Thirteen USC Innovators Inducted as National Academy of Inventors Class of 2026 Senior Members

We proudly celebrate the induction of 13 distinguished researchers into the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), one of the highest professional honors awarded to academic inventors whose patented discoveries have made a tangible impact on society.

Founded in 2010, the NAI recognizes inventors affiliated with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office–recognized institutions who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation. Election to NAI Fellowship follows a rigorous peer-review process evaluating patents, commercialization success, licensing activity, and the societal and economic significance of an inventor’s work. Collectively, NAI Fellows hold tens of thousands of patents worldwide, have launched hundreds of companies, and have generated billions of dollars in economic impact.

Beyond honoring achievement, the NAI serves as a national voice for academic invention and advocates for policies that strengthen innovation ecosystems and accelerate the translation of research from the lab to the marketplace. Induction places USC’s newest Fellows among a distinguished global network of inventors whose ideas are shaping industries, improving human health, advancing sustainability, and redefining technology’s role in society.

Meet USC’s Newest NAI Inductees:

Robert Aniszfeld (USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute)
Dr. Aniszfeld’s contributions to patented carbon-recycling systems include technologies that convert CO₂ into methanol fuels and improve advanced battery storage, which are helping drive sustainable energy solutions.

David A. Barnhart (USC Viterbi School of Engineering & USC Information Sciences Institute)
Dr. Barnhart develops next-generation spacecraft morphologies, modular satellite robotics, and innovative space system architectures that strengthen resilience and expand the future of space exploration.

Paula Cannon (USC Keck School of Medicine)
Dr. Cannon’s pioneering CRISPR-based gene editing technologies are advancing engineered immune therapies for HIV and other infectious diseases, bringing transformative treatments closer to patients.

Stephen B. Cronin (USC Viterbi School of Engineering)
Dr. Cronin’s patented nanotechnology and advanced spectroscopy platforms enable breakthroughs in energy materials, catalysis, and environmental remediation.

Alan L. Epstein (USC Keck School of Medicine)
Dr. Epstein has developed monoclonal antibody and CAR-T cell therapies that are reshaping cancer detection and treatment, translating laboratory discoveries into life-saving immunotherapies.

Samuel M. Gustman (USC Libraries / USC Shoah Foundation)
Dr. Gustman leads innovations in large-scale digital preservation systems that protect vital historical archives and expand global access to educational resources.

Craig A. Knoblock (USC Information Sciences Institute & USC Viterbi School of Engineering)
Dr. Knoblock’s work in knowledge graphs, AI-driven data integration, and intelligent information systems powers modern analytics platforms used across government and industry.

Heinz-Josef Lenz (USC Keck School of Medicine & USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Dr. Lenz’s discoveries in molecular biomarkers and precision oncology diagnostics are enabling more personalized and effective cancer treatments.

Mahta Moghaddam (USC Viterbi School of Engineering)
Dr. Moghaddam engineers advanced microwave radar and remote sensing systems that enhance environmental monitoring, climate research, and subsurface imaging.

G. K. Surya Prakash (USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute)
A leader of the “Methanol Economy” vision, Dr. Prakash has developed patented CO₂ conversion and energy storage technologies aimed at building a carbon-neutral future.

Bodour Salhia (USC Keck School of Medicine)
Dr. Salhia’s liquid biopsy diagnostics, based on cell-free DNA methylation technologies, enable earlier and less invasive detection of cancer.

Doris Sung (USC School of Architecture)
Dr. Sung’s climate-responsive materials and self-shading building systems are redefining sustainable architecture and improving energy efficiency in the built environment.

Jesse Tong-pin Yen (USC Viterbi School of Engineering)
Dr. Yen’s innovations in advanced 2D/3D ultrasound transducer arrays are improving high-resolution medical imaging and expanding diagnostic capabilities.

From carbon-neutral fuels and cancer immunotherapies to satellite robotics and sustainable architecture, these 13 USC innovators exemplify the power of academic research translated into real-world solutions. Their induction into the NAI not only honors individual achievement, but it also highlights USC’s enduring commitment to advancing discovery, entrepreneurship, and societal impact through invention. We’re excited to host the NAI community in Los Angeles June 1-4, 2006, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Dolby Theatre!