South Region

Joseph Iannotti, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief Research and Academic Officer
Lang Family Endowed Chair of Orthopaedic Research
Cleveland Clinic Florida
Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering
Case Western Reserve University Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Affiliate Dean and Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
Florida International University School of Medicine

89 U.S. Patents

Joseph P. Iannotti, M.D., Ph.D., is the Chief Research Officer, Chief of Staff, and Academic and Innovations Officer, and holds the Lang Family Endowed Chair of Orthopaedic Research at Cleveland Clinic Florida. He also serves as a Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and as an Affiliate Dean and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

An internationally recognized pioneer and leader in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal research, Dr. Iannotti has made transformative contributions to the field through more than four decades of clinical practice, translational research, and academic leadership. As a physician-scientist, he has combined clinical expertise with foundational research in biomechanics, cell biology, and biomedical engineering to develop groundbreaking technologies that have redefined the standard of care in shoulder arthroplasty, including tendon repair and tissue engineering, prosthetic design, pre-surgical planning software, and patient-specific instrumentation.

Among his most transformative contributions is the development of 3D CT-based pre-operative surgical planning software and patient-specific instrumentation (PSI), which dramatically improved the precision and outcomes of shoulder replacement surgery. His patented “virtual vault” model became the global gold standard for assessing shoulder anatomy and selecting optimal implants. The technology was first used clinically at the Cleveland Clinic in 2009 and led to the creation of a successful startup, Custom Orthopaedic Solutions, which was later acquired by Arthrex. Today, nearly every major implant company has adopted these principles, enabling personalized surgical approaches that have improved accuracy, outcomes, and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide.

Dr. Iannotti’s early discoveries in shoulder biomechanics led to the design and commercialization of novel glenoid and humeral prostheses for anatomical arthroplasty. These efforts have resulted in over 40 patents, leading to more than 10 new implant systems for treating end-stage arthritis of the shoulder. In addition, he has pioneered biologic solutions for tendon repair and healing, with eight patents currently under commercial development. His most recent innovations explore non-contact PSI integrated with surgical navigation and robotics, signaling yet another leap forward in surgical precision and patient care.

Dr. Iannotti holds 89 U.S. patents and is an Active Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He has received both the Cleveland Clinic Mason Sones Award for Innovation and the Cleveland Clinic Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation. Additionally, he has been recognized by leading professional organizations, including the Charles S. Neer Clinical Science Award and the Neer Award from the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. He has also held numerous leadership positions in national professional societies, such as the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Iannotti received a B.S. in Biology from Fordham University. He completed his M.D. at Northwestern University in Chicago and his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hari Kalva, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Chair
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Florida Atlantic University

73 U.S. Patents

Dr. Hari Kalva is a Professor and the Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. He also serves as Director of FAU’s Multimedia Lab (mlab.fau.edu).

A distinguished expert in visual computing, Dr. Kalva’s pioneering advances focus on video compression, multimedia communication, and video analytics, with applications spanning intelligent surveillance, healthcare, and environmental conservation. He is a co-inventor of seven U.S. patents and eight international patents that have been deemed standards essential for a wide array of video technology standards. These standards include AVC/H.264 and HEVC/H.265, which power nearly every modern streaming and broadcast service in use today. Additionally, he was granted 14 US patents that have been deemed standards essential for VVC/H.266 standard, the next generation successor to HEVC/H.265.

Dr. Kalva’s innovations enable efficient video delivery across billions of devices, including mobile phones, smart TVs, Blu-ray players, and cable set-top boxes. These technologies are not merely technical milestones, they are foundational to the way the world consumes digital content. Licensed by leading manufacturers and service providers through patent licensing pools such as Via LA, Access Advance, One-Blue, PremierBD, and Uldage, Dr. Kalva’s inventions have transformed entertainment, communication, and education across the globe. From 2K and 4K cable broadcasting in Japan, to video streaming on platforms like YouTube and Netflix, his work continues to impact the global digital video ecosystem.

Additionally, Dr. Kalva co-developed the now-ubiquitous MP4 file format and pioneered the use of machine learning methods to accelerate video encoding. His ongoing work on Video Coding for Machines is contributing to the next generation of international video standards, optimized for artificial intelligence. Collectively, his inventions have enabled global access to high-quality media, helped reduce data transmission requirements by up to 50%, and supported the $150 billion digital streaming economy.

In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Kalva has founded two technology ventures: Flavor Software, launched in 2000 to commercialize innovations developed during his doctoral research; and Videopura, a Boca Raton-based startup focused on AI-optimized video compression. He has also served in international standards development bodies and advised government and industry partners on multimedia technologies.

Dr. Kalva holds 73 U.S. patents. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a Senior Member of IEEE, and a Member of the Association for Computing Machinery. He has also served as a U.S. delegate to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) subcommittees working on video compression and communication standards.

Dr. Kalva earned an M.S.C.E. from Florida Atlantic University, and he holds Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University.

Hariklia “Lili” Deligianni, Ph.D.

Founder, Sense4me, Inc.
Former Research Scientist
IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center

167 U.S. Patents

Dr. Hariklia “Lili” Deligianni is the founder of Sense4me, Inc., a start-up company in digital health with the vision to empower individuals with addiction issues to manage their condition successfully. In 2018, Dr. Deligianni retired from IBM following a distinguished career spanning three decades at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center. She also currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s Electrochemical Energy Center.

Dr. Deligianni’s pioneering research has had widespread impact across disciplines and industries. Most recently, her work is aimed at developing novel products such as a DNA sequencing electrochemical device; and a toolbox of nanomaterials and nanodevices for brain and peripheral neural stimulation, recordings, and neurochemistry measurements; as well as innovations in wearables, biosensors, bioelectronics, neural interfaces, and artificial intelligence, with applications in neural and mental health.

While at IBM, Dr. Deligianni played a leading role in the successful introduction of electrochemical technology in semiconductor chips, including the co-invention of the copper electrodeposition process for on-chip interconnects, which revolutionized the performance of computer chips and led to world-wide commercialization of electronic components for the semiconductor and telecommunications industries. Dr. Deligianni has also made significant contributions to renewable energy with the development and scale-up of thin film solar cells.

Dr. Deligianni is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. In 2004, she was part of the IBM team honored with the U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation for their groundbreaking technologies. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society and was the first female recipient of the Vittorio de Nora Award of the Electrochemical Society. She was also recognized with the E.V. Murphree award of the American Chemical Society. She is also a senior member of IEEE and AIChE, and a member of ACS and AAAS. Dr. Deligianni’s innovations have been recognized by Inventor of the Year Award of the New York Intellectual Property Law Association, and she has received multiple IBM Corporate Awards. Dr. Deligianni received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A Mention About Invention

3 Questions for the Inventor

Q1. Of your patents/inventions, which one is your favorite and why?

U.S. Patent 6,709,562B1 is my favorite. The development of electroplated copper interconnects for the computer industry is a story of perseverance and an underdog winning the race.

The transition from aluminum to copper interconnects in semiconductor technology marked a significant milestone in the industry. Copper interconnects, first introduced by IBM in 1997, revolutionized the fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs) by offering superior electrical properties and enabling the development of faster and more scalable microprocessors. Before the introduction of copper interconnects, aluminum was the standard material used for wiring in ICs. However, as transistor sizes continued to shrink, the limitations of aluminum became apparent. Aluminum interconnects suffered from higher electrical resistance and susceptibility to electromigration, which limited the performance and reliability of computer chips. Copper was identified as a superior alternative to aluminum due to its lower electrical resistance and better electromigration resistance. Copper interconnects reduce propagation delays and power consumption, leading to better overall performance of computer chips.

For this major technological implementation, we had to overcome significant challenges in selecting the copper deposition method. Most engineers and scientists were familiar with traditional deposition methods like chemical vapor deposition and sputtering. Many of our colleagues at IBM and throughout the semiconductor industry believed that electroplating was a “dirty” process and entirely incompatible with silicon processing. However, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 of the patent, the deposits produced by electrodeposition were far superior to those produced by sputtering and chemical vapor deposition (as illustrated in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the prior art). Chemical vapor deposition and sputtering were initially considered but proved inadequate for yielding void-free, seamless, and low-resistivity copper deposits.

Finally, in 1997, IBM and the entire semiconductor industry settled on the underdog, electroplating—a process that uses an electrical charge to draw copper ions from a liquid and deposit copper on the silicon wafer. However, despite the use of electroplated copper in manufacturing since 1997, the patent was filed two years later, in 1999, and it took six years to be allowed and issued! The attorneys and patent examiners alike could not initially understand and appreciate the novelty of the method. To get it through the USPTO, IBM had to argue the case in patent court, where I represented all the inventors. I had to explain that electroplated copper offered three main advantages: it produced bottom-up, void-free filling of features, lower resistivity, and higher reliability of copper due to the chemistry of the electroplating solution.

Q3. What is your process when developing new inventions/innovations?

The process is about re-inventing yourself every few years! I have always learned to challenge myself and transitioned from innovations in the electronics industry to developing and scaling up thin film solar cells and renewable energy sources, to neural engineering, biosensors, and brain-computer interfaces, and to applying artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical and wellness domain. I have leveraged my extensive background in electrochemical engineering and the computer industry to apply my skills in new domains.

For example, I have created tools and sensors that can help understand and treat diseases of the nervous system, indicating a full-circle change as I apply my engineering expertise to biomedical challenges.

My motivation for these changes is driven by my passion for tackling complex problems, a trait I cultivated during my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and then during my time at IBM. I thrive on changing directions every few years, which has allowed me to explore various scientific fields and contribute to innovative solutions in each. My transition from microelectronics to renewable energy, to neural engineering and artificial intelligence, is marked by my desire to apply my technical skills to new challenges in biomedical research, reflecting my adaptability to learn new domains and my lifelong commitment to scientific innovation.

Patricia Davis-Lemessy, Ph.D.

Engineering Fellow
Cordis Corporation

4 U.S. Patents

Patricia Davis-Lemessy, Ph.D. is an Engineering Fellow at Cordis Corporation, a leading global entity in cardiovascular devices, where she developed novel polymers that address the characteristics required to conduct coronary angioplasty on blocked coronary arteries.

A global expert in polymer science, Dr. Davis-Lemessy has over 34 years of experience in biomedical engineering. Her pioneering research and technical leadership have significantly advanced medical implant disciplines, including angioplasty catheters, ocular implants, tendon implants, hip prostheses, and controlled drug delivery. Dr. Davis-Lemessy’s contributions have substantially shaped the medical device design and manufacturing industry and continue to drive advancements in device development to better serve patients worldwide. Moreover, her patents have been leveraged by international companies (including ACS, Cordis Corp., and Cardinal Health) with global distribution networks.

Prior to her tenure at Cordis, Dr. Davis-Lemessy made groundbreaking contributions to the medical device design and manufacturing industry at W.L. Gore & Associates, Boston Scientific Corporation, Guidant Corporation, ACS, Merit Medical Systems, and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Additionally, Dr. Davis-Lemessy has published over 100 journal articles and is the author of several children’s books, including “Positive Affirmations for the Black Child” under the pen name of Patsy Clarke. Throughout her career, Dr. Davis-Lemessy has mentored aspiring engineers and served underrepresented populations in STEM. Her commitment to service and mentorship earned her the E. Stuart Eichert, Jr. Student Award for Selfless Service to the University and Community.

Dr. Davis-Lemessy completed her Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Connecticut and her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was recognized with the “Ivy League Champion in Track and Field” award.

A MENTION ABOUT INVENTION – 3 Questions for the Inventor

Q1. Of your patents/inventions, which one is your favorite and why?

Of all the patents and inventions I’ve been fortunate to contribute to, the Cordis Rain Sheath Kink Resistance Technology (KRT) stands out as my favorite. First, the reach of this innovation extends to millions of people worldwide. Second, this innovation, designed for radial access angioplasty, represents a significant leap forward in the field of interventional cardiology. What makes the Rain Sheath KRT particularly special to me is its ability to improve patient outcomes while simplifying this critical procedure for healthcare providers.

Radial access has become the preferred method for many cardiologists due to its reduced complication rates and quicker patient recovery times compared to femoral access. However, challenges such as vascular spasm and patient discomfort have persisted. The Rain Sheath KRT addresses these issues by offering a more flexible, hydrophilic-coated sheath that minimizes trauma to the artery, thereby reducing the incidence of spasms. Additionally, its innovative design allows for smoother catheter insertion and navigation, making the procedure more efficient and less stressful for both patients and operators.

Most importantly, the KRT sheath rebounds. A kinked sheath often requires removal and replacement, which lengthens procedure times. As the procedure time increases, so does the potential for patient vessel spasms, which are painful since the patient remains alert during the entire procedure. Furthermore, spasms can prolong the procedure even more. This novel KRT technology improves the patient experience and reduces procedure times.

This invention stands out because it directly enhances the patient experience while also empowering clinicians with a tool that improves procedural success rates. The potential to positively impact lives on such a large scale is why the Cordis Rain Sheath KRT remains my favorite innovation.

Q2. What inspired you to become an inventor/innovator?

The yearning to ease the suffering of my fellow human beings has always been the guiding force in my journey as an inventor. From my earliest memories, I’ve been deeply moved by the struggles and pains I witnessed—whether it was the illness that weighed heavily on a loved one or the silent battles fought in communities that were overlooked and underserved. These experiences planted in me a seed, a deep-rooted desire to bring light to dark places, to mend what is broken, and to provide comfort where it is most needed.

As I ventured into the field of bioengineering, I saw the power of innovation to heal and transform. But I also saw the gaps—those spaces where suffering continued. It was in these spaces that I knew my work could make the greatest impact. Every invention, every idea born from my efforts, is an offering—a small balm to the world’s wounds, a bridge to a better future.

What drives me, what keeps me devoted to this sacred pursuit, is the belief that my work can help ease burdens and lift sorrows, even if just a little. I hope this purpose will inspire others to use their gifts to build a world where suffering is diminished, and healing flows like a river, reaching all who long for it.

Q3. What is your process when developing new inventions/innovations?

My process of inventing and innovating is deeply intertwined with a practice of meditation and a connection to the unconscious mind. When I embark on the journey of creation, I begin by quieting the noise of the outside world and turning inward. Through meditation, I create a space where my mind can connect with the greater, higher power that guides and inspires me. This practice allows me to tap into the depths of my unconscious mind, where ideas and solutions often reside, waiting to be discovered.

In these moments of stillness, I become a vessel, open to receiving the wisdom and insights that come from beyond the surface of everyday thought. It is as if I am aligning myself with a universal flow of creativity and intelligence, one that transcends the limitations of the conscious mind. This connection enables me to see possibilities that are not immediately obvious, to approach problems with a fresh perspective, and to innovate in ways that feel both inspired and intuitive.

My inventions are not just products of logic and reason; they are the manifestations of a deeper dialogue between my inner self and the higher power that guides my work. This process of creation feels sacred—a dance between the conscious and unconscious, between the seen and unseen, leading to innovations that are both meaningful and profound.

Rachana Vidhi, Ph.D.

Director of Technical Sales
NextEra Analytics

9 U.S. Patents

Rachana Vidhi, Ph.D. is the Director of Sales Engineering for NextEra Analytics, Inc. (NEA), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. NextEra Energy is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Dr. Vidhi leads the sales engineering team for NextEra 360™, the software platform for end-to-end energy management and decarbonization needs and oversees the implementation of cutting-edge software solutions that enhance efficiency and promote sustainability across various segments of the energy landscape.

Over the course of her tenure at NextEra Energy, Dr. Vidhi has pioneered the engineering, design and integration of key solar and storage projects for NextEra Energy Resources. She has also developed innovative technologies for hybrid resource deployment and long-term operations that have since been patented. She has extensive experience in a variety of renewable energy technologies including energy storage, wind, solar, electric vehicles and fuel cells. Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Dr. Vidhi worked as a research assistant at the University of South Florida’s Clean Energy Research Center and developed optimization algorithms for different renewable energy systems.

Dr. Vidhi’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the College of Engineering at University of South Florida and inclusion in the GreenBiz 30 Under 30 list. She has served on the boards of Women in Energy and the International Solar Energy Society, championing initiatives aimed at empowering women and young professionals in the industry. She is also the founding president of the USF chapter of the International Solar Energy Society, which provided students with platforms to engage with renewable energy technologies and cultivate their passion for sustainability.

Dr. Vidhi holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of South Florida, a master’s degree in management from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in energy engineering from Indian Institute of Technology.

A MENTION ABOUT INVENTION – 3 Questions for the Inventor

Q1. Of your patents/inventions, which one is your favorite and why?

This is a very challenging question! Each invention holds a special place in my heart, representing a unique chapter in my professional journey. However, if I absolutely had to pick a favorite, I’d like to mention two patents:

1. My first filed patent which provided an innovative approach to predicting the long-term performance and life cycle of Lithium-ion batteries for utility-scale applications (US20170292998A1). By accurately estimating battery degradation and lifecycle project costs, this patent has provided invaluable insights into the economic feasibility of large battery energy storage projects. This has enabled the deployment of over 1,000 MW of battery energy storage across the United States, including the world’s largest solar-powered battery system at the Manatee Energy Storage Center in Manatee County, Florida, boasting a capacity of over 400 MW.
2. Another patent that addressed battery degradation in electric vehicles during long-term parking that can support the electrical grid (US10661678B2). This patent embodies a grand vision – how utilities can play a vital role in transportation electrification. It is opening new doors for the energy industry and is paving the way for seamless integration of electric vehicles into the state’s electrical grid, promoting sustainable transportation solutions.

Q2. What inspired you to become an inventor/innovator?
Like most inventors, I started with a motivation to make a difference in the world. In my case, my motivation came from personal struggle with access to electricity. Growing up in a small town in India, I faced electrical outages daily. So when I learned about the potential of solar energy in my high school physics book, I was determined to devote further education and career to ensure widespread deployment of clean renewable energy. I was supported by my parents to pursue this passion and follow in the path of other inspiring innovators.

Throughout my journey, I have strived to make that dream a reality. And as the energy industry kept making progress towards that goal, it became evident that energy storage would be a key enabler of renewable energy adoption. So getting a chance to work for a world leader in renewable energy and battery storage deployment provided the perfect avenue to broader the impact.

Q3. What is your process when developing new inventions/innovations?
When it comes to innovation, I’ve come to truly believe that the magic happens at the crossroad of diverse perspectives. I find myself exploring everywhere for innovative ideas, that nearly always result in some unique product or business outcome… and occasionally result in patents also. Combining our knowledge with the diversity of knowledge others can bring to the table typically result in ground-breaking ideas.

I have also learned to treat every idea as a gem. Often, we underestimate the power of our thoughts, questioning whether they’re “good enough” for disclosure. This sentiment, especially prevalent in our diverse community (including myself), is something we need to challenge. Each one of us is more creative than we give ourselves credit for. I’ve come to see parallels between innovation and parenting in recent years. As my husband (and co-inventor) and I navigate the challenges of raising our three-year-old son, I realize the shared struggles among parents. This everyday creativity is a relentless approach that we can apply not just at home but also in our professional endeavors.

Krishna Singh, Ph.D.

Founder, President and CEO
Holtec International

185 U.S. Patents

Dr. Krishna Singh is the Founder, President and CEO of Holtec International, one of the world’s largest providers of custom-engineered equipment and systems in the civilian nuclear industry. As the only turnkey supplier in the nuclear and renewable energy sector, Holtec International supplies over 140 nuclear plants around the world with systems and equipment, based on Dr. Singh’s patents. Holtec is also widely considered to be the global leader in the management of used nuclear fuel.

Dr. Singh’s innovations provide the foundational structure for modern nuclear power energy, including: systems and equipment, safe storage, and transportation of spent fuel. His advances have allowed for operational nuclear power plants to run more efficiently and safely, which is critical given that approximately 20% of domestic electricity and 14% of global electricity rely on nuclear power. Dr. Singh is also the visionary behind several national and international codes and standards on pressure vessels and heat exchangers.

In recent years, Dr. Singh has been leading Holtec in the global race to develop a “walk away safe” small modular reactor to make nuclear energy a cost-competitive clean energy solution for a world struggling with rising carbon emissions. As a result, Holtec is a leader in this emerging field, and is also known for tackling challenges such as cloud-based information management of all company operations, development of cutting-edge manufacturing processes and machines, devising innovative technologies to decarbonize global economies, and applying Holtec’s innovative below-the-ground interim storage technology to solve America’s used nuclear fuel conundrum.

His most recent technology advance repurpose the retiring coal fired plants (instead of demolishing them) by converting them into energy storage and on-demand clean power delivery plants by using Holtec’s patented “green boiler technology.” He is also working to integrate the Green Boiler energy storage technology with an advanced solar collection system to help make solar energy a base-load power provider.

Dr. Singh has also dedicated his efforts to providing opportunities to underrepresented groups in engineering. In 2017, he sponsored a $312 million Technology Campus on the Delaware River in Camden, NJ to create much needed employment in one of America’s poorest cities. He also chairs the KPS Foundation, a charitable Singh family foundation whose signature contribution to the advancement of science is the completion of the “Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology” at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The KPS Foundation is also active in improving child literacy and public health in developing countries.

Dr. Singh received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics also from Penn, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from BIT Sindri (Ranchi University), India. He received the Edison Foundation’s “Thomas Alva Edison Award” for his ecologically and environmentally impactful inventions. Rutgers University named him “South Jerseyan of the year – 2016” for his significant beneficial impact on the region. In 2015, he received the George Washington medal from the Engineer’s Club of Philadelphia. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the Pan American Academy of Engineering, and the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida. He is also an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also oversees the nuclear engineering department at the University of California, Berkeley, and a senior fellow in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and Michigan and a member of the American Nuclear Society.

Jonathan Rothberg, Ph.D.

Founder, Chief Strategy Officer, 4Catalyzer Incorporated
Adjunct Professor of Genetics, Yale University

601 U.S. Patents

Dr. Jonathan Rothberg is the Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of 4Catalyzer Incorporated. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Genetics at Yale University. A serial entrepreneur with a number of highly successful biomedical research and development companies, Dr. Rothenberg is also the founder of 454 Life Sciences, which commercialized a new method for sequencing genomes, the first breakthrough technology since Sanger and Gilbert won the Nobel Prize in this area in 1980.

Best known for his “Next-Gen” DNA sequencing inventions, Dr. Rothberg sequenced the first individual human genome (The Watson Genome, Nature), and initiated the Neanderthal Genome Project with Svante Paabo. Under his leadership, 454 helped understand the mystery behind the disappearance of the honeybee; uncovered a new virus killing transplant patients; and elucidated the extent of human variation—work recognized by Science magazine as the breakthrough of the year for 2007. The New England Journal described Dr. Rothberg’s innovation as “The New Age of Molecular Diagnostics”, Science magazine called it one of the top 10 breakthroughs for 2008. Among his additional pioneering contributions in this field are cloning by limited dilution and massively parallel DNA sequencing, which are the basis of all subsequent high-speed sequencing methods.

Dr. Rothberg is also the Founder of Hyperfine, Inc., which is driven by a mission to make MRI accessible to every patient, regardless of income or resources. Anytime. Anywhere. With his leadership and vison, Hyperfine designed the Swoop™ Portable MR Imaging System to overcome patient transport and dedicated room requirements associated with fixed conventional MRI systems. Fierce Medtech recently recognized Hyperfine as a 2020 Fierce 15 company for its innovative and creative approach to developing solutions for healthcare providers and patients.

In addition to these groundbreaking and industry disrupting technologies, Dr. Rothberg invented semiconductor chip-based sequencing, and sequenced Gordon Moore (Moore’s law) as the first individual to be sequenced on a semiconductor chip (Nature). He is also the inventor of ultrasound-on-a-chip. He also founded the Butterfly Network, a program that is democratizing healthcare by making medical imaging accessible to everyone around the world.

Dr. Rothberg earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an M.S., M.Phil, and Ph.D. in biology from Yale University. In 2013, he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for pioneering inventions and commercialization of next-generation DNA sequencing technologies, making access to genomic information easier, faster, and more cost-effective for researchers around the world. He is the first person to be named a World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneer four separate times, is an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year and received The Wall Street Journal’s First Gold Medal for Innovation. He received Nature Methods First Method of the Year Award, The Irvington Institute’s Corporate Leadership Award in Science, the Connecticut Medal of Technology, the DGKL Biochemical Analysis Prize, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Rothberg is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, and is a life trustee of Carnegie Mellon University.

Ophir Frieder, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, & Biomathematics; and Department of Computer Science
Georgetown University

118 U.S. Patents

Dr. Ophir Frieder is a Professor at Georgetown University Medical Center’s Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Biomathematics and the Department of Computer Science. He also serves as Center Director for the university’s S2ERC & Cyber SMART Center—a multi-university/discipline/industry cooperative research center. He is also the Lead Science and Technology Advisor for Aurora Forge, and Chief Scientific Officer of Invaryant, Inc. Previously, Dr. Frieder was on the faculty at George Mason University, served as Harris Professor of Computer Science & Computer Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology, and was IITRI Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Information Retrieval Laboratory at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was a staff consultant for Harris Corporation in Melbourne, Florida for more than 10 years.

Dr. Frieder’s inventions in scalable information processing systems have transformed health informatics. He is especially recognized for developing behavioral health monitoring systems used to prevent self-harm; as well as predictive medical and well-being treatment methods optimizing effective treatments while minimizing adverse effects. His advances have been incorporated into national programs that have enabled services such as the recently announced National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

In the area of communications, Dr. Frieder developed mood/sentiment detection approaches for online marketing and social media interaction. In the area of in-home electronics, his inventions include interactive picture frames.

A leader in his field, Dr. Frieder has secured $20+ million in grants and contracts, and served as an expert witness in landmark intellectual property cases, including the MercExchange, L.L.C, v. eBay Inc. that eventually led to the Supreme Court of the United States ruling against the automatic issuance of injunctions in the case of found infringement.

Dr. Frieder is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association for Computing Machinery, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, IEEE, and the National Academy of Inventors; and is a Member of Academia Europaea, and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts; and an Inaugural Member of the ACM SIGIR Academy. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan. He also was awarded the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) Research in Information Science Award for medical informatics and the IEEE Edward J. McCluskey Technical Achievement Award for scalable information systems.

Roberta D. Goode

Founder and President
Altrec, LLC
Graduate, University of Miami

4 Patents

Roberta D. Goode is the founder and President of Altrec, LLC in Coral Springs, Florida—a consultancy firm with the mission of sharing knowledge and improving patient outcomes through a unique collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration to train the next generation of regulatory engineers. She holds adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Miami College of Engineering and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. A Florida native, Goode is a double graduate of the University of Miami, and her background spans both industry and academia, with broad experience in all aspects of medical device design, manufacturing and quality.

A highly successful entrepreneur, inventor, and biomedical engineer, Goode’s medical device inventions have transformed minimally invasive cardiac surgical and diagnostic procedures around the world. She discovered a novel application for elastomeric material, resulting in her four U.S. patents. Her pioneering designs focused on sheath introducers—the catheter surgeons use as a “tunnel” through which they can access cardiac systems to repair valves or insert stents or catheters, etc. Prior to Goode’s inventions, these procedures held a high degree of risk. Goode’s novel designs for sheath introducers significantly advanced cardiac surgery and diagnostics, in a minimally invasive manner, while also protecting the health of the patient by reducing blood loss. Her design was incorporated into the Cordis AVANTI Sheath Introducer, which continues to be sold today. More than 1 million catheterizations per day are performed in the U.S.

Goode has been recognized by the University of Miami with the Ozcan Ozdamar Biomedical Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Toppel Award for Excellence in Career Education. She was also named winner of President G.W. Bush’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, biotechnology curriculum contract.

Mark E. Dean, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus
Tickle College of Engineering
University of Tennessee
Former Chief Technology Officer of the Middle East and Africa, and Fellow
IBM
Graduate, Florida Atlantic University

43 U.S. Patents

Mark E. Dean is Professor Emeritus and former Interim Dean of the Tickle College of Engineering and John Fisher Distinguished Professor at the University of Tennessee. Former Chief Technology Officer of the Middle East and Africa for IBM, IBM Fellow and a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Dean’s research focuses on advanced computer architecture, data centric computing and computational sciences.

Dean has been the driving force behind a number of revolutionary computer system advances, from embedded systems to supercomputers, including testing of the first gigahertz CMOS microprocessor, and establishing the team that developed the Blue Gene supercomputer. He was also chief engineer for the development of the IBM PC/AT, PS/2 Model 70 & 80, the Color Graphics Adapter in the original IBM PC, and holds three of the nine patents for the original IBM PC. Most notably, he is named as the co-inventor of the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) “bus,” which permitted add-on devices like the keyboard, disk drives and printers to be connected to the motherboard.

Over the course of his nearly 40-year career at IBM, Dean was responsible for technical strategy, technical skills development and exploring new technology-based solutions for the region. These responsibilities included the development of solutions specific for the emerging needs of the businesses in industry segments such as mobile services (banking, healthcare, education, government), natural resource management (oil, gas, mining, forest, water), cloud-based business services, and security (fraud protection, risk management, privacy, cybersecurity).

Dean’s most recent awards include: National Institute of Science Outstanding Scientist Award, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, member of the National Academy of Engineering, IEEE Fellow, Black Engineer of the Year, the University of Tennessee COE Dougherty Award, member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Ronald H. Brown American Innovators Award.