Patent Success Stories

Karl Böhringer, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and bioengineering, specializes in microelectromechanical systems. His research in self-assembling systems, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and microfluidics is driving advancements in photonics, nanotechnology, and the life sciences.

Corie Cobb, a professor of mechanical engineering, focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies for clean energy applications. Her work in 3D printing and battery design is pivotal for sustainable energy solutions.

Shyam Gollakota, a professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and head of UW’s Mobile Intelligence Lab, is a prolific inventor and serial entrepreneur, having developed and commercialized smartphone apps that use active sonar to monitor breathing, ultra-low-power backscatter devices, and advanced hearing systems.

Neil King, an associate professor of biochemistry whose lab is within the Institute for Protein Design, designs novel functional protein-based nanomaterials for medical applications. His pioneering work using computational protein design is advancing next-generation vaccines and targeted drug delivery systems.

Arka Majumdar, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and physics, is known for his innovative work on nanophotonic metasurface optics for optical computation, imaging, and microscopy.

Shwetak Patel is a professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. His work in ubiquitous computing, human-computer interaction, and sensor-enabled systems has led to innovations in health monitoring and energy efficiency, significantly impacting sustainable living and healthcare.

James Pierce, an associate professor of interaction design in UW’s School of Art + Art History + Design, is performing design research to develop innovations in human-computer interaction, privacy, the Internet of Things (IoT), and AI technologies.

Joan Sanders, a professor of bioengineering, focuses on developing novel prosthetic and orthotic technologies, including measurement techniques for external prosthetics, and a self-adjusting prosthetic leg.

Eric Seibel, a research professor in mechanical engineering, invented the scanning fiber endoscope, revolutionizing minimally invasive medical imaging. His work enhances early cancer detection and image-guided surgery.

Ruikang (Ricky) Wang, a professor of bioengineering and ophthalmology, develops advanced biomedical imaging techniques. His innovations in biomedical optics and photoacoustic imaging are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Mari Winkler, a professor of civil and & environmental engineering, researches innovative wastewater and sludge treatment processes, including enhanced nitrogen removal and solutions which leverage microbial interactions. She also develops a hydrogel-based platform to immobilize microorganisms for diverse applications, such as biofertilizers, carbon capture, wastewater treatment, and potential medical uses.