A New Decade Defined

Three FAU researchers were recently featured in the 2020 National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) annual activities report for their research-related innovations.

“The work that these inventors are achieving as members of the NAI continues to enhance the visibility of academic research and it encourages other inventors looking to protect and commercialize their work to continue pursuing their innovative ideas,” said Dana J. Vouglitois, assistant director in the Office of Technology Development, which leads the FAU chapter of NAI.

Here’s a look:

• Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, and executive director of the FAU Brain Institute
  
  Through the FAU Brain Institute, Blakely led the Summer Neuroscience Scholars program, giving undergraduate and graduate level students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of neuroscience research approaches and methods, substituting for the summer lab experiences missed due to COVID-19. The program involved intensive, video conference based discussions and presentations with faculty, staff and trainees that reviewed primary research literature, provided opportunities for career networking, illuminated opportunities for science community engagement and considered various aspects of research ethics. Blakely was also appointed to the Brain Multi-Council Working Group, representing the National Institute of Mental Health with respect to the activities of the Brain Project.
• Megan Davis, Ph.D., professor in the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
  
  Davis was recognized for establishing a hatchery for queen conch restoration in collaboration with her colleague and fishermen in Puerto Rico. This project is supported by a grant from the Saltonstall-Kennedy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries program. In addition, Davis and team completed a 10-week study at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to determine the optimal growing conditions for three species of sea vegetables or halophyte plants: sea asparagus, sea purslane and saltwort. These vegetables are grown in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system and utilize nutrients that are produced by fish and shrimp in this system and can be harvested for human consumption.
• Herbert Weissbach, Ph.D., professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
  
  The report highlighted Weissbach’s start-up company, Prolindox Inc., which focuses on developing a remedy to treat retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder of the eyes that causes a loss of vision.