Pediatric ophthalmologist Donny Suh, M.D., was named the 2017 Emerging Inventor during UNeMed’s annual Research Innovation Awards Banquet on Oct. 26.
UNeMed also announced the Most Promising New Invention of 2017, a technology developed by co-inventors Mark Carlson, M.D., Jingwei Xie, Ph.D., and Shixuan Chen, Ph.D.
Awards were presented to UNMC faculty, staff and students who submitted a new invention, received a U.S. patent or licensed a technology during the previous fiscal year.
James Linder, M.D., delivered a keynote address that explored the power of the university; the patience needed on the “long road of innovation” — knowing your own strengths and weaknesses and seizing the opportunities that arise during the accumulation of experience.
“The ultimate reward is improving lives,” said Dr. Linder, who served as the interim president of the University of Nebraska in 2014 and currently heads the University Technology Development Corporation. “The real reward is seeing your research or discoveries actually put into practice.”
The evening began with brief remarks from UNMC and UNO Chancellor Jeffrey Gold, M.D.
Nebraska is “a critically important part” of the future, he said, creating tomorrow’s workforce; developing the next generation of treatments, cures and discoveries; and providing power to the local economic engine through its technology transfer efforts.
“I just wanted to make sure that you heard loud and clear how much we appreciate you, and that I personally appreciate everything you do,” he said.
Dr. Suh, the Emerging Inventor winner, developed several new inventions during the previous fiscal year. An associate professor in UNMC’s department of ophthalmology and visual sciences, Dr. Suh submitted five inventions in 2017, four of which allow for more precision and stability while performing delicate procedures on or around the eye.
Drs. Carlson, Chen and Xie earned the Most Promising New Invention Award for their collaboration on a medical device that has the potential to stop severe bleeding. The device is a sponge made from nanofibers using a proprietary process. The sponges show particular promise in traumatic abdominal injuries, where applying pressure to stop or slow bleeding would be almost impossible.
Dr. Carlson is a professor in the UNMC Department of Surgery, and Dr. Xie is an assistant professor in the UNMC regenerative medicine program. Dr. Chen is a post-doctoral research associate at UNMC.
Dr. Suh,
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Carol Russell
Congratulations to all and especially Dr. Suh !!
Congrats to the winners! A special salute to Donny Suh — an amazing addition to the UNMC team. He's a difference maker!
Congratulations Dr. Suh!