Clemson Researchers Recognized for Patented Innovations

CLEMSON, S.C. — On August 19, 2025, the Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF) hosted the annual Innovation Awards at the Madren Conference Center, honoring faculty and researchers whose groundbreaking work led to twelve patents issued in 2024.

The evening began with networking and refreshments, followed by a welcome from CURF Executive Director Chris Gesswein, who stated:
“A trend you will see across the awards tonight is the inventor’s dedication to meaningful innovations that address real-life challenges – a reflection of Clemson’s research ecosystem and its drive to make a worldwide impact.”

Special remarks were delivered by President James P. Clements, who emphasized the university’s mission:
“Our mission as a land-grant institution is to create a path to a better life and a path to economic prosperity thru education, research, and service. Your research, discoveries, contributions to your fields of study, and areas of expertise are what will continue to move Clemson Fiercely Forward.”

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Nakia Melecio, Director of the NSF I-Corps Southeast Hub and Senior Research Faculty at Georgia Tech, shared insights into the innovation ecosystem and the journey from lab to market. His global experience in launching startups and mentoring researchers underscored the value of strategic partnerships and entrepreneurial thinking.

Patent Awards
The following faculty members were issued patents in 2024:

• John Ballato
  • US Patent No. 11,880,062 | 01.23.2024
    Highly rare earth doped optical fiber and heating element comprising same
  • US Patent No. 12,072,521 | 08.27.2024
    Optical Fiber With Low Thermo-Optic Coefficient
• Rajendra Bordia, Kyle Brinkman, Fei Peng, Jianhua "Joshua" Tong, Hai Xiao
  • US Patent No. 12,053,906 | 08.06.2024
    Integrated additive manufacturing and laser processing techniques for ceramic, glass and sinterable materials
• Ralph Burrell, Ksenija Gasic
  • US Patent No. PP36112 | 09.17.2024
    EveRes Ruby
• Ksenija Gasic
  • US Patent No. PP36072 | 08.20.2024
    PEACH TREE NAMED ‘CaroRes Wonder’
• Peng Chen, Hai Yao, Tong Ye
  • US Patent No. 12,038,382 | 07.16.2024
    Method, System and Application for 3D Molecular Diffusion Tensor Measurement and Structural Imaging
• George Chumanov, Robert A. Latour
  • US Patent No. 11,946,872 | 04.02.2024
    Coupon Design for Enhanced Color Sensitivity for Colorimetric-Based Chemical Analysis
• Liang Dong
  • US Patent No. 11,876,337 | 01.16.2024
    Three-Level System Fiber Lasers Incorporating an All-Solid Photonic Bandgap Fiber
• Kevin Finneran
  • US Patent No. 12,168,252 | 12.17.2024
    RENDERING CO-PRODUCTS AS ELECTRON DONORS FOR SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE REMEDIATION
• Lambert McCarty
  • US Patent No. 11,944,098 | 04.02.2024
    Joint NCSU and Clemson Technology on Using Tebuconazole for Poa annua control in Turf
• Richard Hassell
  • US Patent No. 201800146 | 05.18.2024
    Carolina Strongback Watermelon Variety
• Narendra Vyavahare
  • US Patent No. 11,975,109 | 05.07.2024
    Elastin Targeted Drug Deliveries for Elastin Degenerative Diseases

License Awards

The following faculty members were recognized for successful technology licensing:

• Ralph Burrell
  • Cumberland Valley Nurseries, Inc.
  • Vaughn Nurseries
• Ksenija Gasic
  • Cumberland Valley Nurseries, Inc.
  • Vaughn Nurseries
• Jeremy J. Mercuri
  • NovaVia Spine and Biologics, LLC

Since 2014, CURF has facilitated:

• 708 disclosures
• 603 patents filed
• 248 patents issued
• 51 student internships
• $1.72M in Technology Maturation Fund investments

As of 2025 fiscal year-end, CURF has 118 active licenses from a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio that span the multi-disciplinary Clemson University Research Enterprise.

These milestones reflect CURF’s mission to accelerate the commercialization of Clemson’s most promising innovations through technology evaluation, IP protection, marketing, and business development.

The 2025 Innovation Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted Clemson’s collective momentum in research and innovation.

This story can also be found at Clemson News.