BioVentures celebrated researchers, inventors, students and innovation champions from across UAMS during the Innovation Day 2026 Awards & Recognition Ceremony, held August 19 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

The ceremony closed a full day centered on moving discoveries toward real-world impact and recognized individuals and teams whose work demonstrates the creativity, persistence, collaboration and leadership that drive innovation at UAMS.

Therapeutic Innovation of the Year — William Lu, Ph.D.

The 2026 Therapeutic Innovation of the Year Award was presented to William Lu, Ph.D., for the development of FBXO39-specific T-cell receptors, a new approach to T-cell therapy for difficult-to-treat solid cancers, including breast cancer and glioblastoma.

The technology is designed to engineer a patient’s immune cells to recognize and attack FBXO39, a marker found on tumor cells but rarely found in healthy tissue. This approach has the potential to more precisely target cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy tissue.

Student Innovator of the Year — Rodrigo Meade

Rodrigo Meade received the 2026 Student Innovator of the Year Award in recognition of his initiative, curiosity and entrepreneurial approach to innovation.

Meade has taken an active role in developing his innovative work, engaging with BioVentures and exploring its potential beyond the laboratory. His willingness to ask questions and consider commercialization early in his career reflects the entrepreneurial mindset BioVentures seeks to encourage among emerging innovators.

Innovation Champion of the Year — Grover Miller, Ph.D.

The 2026 Innovation Champion of the Year Award was presented to Grover Miller, Ph.D., for his continued advocacy for innovation across UAMS.

As a member of the UAMS Patent and Copyright Committee, Miller provides thoughtful and analytical insight into the evaluation of intellectual property. He also plays an important role in identifying promising innovation across the institution and encouraging researchers to connect with BioVentures when he sees opportunities for their work to move forward.

Lead Woman Inventor of the Year — Erica Malone, M.D.

Erica Malone, M.D., was named the 2026 Lead Woman Inventor of the Year, an award recognizing exceptional leadership in the creation, development, protection and advancement of innovative technologies.

Malone was recognized in part for her development of the High Fidelity Nerve Block Simulation Model, designed to provide clinicians with realistic opportunities to develop and refine critical procedural skills through simulation. The award also recognizes her broader commitment to identifying clinical needs and advancing innovative solutions.

Medical Device of the Year — Erica Malone, Michael Luna, Beau Aguilar, Anthony Gunderman and Alex Gilman

The 2026 Medical Device of the Year Award recognized Erica Malone, M.D.; Michael Luna, M.D.; Beau Aguilar; Anthony Gunderman, M.D.; and Alex Gilman, M.D. for the development of a high-fidelity perfused cadaveric simulator for coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG, and ECMO training.

The model creates a realistic environment in which multidisciplinary teams can practice complex cardiovascular procedures, build technical skills and improve team coordination before those skills are needed in high-stakes clinical situations.

The project demonstrates how clinical expertise, education, engineering and innovation can come together to address a practical need in medical training.

Lifetime Impact Award — Nancy Rusch, Ph.D.

The ceremony concluded with the 2026 BioVentures Lifetime Impact Award, presented to Nancy Rusch, Ph.D.

The award recognizes visionary leadership, sustained commitment and a legacy of impact that extends beyond any single accomplishment. Rusch was honored for helping shape a culture at UAMS where discovery, mentorship and innovation can thrive, as well as for the opportunities she has created for researchers and colleagues throughout her career.

Patent Achievement Recognition

BioVentures also recognized UAMS inventors associated with six patents issued over the past year, celebrating the years of research, experimentation and persistence represented by each new piece of protected intellectual property. 

Cells for the Production of Viruses and Methods of Using the Same
Jia Liu, Ph.D.
U.S. Patent No. 12,428,626

The technology uses specially engineered cells to increase virus production, potentially making the manufacturing of viruses used in medical treatments more efficient.

Use of Amino Acid Supplementation for Improved Muscle Protein Synthesis
Arny Ferrando, Ph.D., and Robert Wolfe, Ph.D.
Japanese Patent No. 7716119

The invention is a specially balanced amino acid supplement designed to help the body build muscle more efficiently using a smaller dose and fewer calories than traditional protein supplements. 

Tocopherol Derivatives and Methods of Use
Philip J. Breen, Ph.D.; Cesar Compadre, Ph.D.; and Martin Hauer-Jensen, M.D., Ph.D.
U.S. Patent No. 12,516,035

This technology involves a new form of vitamin E designed for improved absorption and enhanced potential health benefits for future medical applications. 

Methods of Protecting Against Neurodegeneration
Srinivas Ayyadevara, Ph.D.; Peter Crooks, Ph.D.; and Robert S. Reis, D.Phil.
U.S. Patent No. 12,552,763

The invention uses specially designed compounds to help prevent harmful protein buildup in the brain, offering a potential new approach to neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. 

Personalized Motion-Gated Coronary CT Scanning Systems and Methods
Subhi Al’Aref, M.D., and Kedar Jambhekar, M.D.
U.S. Patent No. 12,582,374

The technology uses artificial intelligence to time cardiac CT scans according to the heart’s actual movement, with the goal of improving image quality for patients with irregular heart rhythms and reducing reliance on heart-rate-lowering medications. 

Immersive Distraction Therapy
Mohamed Abdeldayem, M.D., and Erika Petersen, M.D.
U.S. Patent No. 12,370,338

This invention is a low-cost virtual reality headset designed to attach to a surgical head frame and provide distraction and comfort for patients who remain awake during brain surgery.