The distinction goes to inventors in higher education who could bring impact to the welfare of society.

Associate Dean of Research Yang Chai has earned a prestigious accolade for his transformative research related to craniofacial development, tissue regeneration and birth defects.

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a nonprofit member organization that encourages inventors in higher education, has named Chai as part of its 2024 class of senior members.

Election as an NAI senior member recognizes remarkable innovation in “technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society.” Additionally, it recognizes academic inventors with increasing success in patents, licensing and commercialization.

Joining Prestigious Ranks

Chai joins the ranks of 553 senior members worldwide. He is the first from Ostrow.

“It’s very humbling to be included in this prestigious group,” Chai said. “We’re in the business of innovation to provide better treatment for patients, which in itself is really exciting. On top of that, to be recognized by my peers that my invention has practical application is a true honor.”

Chai has developed a system to regenerate skull bone to address deformities using innovative 3D-printed scaffolds seeded with stem cells. He’s on the path to successfully implement this new technology.

The NAI honor is also a coup for USC as a major research institution. “Collectively, as a faculty, we’re training the next generation of scientists while generating new technology and new devices to improve lives,” said Chai, who also serves as director of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology and is the George and MaryLou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at Ostrow. “This recognition means we are on the cutting-edge of science, and we are making a real impact.”