Thursday, Apr 10, 2025 • Katherine Egan Bennett : contact

Four University of Texas at Arlington faculty members have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors for their outstanding achievements in innovation.

The UT Arlington honorees are:

• Colin Cameron, professor of research in chemistry and biochemistry
• Rasika Dias, distinguished professor of chemistry and biochemistry
• Panos Shiakolas, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering
• Baohong Yuan, distinguished professor of bioengineering

National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Senior Members are active faculty, scientists and administrators who have demonstrated success in patents, licensing and commercialization—and whose innovations have made a tangible impact on society.

“UTA has a strong legacy of innovation, and I’m thrilled to see Drs. Cameron, Dias, Shiakolas and Yuan recognized for their outstanding research discoveries,” said Kate Miller, UTA’s vice president for research and innovation. “Their work exemplifies the University’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking discoveries that make an economic and societal impact.”

Related: UTA faculty named National Academy of Inventors Senior Members (2024)

The 2025 Senior Members will be formally inducted during the NAI’s 14th Annual Conference, to be held June 23-26 in Atlanta.

Related: UTA researcher named National Academy of Inventors fellow

Meet UTA’s newest NAI Senior Members:

Colin Cameron

Cameron’s research includes improving materials for aircraft, such as innovations in electrochemical supercapacitors, lead-acid batteries, electrochromic coatings and corrosion-resistant paints. In 2012, he and Sherri McFarland, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UTA, co-founded PhotoDynamic Inc. to commercialize a plant extract that becomes a potent antioxidant when activated by light. They hold two patents related to oral hygiene.

“I am grateful to my peers and collaborators who have long inspired a spirit of creativity and emphasized the value of innovation,” Cameron said.

Rasika Dias

Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dias focuses on homogeneous catalysis, ethylene chemistry, luminescent materials, reaction intermediates and ligand design. He holds several patents and has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles, with over 18,000 citations.

“This acknowledgment serves as a testament to the exceptional quality of the many remarkable students and scientists I have had the pleasure of working with on our research team over the years,” Dias said.

Panos Shiakolas

Shiakolas’ research spans robotics, manufacturing, microprocessors and automation. His focus includes micro-devices for medical diagnostics, human-robot interaction for assistive robotics and prosthetics and additive manufacturing.

He also works to advance STEM education as director of UTA’s Manufacturing Medical Automation and Robotic Systems Lab, supported by sponsors, such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter.

“My research success would not be possible without the contributions from mentors and mentees I’ve worked with throughout my career,” Shiakolas said. “I share this award with them.”

Baohong Yuan

Yuan has developed innovative cancer imaging and treatment technologies using optical and ultrasound techniques. His work includes high-resolution imaging for deep tissue and ultrasound-mediated methods for detecting small tumors in hard-to-reach areas of the body.

“Innovation is at the heart of my research, and this recognition reinforces my commitment to developing cutting-edge biomedical imaging technologies that push the boundaries of science and health care,” Yuan said.”

-Gregory Pederson, College of Science