Chapter
MembershipMember’s nameMembershipMember’s name
Senior MemberEsther ChangInventor MemberJohn Gerin​
Fellow Spiros DimolitsasInventor MemberMichael Johnson
FellowAlbert FornaceInventor MemberMira Jung​ 
FellowOphir FriederInventor Member Kenneth Kellar​   
FellowUsha Kasid Inventor MemberXuefeng Liu​
FellowKai LiuInventor MemberMarcus Maloof​
FellowRichard SchlegelInventor MemberCharbel Moussa​   
FellowJill SmithInventor MemberRadhakrishnan Padmanabhan​
FellowJeffrey ToretskyInventor MemberMakarand Paranjape​     
FellowAykut UrenInventor MemberAyesha Shajahan-Haq​   
FellowLouis WeinerInventor MemberThomas Shields​  
FellowChristian WolfInventor MemberYuichiro Suzuki​
Inventor MemberRichard CalderoneInventor MemberYuye Tong
Inventor MemberJohn Casey​   Inventor MemberTimothy Warren​  
Inventor MemberPaul Cote​Inventor MemberYingxian Xiao​  
Inventor MemberJohn Currie​  Inventor MemberVenkata Yenugonda​
Inventor MemberMark Danielsen​    Honorary MemberTatiana Litvin-Vechnyak​

Inventors Recognition Programs

Senior Members: NAI Senior Members are active faculty, scientists, and administrators with success in patents, licensing, and commercialization and have produced technologies that have brought or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society. They are rising stars who foster a spirit of innovation within their communities and institutions while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors. 

Fellows: The NAI Fellows Program was established to highlight academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society. Election to NAI Fellow status is the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.

Inventor Members:  Any GU-affiliated individual who holds at least one U.S. issued patent (verified through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)).

Honorary Members:  Leaders within the community who have facilitated and nurtured innovation and economic development.

Student Members:  Graduate and undergraduate students of Georgetown University.  Active student membership is open to all GU students, with the right to vote and hold office. A student may also become an NAI Inventor or honorary member if those membership conditions are met.

Why join the NAI?

Georgetown’s NAI Chapter offers a platform for members to engage and network with innovative students, faculty, and staff across Georgetown University and the NAI Global Academic Inventors Network (GAIN).  Becoming a member is free and offers a variety of benefits to both students and faculty.

  • Take part in student-led events featuring faculty, alumni, and members of industry
  • Showcase your passion for innovation and ability to take leadership roles by becoming a NAI chapter student officer
  • Learn about technology transfer, intellectual property, and economic prospects of technologies
  • Access to the GAIN program through the NAI and expand your network
  • Interact with a collective group of innovative faculty, staff, and researchers at Georgetown University

  • Connect, communicate, and translate inventions and technologies with other NAI members
  • Become an NAI Inventor member or NAI Honorary member; additionally, be nominated for NAI Sr. Member or Fellow
  • Become a mentor in the Global Academic Inventors Network (GAIN)
  • Understand the nuances of university-owned intellectual property and the technology transfer process
  • Connect with the USPTO and intellectual property professionals

Student Officers:  Create, supervise, and advertise events and workshops hosted by the NAI chapter. Officer duties will be delegated to the student depending on the role (president, financial officer, events officer, etc.). Officers will meet on a regular, monthly basis.

Faculty Advisory Committee:  Facilitate an environment that encourages innovation within the community of inventors, researchers, and students at GU. Participate in student-led events, and attend general meetings held once a semester to discus the state of the NAI chapter and establish goals.

All Others:  Attend events (workshops, guest lecturers, luncheons, etc.) hosted by the NAI chapter.  All members are encouraged to interact with others by communicating innovations, networking with other inventors, and discussing professional development opportunities.

Become a member

Inventors with four or more patents through Georgetown University will be considered for eligibility. Please contact techlicesing@georgetwon.edu for more information.

2023 Georgetown University ranks among the Top 100 U.S.

Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents in 2023 Announced

Dr. Christian Wolf was selected for induction as a Fellow in the NAI

The 2023 NAI Fellows Selection Committee and NAI Board of Directors have recognized Dr. Wolf’s exceptional contributions to innovation.

Georgetown University faculty inducted into the NAI

Jill Smith and Kai Liu are recognized for their contributions to innovation
Tatiana Litvin-Vechnyak becomes an honorary member

2022 Georgetown University ranks among the Top 100 U.S.

Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents in 2022 Announced