Li and Fasel Honored at First Annual Patent Medallion Luncheon

The College of Engineering and Tech Launch Arizona recognized 20 faculty members who have received patents for their research in the last year at the first annual Patent Medallion Luncheon. AME Department Head Peiwen Li and professor Hermann Fasel were among those recognized for their hard work, creativity and courage.

Li's patent is called Desalination of Water Using Thermal Energy, and Fasel's is Control of Hypersonic Boundary Layer Transition.

Betsy Cantwell, senior vice president for research and innovation at the University of Arizona, said it takes courage to pursue entrepreneurship and go beyond what is traditionally expected of faculty members.

“[You are] adding to the plate that one of the things you want to do with your research is to have a different kind of impact,” she said. “That is a flavor of courage we are looking to support. … Thank you all for being courageous, whether you know it or not.”

With 82 invention disclosures, 95 patents filed and 25 patents issued in FY 2021, the College of Engineering is a leader at the University of Arizona in invention disclosures and patents. In its 2021 Annual Report, Tech Launch Arizona noted that the college was a standout in number of Asset Development awards and amount of total funding received to help advance early-stage inventions.