Dec 11 2013
The National Academy of Inventors named Darrell Reneker, distinguished professor of polymer science at The University of Akron, a fellow for 2013. With 24 United States patents to his name, Reneker is among the 143 inventors across the nation selected for this distinction this year.
Reneker is recognized internationally as a leader in polymer nanofiber electrospinning. Today, this technique is widely used by scientists and engineers to create innovations ranging from bandages that release medication to improved filtration devices, biomedical implants and scaffolds for cell growth.
Academic inventors elected to Fellow status have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. Founded in 2010, the NAI recognizes inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. NAI also enhances the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourages the disclosure of intellectual property, educates and mentors innovative students, and translates the inventions of its members to benefit society.
Reneker will be inducted at the Third Annual Conference of the NAI in Alexandria, Va. in March 2014. Also in March, Reneker will be honored at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society with a symposium on electrospinning and nanofibers. He is featured currently on Nanotechnology’s 25th anniversary highlights website http://iopscience.iop.org/0957-4484/page/25th-volume.
Polymer nanofibers create a “web” on Reneker’s hand.
About The University of Akron
The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs – with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With approximately 27,000 students and $65 million in research expenditures, UA is among the nation's strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth. Programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and on-line students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances post-graduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment, and service projects.