Spring 2016 Background
Skip to Search Skip to Global Navigation Skip to Local Navigation Skip to Content
Show/Hide University Links
Header Mast

Innovations

College of Engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio Online Magazine

Mauli Agrawal
UTSA Vice President for Research C. Mauli Agrawal (middle) was inducted as Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in Washington, D.C.

Mauli Agrawal

Former COE dean inducted into the National Academy of Inventors

This spring, UTSA Vice President for Research C. Mauli Agrawal was inducted as Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for his research and innovation in orthopedic and cardiovascular biomaterials and implants. The honor places Agrawal, former dean of the College of Engineering, among an elite group of professionals that includes presidents and senior leaders of research universities, Nobel laureates, National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees, and National Academies members.

"I was humbled when I heard I was going to be inducted into the National Academy for Inventors," said Agrawal. "There are some amazing and talented problem solvers that I admire who were inducted with me. It was an honor."

"Tier One universities advance society through research innovation and the commercialization of ground breaking discoveries. Dr. Agrawal is a wonderful example of the world-class scholars that are propelling UTSA to Tier One status." - UTSA President Ricardo Romo

Agrawal joined UTSA in 2003 as the dean of the College of Engineering where he received the title of Peter Flawn Professorship in Biomedical Engineering, a distinction he still holds today. Agrawal moved into the role of UTSA vice president for research in 2013. This spring, he was named the interim provost, and will begin those duties on June 1, 2016. In his role as interim provost, Agrawal hopes to work closely with UTSA faculty, celebrating their successes.

"It is up to UTSA faculty and administration to help our students get where they need to go," he said. "As interim provost, one of my goals is to partner with our faculty members and develop processes that help make both our faculty and students successful."

Before joining UTSA, Agrawal worked at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and before that, served on the faculty at Duke University. He obtained his Ph.D. from Duke University (1989), M.S. from Clemson University (1985) and a B. Tech. from IIT-Kanpur, India.

Agrawal's research has led to many novel discoveries, and many of his patents have been licensed to commercial entities. His bioengineering research group has been responsible for the launching of three companies in San Antonio. Additionally, he has served on the editorial boards of various scientific journals including the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (Applied Biomaterials), Tissue Engineering, Journal of System of Systems (IEEE), Journal of ASTM International, and the Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

"Tier One universities advance society through research innovation and the commercialization of ground breaking discoveries," said UTSA President Ricardo Romo. "Dr. Agrawal is a wonderful example of the world-class scholars that are propelling UTSA to Tier One status."

During his career, Agrawal has been the recipient of several honors and awards, including the Chancellor's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award from The University of Texas System, the Healthcare Hero Award for biomedical research from the San Antonio Business Journal, and the Julio Palmaz Award for Innovation in Healthcare and the Biosciences. He has authored more than 315 scientific publications and 28 patents (14 issued and 14 pending). His latest book, a textbook on biomaterials, was published in 2014.

Additionally, Agrawal serves on the Board of Trustees of the Southwest Research Institute and as a member of Clemson University's College of Engineering Advisory Board. He also serves on the Boards of the following local organizations: United Way's Master's Leadership Program, Biomed SA, Texas Research ark Foundation, and the San Antonio Medical Foundation.

Election to NAI Fellow status is a high professional distinction given to academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society.

The 168 Fellows named bring the total number of NAI Fellows to 582, representing more than 190 prestigious research universities and governmental and non-profit research institutions. The 2015 Fellows account for more than 5,300 issued U.S. patents, bringing the collective patents held by all NAI Fellows to more than 20,000. These academic luminaries have made a significant impact to the economy through innovative discoveries, creating startup companies, and enhancing the culture of academic invention.

he NAI Fellows were inducted on April 15, as part of the 5th Annual Conference of the National Academy of Inventors at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Alexandria, Virginia. USPTO Commissioner for Patents Andrew Hirshfeld provided the keynote address for the induction ceremony. Fellows were presented with a special trophy, medal, and rosette pin in honor of their outstanding accomplishments.

The 2015 NAI Fellows Selection Committee included 17 members including NAI Fellows, recipients of U.S. National Medals, National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees, and members of the National Academies, as well as senior officials from the USPTO, Association of American Universities, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of University Technology Managers, and National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Current Issue: Spring 2016| Table of Contents