Faculty research is what drives our work in Emory’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT). Their discoveries shape every part of our mission, whether it’s filing patents, licensing technologies, or guiding early-stage startups. As a way to honor their accomplishments, OTT nominates outstanding faculty innovators to the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), an esteemed organization that recognizes inventors with U.S. patents.
In our 40 years of existence, OTT has fostered relationships with faculty members and encouraged academic inventorship. Here, we spoke with several of Emory’s esteemed NAI Fellows and Senior Members about their career as innovators and experiences partnering with OTT.
Wilbur Lam, MD, PhD
NAI Fellow | Professor of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering
What does being named an NAI Fellow mean to you?
“Personally, it’s a huge honor. When you look at who the Fellows are — nationally and internationally recognized inventors from both academia and industry — it’s incredibly humbling to be included. In academia, we rarely pursue patents for recognition, so having an organization like the NAI that elevates inventors is deeply meaningful. Professionally, it affirms the importance of translating science into real-world solutions. Inventors are problem-solvers — we take fundamental knowledge and use it to improve people’s lives.”
How has working with OTT helped shape the path of your inventions?
“Coming from the Bay Area, I was impressed by how proactive Emory’s OTT is. When I arrived 15 years ago, I didn’t even realize I had ideas worth patenting — OTT helped me see that. They taught me what invention and tech transfer really mean. Emory’s OTT has in-house legal counsel, they work directly with students and faculty, and they make themselves accessible to everyone from senior researchers to undergraduates. That’s rare, and it’s a huge asset.”
How has your work in innovation evolved over your career?
“I started out wanting to advance knowledge as a scientist and physician. But I realized that to truly solve problems at scale, you need to commercialize. That doesn’t mean selling out — it means making solutions sustainable and widely accessible. I’ve come to see commercialization as the final step of translation. Working closely with OTT has helped me understand how to navigate that process, and I now view them as close partners in everything from lab discoveries to startup efforts.”
Cassandra Quave, PhD
NAI Fellow | Associate Professor of Dermatology and Human Health
What does being named an NAI Fellow mean to you?
“It’s a great personal and professional honor. It recognizes how my academic research can translate into inventions with real-world benefit, and I’m proud to be included among such accomplished inventors at this stage in my career.”
How has working with OTT helped shape the path of your inventions?
“Since opening my lab at Emory in 2012, I’ve worked closely with OTT and their in-house counsel to ensure that new discoveries are properly protected. Their support has been integral to moving ideas forward.”
How has your work in innovation evolved over your career?
“My focus has always been on drug discovery for infectious and inflammatory diseases. Over time, we’ve gone from studying natural product mixtures to isolating and optimizing specific small molecules. One of the most exciting outcomes of this work was the launch of Verdant Scientific Inc., a company spun out of my Emory IP that’s now developing a first-in-class therapy for eczema.”
Barbara Rothbaum, PhD, ABPP
NAI Fellow | Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
What does being named an NAI Fellow mean to you?
“I was very honored. My invention certificate is framed in my office — one of my most cherished documents. I think my kids are proud that their mom is a scientist and inventor. (And both of them have PhDs!)”
How has working with OTT helped shape the path of your inventions?
“OTT was involved almost from the beginning. After our first study using virtual reality to treat a psychiatric condition in humans gained attention, Emory saw potential for commercialization. I worked closely with OTT throughout that process — I even got invited to the wedding of the attorney I worked with!”
David Stephens, MD
NAI Fellow | Vice President for Research, Woodruff Health Sciences Center (WHSC)
What does being named an NAI Fellow mean to you?
“Election as an NAI Fellow is a tremendous honor.”
How has working with OTT helped shape the path of your inventions?
“OTT’s leadership was essential to my early career. My lab developed several patents and licensing agreements, and OTT’s support helped position Emory as a leader in biologics, drug development, and medical devices.”
Bill Wuest, PhD
NAI Senior Member | Georgia Research Alliance Distinguished Investigator & Professor of Chemistry
What does being named an NAI Senior Member mean to you?
“It came as a pleasant surprise — I wasn’t even aware of this track until OTT brought it to my attention! Professionally, it means a great deal. It recognizes not only my group’s research contributions but also my passion for graduate education, especially through founding the Emory Biotech Consulting Club.”
How has working with OTT helped shape the path of your inventions?
“I’ve worked at two universities, and Emory OTT stands out. Their support, strategic advice, and internal collaboration are outstanding — especially given their limited resources. It’s truly impressive what they’re able to accomplish.”
How has your work in innovation evolved over your career?
“Serendipity played a big role early on. At Temple, with encouragement from OTT and an incubator program, I launched a startup focused on disinfectants. After moving to Emory, I took a more strategic approach to commercialization — particularly in filing patents more intentionally. I’ve also realized I can multiply my impact by mentoring the next generation of innovators, not just through my own IP development.”
Want to learn more about the people and ideas that have contributed to our 40 years of success? Follow the celebration here.
— Parker Wenig