Seven University of Houston faculty members have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors — the most of any single Texas institution this year — reinforcing UH’s leadership in research-driven innovation with real-world impact.
UH now has 46 Senior Members in the NAI.
“This recognition affirms what we see every day at the University of Houston — bold, collaborative innovation focused on improving lives. Having seven faculty members named Senior Members reflects our momentum and a culture where discovery moves beyond the lab into solutions that strengthen communities and drive economic growth.”
—Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy at UH.
NAI Senior Members are faculty, scientists and administrators who have demonstrated innovation with the potential for meaningful societal impact, along with success in patents, licensing and commercialization, and a commitment to mentoring future inventors.
The seven honorees — the most ever for UH in a single class — span energy, health, materials science and neurotechnology:
Haleh Ardebili
Haleh Ardebili, the Kamel Salama Endowed Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and assistant vice president for Entrepreneurship and Startup Ecosystem at UH, develops flexible and stretchable lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and wearable electronics. Ardebili holds four patents.
Vemuri Balakotaiah
Vemuri Balakotaiah, the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Chair and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, develops mathematical models to optimize catalytic reactions and transport processes. His work advances CO₂-free chemical manufacturing, electrified modular reactors and carbon sequestration systems. He holds six patents, with five pending.
Jakoah Brgoch
Jakoah Brgoch, the Eby Nell McElrath Professor of Chemistry in UH’s Department of Chemistry, develops next-generation inorganic materials, including superhard materials for the oil and gas industry, anionic transition metal catalysts and novel phosphors for solid-state white lighting. Brgoch holds four patents.
Jose Contreras-Vidal
Jose Contreras-Vidal, the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor in electrical and computer engineering and director of UH’s NSF neurotechnology research center, is pioneering brain-machine interface technologies that enable wearable exoskeletons and new insights into creativity and brain health. He holds five patents, with two technologies advancing through clinical trials.
Preethi Gunaratne
Preethi Gunaratne, Moores Professor in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry and director of the UH Sequencing Core in UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, has played a pivotal role in large-scale genome discoveries that have reshaped modern biomedical science. She has secured nearly $5 million in funding from eight NIH institutes and other sources, authored 141 publications with more than 35,000 citations, and holds five patents in biology and energy technologies.
Jae-Hyun Ryou
Jae-Hyun Ryou, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, develops semiconductor materials and devices for flexible electronics, photonics and energy systems. His work supports innovations in solid-state lighting, extreme-environment electronics and bio-compatible healthcare sensors. He holds 13 patents, with two pending.
Yingcai Zheng
Yingcai Zheng, the Robert and Margaret Sheriff Professor in Applied Geophysics and director of the UH Rock Physics Lab, advances high-resolution seismic imaging and rock physics research to better understand subsurface energy and storage systems. Zheng, whose work strengthens energy production, geothermal development and carbon management strategies, holds two patents.
This year’s class of 230 emerging inventors — the largest to date — represents 82 institutions nationwide and collectively holds more than 2,000 U.S. patents.
“This year’s Senior Member Class is a truly impressive cohort,” said Paul R. Sanberg, president of NAI. “These innovators come from a variety of fields and disciplines, translating their technologies into tangible impact. I commend them on their incredible pursuits, and I’m honored to welcome them to the Academy.”
The 2026 class will be honored at the Senior Member Induction Ceremony during NAI’s 15th Annual Conference, June 1–4 in Los Angeles.
See full list of class members