Two Texas A&M University professors have been elected Fellows of the 2024 cohort of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. Dr. Robert Balog, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Dr. Jaime Grunlan, the Leland T. Jordan ’29 Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, have been selected to this year’s class for their ingenuity and contributions to the scientific and engineering communities.
"Congratulations to Dr. Robert Balog and Dr. Jaime Grunlan for achieving this recognition," said Dr. Robert Bishop, vice chancellor and dean for Texas A&M Engineering. "We celebrate their leadership in driving innovation, advancing discovery and showing the transformative impact engineering and creativity can have on society."
Balog has been recognized for his contributions to the safe and reliable integration of photovoltaic (PV) energy into the electrical power grid including his recent focus on detecting electrical arcs in direct-current (DC) systems such as PV and batteries before they become hazardous. Without early detection and remediation, these arcs can cause fires and imperil first responders. Balog has 22 issued US patents and 2 pending patents for his inventions, and multiple international patents. Most of his patents have been or are being commercialized by industry, including NASDAQ (stock market) listed companies.
“It is a tremendous honor to be chosen as an NAI Fellow among all the other inventors. Part of working for a high-level research institution is to strive for innovation that betters society, and being inducted in this year’s cohort validates what I have been able to accomplish,” said Balog.
Balog calls on his nontraditional career path as a testament to his achievement. Having worked in industry before pursuing a master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D., Balog’s research is pragmatic, focused on solving industry problems by exploring the fundamental underpinning through new insights.
Grunlan has been recognized for his research on thermal and transport properties of polymer nanocomposites. He is a world leader in gas barrier layers for food and electronics packaging and environmentally benign, flame retardant nanocoatings. Grunlan is actively working with a number of companies to commercialize these technologies. He holds 17 issued U.S. patents, and several foreign patents, that have been licensed to more than 10 companies.
“I’m very honored to receive this NAI Fellow distinction. It was nice to see so many other terrific scientists I know in this and prior classes. Congratulations to all of you!”
Grunlan’s flame retardant treatments have transformed this longstanding scientific community. His coatings are very thin, conformal, effective, water-based, and do not use active ingredients that are known to be environmentally hazardous. Current commercial flame retardant treatments typically use toxic chemicals that reduce their utility. Grunlan’s coatings can impart flame retardancy to flammable textiles (cotton, polyester, nylon and blends thereof) without adding toxicity and maintaining comfort.
“The NAI Fellows Program recognizes the prolific spirit of innovation in academia, and reaching the Fellow status is the highest distinction this academy bestows,” said Dr. Guillermo Aguilar, Department Head of the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering. “There are more than 1,400 Fellows worldwide, and Dr. Jaime Grunlan is now among the select few. Congratulations to Dr. Grunlan.”
“This year’s Class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors. Each of these individuals are tackling real-world issues and creating solutions that propel us into the future. Through their work, they are making significant contributions to science, creating lasting societal impact, and growing the economy,” said Dr. Paul Sanberg, FNAI, President of the NAI. The 2024 Fellows hail from 135 research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutions worldwide and their work spans across various disciplines.
"Congratulations to Drs. Balog and Grunlan on this well-deserved recognition! It's gratifying to see the research produced by our faculty not only being published but also making a tangible difference in people's lives," said Dr. Costas N. Georghiades, Interim Department Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University. "Ultimately, making an impact is what matters most, as is fostering the spirit of innovation in our students."