The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has elected two faculty members from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Professors Vivek Kumar and Xuan Liu, as Senior Members in its 2025 class.
They are among 162 emerging academic inventors from 64 institutions across the United States recognized for their contributions to innovation.
Kumar, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, and Liu, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, join the largest NAI Senior Member class to date, which collectively holds more than 1,200 U.S. patents.
“We are incredibly proud to have Professors Kumar and Liu join the ranks of NAI Senior Members,” said Atam Dhawan, senior vice provost for research at NJIT. “Their dedication to research, invention, and mentorship embodies the spirit of innovation that NJIT fosters. This recognition highlights their significant contributions to their respective fields and underscores NJIT’s commitment to advancing impactful research and translating discoveries into real-world applications.”
Vivek Kumar: Innovations in Biomaterials
Kumar is the director of the Biomaterial Drug Development, Discovery, and Delivery Laboratory, where his research integrates biomolecular engineering, materials science, and synthetic peptide chemistry.
His work has led to multiple publications, patents, and over 2,500 citations. His research group has mentored more than 80 students, including participants in high school outreach programs.
Kumar’s ongoing projects include developing hydrogel therapies for traumatic brain injury, supported by a $3 million National Institutes of Health grant.
His research team is also working on an injectable hydrogel designed to regenerate lost tooth tissue following root canals. Additionally, he is investigating hydrogel-based antiviral therapies aimed at preventing viral entry into human cells.
Xuan Liu: Advancements in Optical Imaging and Nanotechnology
Liu, affiliated with NJIT’s Electronic Imaging Center, conducts research in nanotechnology, optical imaging, and energy applications. Her work encompasses pollution detection, high-resolution imaging, and energy transmission.
Liu holds a patent for a scan-less optical coherence tomography (OCT) system that employs spatial light modulation and optical computing to enable faster 3D image acquisition.
This technology has potential applications in medical diagnostics, particularly for brain imaging and cardiovascular assessments. Another focus of her research is the development of fiber-optic force sensors designed to enhance vitreoretinal microsurgery by providing surgeons with real-time tactile feedback.
Kumar and Liu will be formally inducted as Senior Members at the NAI’s 14th Annual Conference, which will take place June 23–26, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference serves as a platform for innovators to share ideas, collaborate, and highlight advancements in invention and research.
The NAI Senior Member program recognizes academic inventors who have made significant contributions to patents, licensing, and commercialization efforts while also mentoring the next generation of innovators.
This designation reinforces NJIT’s commitment to fostering an environment that supports technological advancement and applied research.