In celebration of National Inventors Day, Northern Arizona University (NAU) is highlighting the impactful work of two of its researchers whose groundbreaking inventions in wound healing and mobility assistance for children with cerebral palsy have not only advanced scientific understanding but also secured valuable patents. Their work underscores NAU’s commitment to translating pioneering research into tangible solutions.
Dr. Zach Lerner, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, are at the forefront of NAU’s innovation ecosystem. Their dedication to addressing critical health challenges has led to the development of technologies so significant that they have successfully navigated the rigorous patent process.
The wound healing research, for instance, focuses on novel biomaterials and antimicrobial solutions to treat complex, non-healing skin wounds, a persistent challenge in healthcare. Dr. Lerner’s Biomechatronics Lab, meanwhile, has developed advanced robotic exoskeletons designed to help children with cerebral palsy improve their walking ability and neuromuscular function. These wearable devices, rigorously tested and refined, offer new hope for enhanced mobility and quality of life for young individuals with disabilities.
Securing a patent is a complex and often lengthy process, requiring inventors to demonstrate that their idea is “non-obvious to someone skilled in the art” and genuinely novel. This often involves years of research, development, and meticulous documentation.
NAU is actively supporting its inventors through this journey via NAU Innovations, the university’s technology development and commercialization program. NAU Innovations facilitates the transfer of university-generated inventions to the private sector, aiming to transform discoveries into solutions with local and global impact.
Furthermore, the university has embraced I-Corps, a new program designed to guide inventors through the crucial steps of development and commercialization. As part of the National Science Foundation’s Desert and Pacific Region I-Corps Hub, NAU provides experiential training that helps researchers understand market potential and bridge the gap between their laboratory findings and real-world applications.
By fostering an environment that encourages both discovery and its practical application, NAU is not only contributing to scientific advancement but also ensuring that its intellectual property benefits society at large, embodying the spirit of innovation on National Inventors Day.
