Two University of Akron faculty named 2026 senior members of the National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named University of Akron (UA) faculty members Dr. James Eagan and Dr. Hossein Tavana to its 2026 class of senior members.
The NAI senior member designation recognizes early-stage innovators who have produced technologies with real or potential societal impact. The program supports NAI’s mission to elevate academic invention, encourage intellectual property disclosure, and mentor the next generation of student innovators.
Eagan is an assistant professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, which is part of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. His research area focuses on how plastics can be deployed pragmatically to address the needs of today, without compromising the future.
Tavana is a professor and chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, also in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. His research areas include cancer, microtechnology, tissue engineering, biofluid mechanics and lung research.
Eagan and Tavana were nominated by Kelly Bialek, UA’s director of technology transfer and executive director of the University of Akron Research Foundation, in recognition of their achievements in technology development, student research mentorship and contributions to commercialization efforts.
“This recognition highlights the exceptional faculty at The University of Akron, both in the strength of their research programs and in their commitment to moving innovations from the lab to the marketplace,” Bialek said. “Their leadership exemplifies the value of technology transfer and the impact of UA’s research community.”
Eagan and Tavana join a distinguished group of 945 senior members worldwide, including three other UA faculty members: Dr. Yilmaz Sozer, professor of electrical and computer engineering (2023 class), Dr. Lu-Kwang (Luke) Ju, distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering (2024) and Dr. George Chase, professor emeritus in the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering (2021).
“It is with great pride that we recognize Drs. Eagan and Tavana on their election as senior members of the National Academy of Inventors,” said College of Engineering Polymer Science Dean Craig Menzemer. “This distinguished honor reflects the depth and significance of their scholarly contributions, as well as their leadership within their respective fields. Their achievements bring distinction to our college and underscore the excellence of our faculty.”
The announcement also underscores The University of Akron’s role as one of the nine founding members of the National Academy of Inventors and its continued commitment to fostering research, student engagement, and innovation across disciplines
“This recognition highlights the exceptional faculty at the University of Akron, both in the strength of their research programs and in their commitment to moving innovations from the lab to the marketplace,” Bialek said. “Their leadership exemplifies the value of technology transfer and the impact of UA’s research community.”
NAI President Paul R. Sanberg praised the honorees’ accomplishments in patents, licensing and technology commercialization, calling their work a reflection of the innovation-driven mission shared by NAI member institutions. The complete list of 2026 NAI senior members can be found here.
Media contact: media@uakron.edu