Three researchers named senior members of the National Academy of Inventors

Three researchers named senior members of the National Academy of Inventors

Three longtime East Carolina University faculty members have been named to the 2026 class of senior members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), joining more than 30 colleagues and researchers at the university who hold membership in the prestigious organization.

Dr. Colin S. Burns, Dr. Allison S. Danell and Dr. Jitka Virag are members of the NAI's latest cohort, its largest to date. Exactly 230 emerging inventors representing 82 member institutions worldwide count themselves among the 2026 class. Collectively, it holds more than 2,000 U.S. patents.

Dr. Sharon Paynter, the university's chief research officer, said the selection of Burns, Danell and Virag reflects ECU's expanding footprint in the research enterprise. ECU has been designated as a Research 1 (R1) university, placing it among 5% of institutions in the nation that are recognized for having the highest level of research activity.

"As a university where research excellence is tied to public impact, ECU advances knowledge that serves the public good through rigorous scholarship and creative inquiry across disciplines, improving lives, strengthening communities, and driving economic and social progress," she said. "These three faculty exemplify the depth, ambition, and excellence that define Pirate innovation. We are proud of their achievements and pleased to see their work recognized nationally."

Senior members are selected for their success in producing impactful inventions, securing patents and demonstrating the potential for continued innovation that benefits society.

"This year's Senior Member class is a truly impressive cohort," said Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, president of the NAI. "These innovators come from a variety of fields and disciplines, translating their technologies into tangible impact. I commend them."

Launched in 2018, the NAI Senior Member program recognizes active faculty, scientists and administrators who have achieved success in innovation and who, through their work, support a culture of discovery and entrepreneurship at their institutions.

"Being named an NAI Senior Member is an incredible honor," said Burns, a chemistry professor and inventor whose work spans basic science, applied science and technology. "Innovation at ECU is truly collaborative. It bridges research between the main campus and the medical school plus benefits from the assistance of the Office of Licensing and Commercialization. The support and resources we have here make it possible to turn ideas into technologies that can improve lives, drive industry partnerships and create new opportunities for eastern North Carolina and beyond."

A fellow chemistry professor, Danell, dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, applies chemical analysis to problems of biological significance, and she echoed the sentiment that the research enterprise here is collaborative - its celebrations are collective.

"ECU encourages us to think creatively about how our research can solve real-world problems," she said. "This recognition reflects the work of so many talented student, faculty and staff collaborators. I'm grateful to work with colleagues in an environment where our ideas grow and what we do truly makes a difference."

Danell and Burns are research partners who now step into the NAI as senior members together.

The NAI notes that its member institutions are widely regarded as "innovation powerhouses," promoting discovery and invention on their campuses and within their communities. Today, 945 NAI Senior Members collectively hold more than 11,000 U.S. patents

"ECU's basic research environment makes it possible to pursue the kind of ground-breaking work that pushes the limits of what we know and supports our mission to improve health in eastern North Carolina communities and beyond," said Virag, an associate professor of physiology at the Brody School of Medicine, whose research seeks to improve human cardiovascular health. "It is a privilege to join the National Academy of Inventors and to represent ECU alongside such inspiring and accomplished colleagues."

A full list of the 2026 NAI Senior Member class can be accessed online. There will be an induction recognition at the 15th Annual Conference of the National Academy of Inventors June 1-4 in Los Angeles.

Contact: Bobby Ampezzan, Communications Manager, [email protected]

Telephone: 252-328-4810

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