Martin Thuo, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Victor Veliadis, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the executive director and CTO of PowerAmerica, joined nine other College of Engineering faculty members as Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors. NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.

Thuo’s research led to the development of low-temperature solders. He was recognized for his ability to minimize cost and complexity while providing efficient solutions to better human conditions.

Veliadis’ patent portfolio has been licensed for use in both commercial and military applications, such as powering long-range weather or aircraft radar systems.

The 2024 NAI Fellows — who come from 39 different states, 12 countries and 135 institutions worldwide — collectively hold over 5,000 issued U.S. patents. Their innovations have generated over $3.2 trillion in revenue and generated 1.2 million jobs.