UTA researcher named National Academy of Inventors fellow
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The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has elected Kytai T. Nguyen, a professor in the Department of Bioengineering, as one of its 2024 fellows.
This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Nguyen’s exceptional contributions to innovation, her pursuit of groundbreaking research, and her work developing technologies that benefit society. She is among 170 inventors worldwide to be chosen for this year's class.
As a pioneer in bioengineering, Nguyen focuses on creating cutting-edge nanomaterials and drug-delivery systems that have the potential to revolutionize health care, particularly in treating cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
“I am deeply honored to be named an NAI fellow,” Nguyen said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of my research team, colleagues and the supportive environment at UTA that has allowed us to pursue innovative solutions to pressing health care challenges.”
The NAI fellow designation is the highest professional distinction awarded to academic inventors. It highlights individuals whose discoveries have significantly impacted their fields and who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering innovation in academia. Nguyen joins an elite group of researchers and inventors from across the globe who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
“I am delighted that Dr. Nguyen has been named an NAI fellow, joining several other engineering faculty who have distinguished themselves through innovation and ingenuity,” said Peter Crouch, dean of the College of Engineering. “Her contributions to health care advancements in treatments for cancer and peripheral arterial disease are changing the way those diseases are treated.”
Nguyen has authored numerous high-impact publications, holds multiple patents and has received national and international recognition for her research. She is also a dedicated educator, mentoring students who are now making their own contributions to science and technology.
The 2024 fellows will be formally inducted during the NAI’s annual meeting in June.
“This year's class of NAI fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors. Each of these individuals are tackling real-world issues and creating solutions that propel us into the future. Through their work, they are making significant contributions to science, creating lasting societal impact and growing the economy,” said Paul Sanberg, president of the NAI.
Since its founding in 2012, the NAI fellows program has grown to include 2,068 exceptional researchers and innovators with over 68,000 U.S. patents and 20,000 licensed technologies. NAI fellows are known for their inventions' societal and economic impact, contributing to significant advancements in science and consumer technologies. Their innovations have generated over $3.2 trillion in revenue and generated 1.2 million jobs.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UT Arlington is the second-largest institution in the UT System. UTA’s combination of outstanding academics and innovative research contributes to its designation as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution, a significant milestone of excellence. The University is designated as a Hispanic Serving-Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and has earned the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to accelerating Latino student success. The University ranks in the top five nationally for veterans and their families (Military Times, 2024), is No. 4 in Texas for advancing social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), and is No. 6 in the United States for its undergraduate ethnic diversity (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). UT Arlington’s approximately 270,000 alumni occupy leadership positions at many of the 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas and contribute to the University’s $28.8 billion annual economic impact on Texas.