National Academy of Inventors selects Otanicar as senior member for 2026 class

Todd Otanicar, associate dean for research affairs in the College of Engineering, has been named a 2026 Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This is one of the highest honors for inventors worldwide and a mark of high entrepreneurial activity and potential for social and economic impact.

Otanicar is among a global class of 230 faculty, scientists and research leaders from 82 member institutions worldwide who collectively hold more than 2,000 U.S. patents as new Senior Members.

At Boise State, Otanicar is one of two active professors who are members of NAI, including Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering Distinguished Professor Peter Müllner.

"Dr. Otanicar's recognition and induction to the National Academy of Inventors is an exceptional reflection of his commitment to solving real-world challenges that improve and benefit our communities and society," College of Engineering Dean Amy Fleischer said. "His work exemplifies the spirit and innovation that defines the College of Engineering."

Fellows, the highest rank, collectively hold over 86,000 U.S. issued patents. According to NAI, senior members are rising stars who demonstrate success in patents, licensing and commercialization, promote a spirit of invention, and mentor the next generation.

In the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Otanicar leads the Thermal Transport and Solar Energy Laboratory, where his research focuses on developing advanced heat and mass transfer solutions for next-generation energy systems. His work spans applications in solar thermal power, photovoltaics, desalination, and energy storage.

His work has been supported by numerous federal agencies and industry partners, including the National Science Foundation, NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of the Interior, and more.

Over the course of his career, Otanicar has produced an extensive portfolio of scholarly work and intellectual property, including multiple U.S. and international patents related to energy systems and advanced thermal technologies.

"This honor recognizes one of my central goals as a researcher to develop technologies that make a real-world impact," Otanicar said. "I'm equally excited to help guide the next generation of engineers and scientists as they grow into innovators and inventors."

Beyond research, Otanicar is dedicated to mentoring students and advancing innovation within the university ecosystem. Through his laboratory and collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners, he works closely with undergraduate and graduate students to translate energy discovery into real-world impact.

"Todd's induction into the National Academy of Inventors highlights the caliber and real-world impact of research happening at Boise State," said Nancy Glenn, Boise State University Vice President of Research and Economic Development. "His work is advancing next-generation technologies, and his commitment to mentoring student innovators ensures that impact will continue well into the future."

The recognition highlights another significant win for Boise State's growing engineering research. Faculty across the College of Engineering are advancing technologies that address pressing challenges in energy, materials, biomedical, infrastructure and computing while preparing students to lead national discovery and innovation.

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