Happy First Friday!
For generations, university researchers have sought answers to the questions that plague our society, and the contributions higher education has made to humanity are immeasurable in this regard.
My own academic research has focused on geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. I can remember carrying my early GPS equipment in a very large (and very heavy!) suitcase. Now, Google Maps and other web-based apps are carried in our pockets everywhere we go. We have seen so much progress in the field of GIS alone in such a short amount of time due to academic research, and I am proud of the contributions my students, my colleagues and I have made to that development.
At , faculty mentorship is a huge component of the student experience. We are designated a “Doctoral University – High Research Activity” institution by the, a reflection of the quality of research by our faculty and graduate students. More than half of our 6,000 graduate and medical students are involved in research-based degree programs. research, scholarship and creative work also provides important learning opportunities for more than 2,000 undergraduate students.
Each February, shows its appreciation for our student and faculty researchers by hosting a number of events. On February 21, we will host the annual to recognize faculty, staff and students “who engaged with the University’s Technology Transfer Office over the past year to commercialize their research findings, by protecting their intellectual property through the patent process.” It is during this annual Inventors Dinner that we award the prestigious . The award is named for distinguished alumnus Wilfred Konneker, who was instrumental in advancing ’s entrepreneurial endeavors. has awarded the Konneker Medal to 11 individuals, including the 2018 recipient, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine alumnus Dr. James Joye.
has a successful track record in commercializing technologies. inventors have received patents for discoveries in areas such as growth hormones and aging, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, avionics engineering, wound healing and superconductors. As of January 2019, has a portfolio of 94 active issued U.S. patents and 174 active issued non-U.S. patents.
Also this month, we will host the annual . The Distinguished Professor Award recognizes outstanding scholarly and creative accomplishments and is the highest permanent recognition attainable by faculty at . This year, we will honor with an event on February 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in Baker University Center Ballroom A.
We are also currently accepting nominations for the 2019 Distinguished Professor Award. .
research has led to ground-breaking, life-altering breakthroughs that have improved our human experience, and the evidence can be found all around us. researchers are leading the way, searching each day for innovative solutions, and I look forward to celebrating their many accomplishments this month and beyond.
Cordially,
