The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named Dr. Khairul Alam, an Ohio University professor of mechanical engineering in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, to the inaugural class of NAI Senior Members.

NAI Senior Members are active faculty, scientists and administrators from NAI Member Institutions with success in patents, licensing and commercialization. They have produced technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society.

Senior Members also foster a spirit of innovation within their communities through enhancing an inventive atmosphere at their institutions, while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors.

“Through his own inventions and his mentoring of students, Dr. Alam has made significant contributions to the field of engineering on an international scale,” Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis said. “His innovative spirit and drive to improve the world provide a strong foundation of innovations upon which he and his students can continue to build and expand for the benefit of society.”

Alam, an Ohio University faculty member since 1983, has seven U.S. patents and 28 foreign patents, as well as additional patents pending. His work includes the design of new electrostatic precipitators, devices that can remove pollutant particles from the exhaust of power plants. Alam has worked with national and international companies to license and commercialize his inventions.

The professor has been awarded research grants from government, industry and foundation sources totaling more than $7 million at Ohio University. He is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and has served as a reviewer for entities such as the National Science Foundation, NASA and the Department of Energy. Alam also is the author of 118 publications and two book chapters. In addition, he has mentored 38 master’s and doctoral students and served in a leadership role as director of the Center for Advanced Materials Processing for 16 years.

“We are very pleased that the National Academy of Inventors has recognized the distinguished work of Professor Khairul Alam,” said Robert Silva, director of the Ohio University Technology Transfer Office. “He is an active researcher who has focused on developing and commercializing technologies that can benefit society.”

The 66 members of the inaugural class of NAI Senior Members represent 37 research universities and government and non-profit research institutes. They are named inventors on over 1,100 issued U.S. patents.

“The election of the inaugural class of NAI Senior Members is a significant designation for a group of prolific inventors from NAI Member Institutions who are collectively a driving force in American innovation,” said Paul R. Sanberg, NAI President. “This is truly an accomplishment worth celebrating.”

Senior Members undergo a two-step selection process, including internal NAI review and consideration by the Advisory Committee. The committee comprises elected NAI members and other professionals considered pioneers in their respective field.