Mihri Ozkan, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC Riverside, has been named an ambassador for the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) to promote academic innovation through speaking engagements at various venues across the country.

NAI ambassadors, selected in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), are drawn from a pool of accomplished inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and commercialization experts. They engage with students, educators, STEM professionals, and stakeholders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Their mission is to celebrate the impact of academic invention, expand access to invention education and resources, and inspire the next generation of inventors, according to the academy.

Ozkan said she is “deeply honored” to be selected.

As an engineer and materials scientist, Ozkan is developing green technologies to address climate change. A faculty member in the Bourns College of Engineering since 2001, she holds nearly 50 patents and has contributed to discussions at United Nations meetings and other global forums aimed at overcoming technical barriers to advancing sustainable technologies, such as carbon capture.

“As an ambassador, my goal is to elevate the importance of invention and intellectual property by amplifying the voices of academic inventors and fostering a more inclusive and accessible culture of innovation,” Ozkan said. “I look forward to representing both the NAI and the USPTO at nationwide events, where I will engage in presentations and discussions on the significance of academic invention."

She added, “I’m excited to inspire the next generation of inventors and contribute to shaping a more equitable and impactful future for the global innovation landscape.”