2015 Innovation & Entrepreneurial Recognition Dinner Program

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURIAL RECOGNITION DINNER

2015

IMAGINE. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE.

RYAN LILLY

PROGRAM5:00

5:30

5:45

8:00

6:15

7:30

Reception

Welcome

Dinner

Closing

Program BeginsRecognition of Innovative and Entrepreneurial MU Students and InventorsPresident’s Economic Development Award RecognitionPresident’s Student Entrepreneurial Award RecognitionMizzou Advantage Entrepreneurial Award

Videos featuring successful startup entities generated from MU inventions will be featured throughout the evening. Nanova Inc.; Foresite Healthcare LLC; ThermAvant Technologies LLC; ImpeDx Diagnostics LLC; Network for Education Effectiveness

National Academy of InventorsEstablishment of MU ChapterInduction of 10 Founding Members

Entrepreneurs take concrete steps to make positive changes in the world around them.

These changes might be found close to home, bringing real benefits to mid-Missouri citizens, or they may touch lives around the globe. Whatever their focus, the entrepreneurial faculty and staff at Mizzou are putting ideas into action – a feat worth celebrating.

We are proud of our entrepreneurs and inventors for their intelligence, creativity and courage in breaking new ground, and we are immensely grateful for their role in making the University of Missouri a destination for innovation. These members of the MU community are treasured for far more than their educational value alone. We applaud them for their many achievements, and we’re honored to recognize them this evening.

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Education and Innovation

“The principle goal of education is to create people who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done – people who are creative, inventive and discoverers.” -Jean Piaget

Research shows that an innovative society requires a broad mix of skills, including critical thinking, subject-based expertise, leadership and collaboration. Higher education is a premier setting in which to acquire these diverse skills. Over the last 175 years, the University of Missouri has broadened the horizons and stimulated the minds of countless entrepreneurs and inventors.

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ISSUED PATENTSFY2014

In FY2014, 35 U.S. patents were issued to members of the MU community who invented novel devices, discovered innovative methods or otherwise proved something entirely unique through their research. Advancing the scope of human intelligence across various disciplines, the achievements of these innovators and entrepreneurs are truly at the forefront of human enterprise. But today, we not only honor the following faculty members for their contribution to their field and our global community; we also honor them for their exceptional employment of the scientific method to answer the unanswered and to know the unknown.

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Photoacoustic Detection of Circulating Melanoma Cells, In Vitro

Homogeneous Mesoporous Nanoenergetic Metal Oxide Composite Fabrication Methods

Patent Number: 8,501,099

This device uses a laser to detect melanoma cells in a blood sample and determine if the cancer is spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream. The device alerts doctors to the cancer’s advancement and allows doctors to analyze the cells for designing personalized therapy.

John Viator, Department of Biological EngineeringPaul S. Dale, Department of SurgeryRyan Weight, Department of Biological EngineeringPeter Sutovsky, Department of Animal Science


These microscopic explosives can be directed precisely, giving operators control over many applications, including the direction of satellites in space and the demolition of buildings.

Shubhra Gangopadhyay, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Rajesh V. Shende, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringSyed Barizuddin, Department of Department of Electrical and Computer

EngineeringBhushan Mehendale, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringDaniel Tappmeyer, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringRajagopalan Thiruvengadathan, Department of Electrical and Computer

EngineeringAndrey Bezmelnitsyn, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringSteven J. Apperson, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringKeshab Gangopadhyay, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Integrated Advanced Heat Spreader With Solid-State Laser SystemsPatent Number: 8,509,273

This device transfers heat and cools solid-state lasers so that the laser maintains a constant temperature and produces a consistent and uniform beam.

Hongbin Ma, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Micro-Scale Power SourcePatent Number: 8,552,616

This battery is constructed with nanometer to submicrometer structures in a semiconductor, which provides both an energy source to drive the battery and a compact radiation shield for protection. The battery generates power from radioisotopes and is designed to provide long-lived, inexpensive electrical power.

Mark A. Prelas, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Method of Producing Lower Alcohols from GlycerolPatent Number: 8,563,783

This environmentally-friendly process converts a byproduct of biodiesel production into propylene glycol, a substance used in antifreeze products, aircraft de-icing, and as an additive in some food and drugs.

Galen Suppes, Department of Chemical Engineering

Rapid Detection of Viable Bacteria System and MethodPatent Number: 8,635,028

Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of infection, kills more than 200,000 patients each year. This new device and method helps health care providers detect sepsis sooner, allowing for faster treatment.

Shramik Sengupta, Department of Biological EngineeringSachidevi Puttaswamy, Department of Biological Engineering

Synthetic Osteochondrial Composite and Method of Fabrication ThereofPatent Number: 8,641,774

Osteochondral defects, or the degenerative breakdown of cartilage and bone, can have metabolic or genetic causes. This invention is a method for constructing an osteochondral composite that can be used as an implant for patients with damaged joints.

B. Sonny Bal, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Radioisotope Production and Treatment of Solution of Target Material and Method and Apparatus for Generating Thermal Neutrons Using an Electron AcceleratorPatent Numbers: 8,644,442; 8,666,015

This device converts the output of an electron beam accelerator into neutrons that are suitable for creating fission products, namely an important radiopharmaceutical called Moly-99, a pharmaceutical radioisotope used in medical imaging applications.

John Michel Gahl, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringMichael A. Flagg, Research Reactor Gregory E. Dale, Research Reactor

High Energy-Density Radioisotope Micro Power SourcesPatent Number: 8,691,404

This long-lasting and more efficient nuclear battery overcomes structural damage caused by radiation by using composite semiconductors. The device could be used for many applications.

Jae W. Kwon, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringTongtawee Wacharasindhu, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringJohn David Robertson, Department of Chemistry

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High Surface Area Carbon and Process for its Production

Hydroxylation of Icosahedral Boron Compounds


Nanoporous carbons are materials that contain microscopic pores and act like a sponge to contain various fuel sources. This invention adsorbs, or holds methane gas, on thin surfaces inside the device so that it can be stored more densely. Applications include high-density storage devices such as fuel tanks for vehicles.

Peter Pfeifer, Department of PhysicsGalen Suppes, Department of Chemical EngineeringParag Shah, Department of Chemical EngineeringJacob W. Burress, Department of Physics


Boron is an element found in food and the environment. This invention refers to the method used for the creation of boron cluster compounds, which may be useful in tumor cell targeting for drug delivery and imaging as well as MRI applications for the diagnosis or therapy of disease. Boron composites may be useful for energy applications as well.

M. Frederick Hawthorne, Nano-Medicine InstituteOleg Bondarev, Department of Chemistry

Transparent Composites and Laminates and Methods for Making

Predicting Crop Yield Loss due to Nitrogen Deficiency


Glass is the most common transparent material used in building windows and vehicles; however, glass alone is not acceptable for all applications where safety against wind storms or bomb explosions is a concern. This method creates blast-proof windows using alternating layers of glass and a transparent glass fiber reinforced polymer composite to create an extremely strong transparent layered material.

Sanjeev K. Khanna, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering


Often, farmers must weigh the speculated cost of a potential drop in crop yield against the cost of the application of expensive fertilizers. This method uses remote sensing technology and data to allow a farmer to calculate the expense of a second nitrogen fertilizer application against calculated yield loss.

Peter Scharf, Division of Plant SciencesVicky Hubbard, Division of Plant Sciences

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Lysm Receptor-Like Kinases to Improve Plant Defense Response Against Fungal PathogensPatent Number: 8,558,056

This genetic modification helps plants increase their ability to fight fungal diseases. By modulating certain receptors, scientists are able to increase a plant’s resistance to fungal diseases, thereby reducing the need for harmful fungicides.

Jinrong Wan, Department of Plant SciencesMinviluz G. Stacey, Life Sciences Center, Division of Plant SciencesGary Stacey, Life Sciences Center, Department of BiochemistryXuecheng Zhang, Institute for Bioinformatics

Variable Product Agrochemicals Application ManagementPatent Number: 8,594,897

This invention is agricultural software that employs spatial information on differences in soil properties and topography to facilitate decisions on application of different sources and amounts of agrochemicals (e.g., fertilizer) across agricultural fields. The software is designed to increase the efficiency by which agrochemicals are utilized and also to decrease potential environmental pollution.

Peter P. Motavalli, Department of Soil and Atmospheric SciencesKelly A. Nelson, Division of Plant Sciences

Osteochondrial Implants, Arthroplasty Methods, Devices and Systems

Nanostructured Carbon Based Biocatalyst for Remediation of Environmental Pollutants


Often, patients suffering from damaged cartilage tissue have irreversible deterioration leading to arthritis. The engineered cartilage tissue and bone in this invention create a “biological joint replacement” instead of traditional metal and plastic. Proven effective in veterinary patients, the customizable regeneration system restores joint functionality and could be approved for human use in the future.

James L. Cook, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery


This substance is a carbon-based biocatalyst, or natural enzyme, that can be attached to a carbon platform to clean up environmental pollutants, including pesticides, from land and water supplies.

Brian M. Thompson, Department of BiochemistryChung-Ho Lin, Division of Forestry

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Transgenic Porcine Models of Cystic Fibrosis

Plant Genes Associated with Seed Oil Content and Methods of the Same

Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance and Methods of Their Use

A Novel Method for the Cryopreservation of Animal Cells that Contain High Levels of Intracellular Lipids


Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects one out of every 3,000 children in populations of Northern European descent. These genetically modified pig models are used to study cystic fibrosis and will help identify new therapies to treat this disease in humans.

Randall S. Prather, Department of Animal Science


Plants with high oil content and optimized seed composition are useful sources for human foods and industrial applications. This technology increases total oil content and modifies oil composition by engineering genes from a high-oil yielding fungus and modulating fatty acid biosynthesis in soybean seeds.

Henry Thien Nguyen, Division of Plant SciencesRajesh Kumar, Division of Plant Sciences


The soybean cyst nematode is a plant parasite that devastates soybean production worldwide. Qualitative Trait Loci are stretches of DNA created to help the plant link to the resistance of the soybean cyst nematode, thereby reducing soybean yield loss.

Tri D. Vuong, Division of Plant SciencesHenry Thien Nguyen, Division of Plant Sciences David A. Sleper, Division of Plant SciencesJames Grover Shannon, Division of Plant Sciences Xiaolei Wu, Division of Plant Sciences


One of the hurdles to freezing reproductive cells (oocytes and embryos) from animals for regeneration or human cells for tissue transplants is that some cells often contain high amounts of fat and lipids. When the cells are frozen for storage and transport, some of those cells with high lipid contents are lost. This method of cryopreserving cells with high lipid content at very low temperatures allows for recovery of greater numbers of living cells upon thawing, thereby increasing the success of animal regeneration or tissue transplants.

Hongsheng Men, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology John Critser, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology

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Engineered Comestible Meat and Self-Assembling Multicellular Bodies and Methods of Producing a Three-Dimensional Biological Structure Using the SamePatent Numbers: 8,703,216; 8,728,807

Protein is a nutrient needed by the body for maintenance and growth. Protein deficiency is a serious problem, particularly in developing countries. This method of forming animal muscle either with a bioprinter or other assembly method produces a food product rich in animal protein. The method could be implemented in countries suffering from war, famine or overpopulation.

Gabor Forgacs, Department of PhysicsFrancoise Marga, Department of PhysicsKaroly Jakab, Department of PhysicsCyrille Norotte, Department of Physics

Novel RS2 Mutant Allele, Perfect Molecular Markers, and Low Raffinose/Stachyose Soybean GermplasmPatent Number: 8,728,726

Soybeans are an important source of vegetable oil and high protein meal that is incorporated into many animal feeds, and the use of soybean meal by the food industry is increasing. However, anti-nutritional compounds, such as raffinose and stachyose from commercial soybean lines, are not readily digested and limit the extent to which soybeans can be used in commercial feeds. This invention provides the ability to reduce these undesirable compounds in soybean varieties.

Kristin Bilyeu, Department of Plant SciencesEmily Dierking, Department of Plant Sciences

Engineered Biological Nerve Graft Fabrication and Application ThereofPatent Number: 8,747,880

When a nerve is injured, regeneration is often hindered by the gap between the end portions of the nerve cell that quickly die off and degrade. This method creates three-dimensional, engineered nerve tissue produced by bioprinting techniques. The artificial nerve can be used to serve as a nerve graft for damaged and severed nerves.

Dustin Christiansen, Department of SurgeryStephen H. Colbert, Department of SurgeryGabor Forgacs, Department of Physics Bradley A. Hubbard, Department of SurgeryFrancoise Marga, Department of Physics

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Reusable PCR Amplification System and MethodPatent Number: 8,545,769

Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, is a technology used in biology to amplify a particular DNA sequence. Several conventional methods are now available for performing PCR amplification of a DNA sample using a device formed on a single chip. This invention makes new improvements to PCR that make the process mobile and portable, giving greater flexibility and faster analysis in the field.

Shubhra Gangopadhyay, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Keshab Gangopadhyay, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringSheila A. Grant, Department of BioengineeringSteven B. Kleiboeker, College of Veterinary MedicineShantanu Bhattacharya, Department of BioengineeringVenumadhav Korampally, College of EngineeringYuanfang Gao, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Soy or Lentil Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles and Method for Making Same and Stabilized Biocompatible Gold Nanoparticles Patent Numbers: 8,586,096; 8,753,685

Scientists are using nanoparticles to produce pharmaceuticals used in the imaging and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, arthritis and eye degeneration. Problems occur in the development of these nanoparticles including toxic chemicals that are released during the manufacturing process. This invention describes improvements in the development of gold nanoparticles using plant-based materials to eliminate chemical hazards during production.

Kavita K. Katti, Department of Radiology Raghuraman Kannan, Department of RadiologyKattesh V. Katti, Department of Radiology Nripen Chanda, Department of RadiologyRavi Shukla, Department of RadiologySatish Kumar Nune, Department of Radiology

Methods and Compositions for Treating Bacterial InfectionPatent Number: 8,501,722

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, including Group A Streptococcus, is becoming a leading public health threat. This invention involves the development and synthesis of chemical antibiotics and therapeutic drugs aimed at treating resistant Group A Streptococcus infection.

Hongmin Sun, Department of Medicine-Cardiology

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Methods and Compositions for Preventing the Onset of Type-1 Diabetes and Methods and Compositions for Reversing Type-1 Diabetes and Treatment of Type-1 Diabetes Before and After Expression of Predisposition MarkersPatent Numbers: 8,603,471; 8,603,472; 8,609,091

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas no longer produces insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar and starches into usable energy for daily life. This invention defines an approach that halts the autoimmune reaction and restores insulin production by certain pancreatic cells leading to recovery from type 1 diabetes.

Habib Zaghouani, Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyRandal Keith Gregg, Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyRenu Jain, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Compounds and Methods for use in Diagnosing and Treating Melanoma, Including Metastatic Melanoma and Methods Related to Same

Agarose Nano-Platinum Composite


Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that causes the majority of deaths related to skin cancer each year. This invention uses a novel cyclic peptide, or a protein, that generates a ring that can help diagnose and possibly treat melanoma.

Yubin Miao, School of Medicine


Electrophoresis is a common lab technique used to identify and quantify DNA fragments. This invention uses a gel-like composition that contains nanoparticle additives that enhance the mobility of DNA.

Shantanu Bhattacharya, College of EngineeringShubhra Gangopadhyay, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringKeshab Gangopadhyay, Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringNripen Chanda, Department of RadiologyPaul Sharp, Department of Chemistry

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LICENSED TECHNOLOGIES

FY2014There were 18 technologies licensed in FY 2014 by 38 MU inventors.

Derek AndersonJoshua ArnoneTanvi BanerjeeElena FloreaGabor ForgacsKevin GillisTimothy GlassRaja GopaldasLi-qun (Andrew) GuRainer GuevaraZhihai HeDavid HeiseKenneth Hettie

Khushbu JainKaroly JakabJames KellerJessica KlockowRobert LukeFrancoise MargaClint MatthewsJudith MilesLicet PaniaguaMihail PopescuMarilyn RantzKyle RoodMarjorie Skubic

Isaac SledgeErik StoneCharles SweatKai TianFang WangShuang WangYong WangKim WiseTennyson XuYunsheng XuGang (Gary) YaoXinyue Zhang

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CardiOptimus, LLC

Energy Americas

A medical device company originating from the University of Missouri BioDesign and Innovation Program which created the Embolisher, a supplemental device to enhance the safety of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure.

This startup created a new and inexpensive way to maintain adequate environments in commercial poultry operations, allowing poultry farmers to reduce energy cost and complexity on their farms, all while improving air quality for healthier food and reducing mortality. Products benefit organic and antibiotic free farming.

Foresite Healthcare LLC (previously ProactiveSense, LLC)

LifeSpan Behavioral Technologies

Modern Meadow

Nanopore Diagnostics, LLC

Foresite Healthcare is focused on using next generation monitoring systems to reduce the cost of patient care, while increasing the quality of care and safety.

This startup is building an interactive social ecosystem and discovery platform that includes two University of Missouri technologies to support families facing challenges with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

This company is developing tissue engineering technologies based on University of Missouri 3-D bioprinting innovation for culturing leather and meat without raising, slaughtering and transporting of animals.

Nanopore Diagnostics is a molecular diagnostics company developing products that provide rapid, on-site diagnostic testing for a variety of pathological conditions.

Of the 18 technologies licensed in FY2014, six startup companies were established. They are:

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Dustin Stanton Agribusiness Management graduate, December 2014

This award, which includes a $2,500 prize, recognizes students who have demonstrated innovation, originality and entrepreneurial spirit in the development of processes, products or technologies of commercial potential and/or of benefit to the University of Missouri.

Stanton’s entrepreneurial journey began long before he entered college. In fact, it began at age six in Centralia, Missouri, when he founded Stanton Brothers Eggs as an avenue to generate an allowance and with the hope of bringing his brother, Austin, into the business when he was old enough. Sixteen years later, he has done just that: Stanton Brothers Eggs is now recognized by the USDA and the FDA as the nation’s largest independent, free-range egg operation.

Stanton’s operation boasts more than 20,000 laying hens and sells to over 40 outlets including grocery stores, health food stores, dining halls, restaurants and bakeries, nursing homes and via retail at farmers’ markets. In 2014, the business completed construction of the first European-style, automatic layer house in the Midwest. The facility includes automatic feeders, cool cells, fans, attic inlets, and a state-of-the-art nest system that automatically gathers eggs on a conveyor belt system.

This award, which includes a $5000 prize, recognizes faculty for distinguished activity in meeting the University of Missouri’s goal of serving as an economic engine for the state through entrepreneurial innovation.

David Patterson Professor of Animal Science

Patterson joined the Division of Animal Sciences at MU in 1996 where, early in his academic career, he recognized an opportunity for Missouri beef producers to improve the quality of their herds through improving the herds’ replacement females. A focus of his research was to develop breeding systems that would expand use of artificial insemination to lead to improved herd genetics. Patterson developed methods to synchronize the reproductive cycles in cattle so that all of the heifers or cows in a herd could be artificially inseminated in one day. Once the research was demonstrated to work effectively, Patterson developed the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program where he worked with regional extension livestock specialists, herd owners and their veterinarians across Missouri to transfer the technology to the field.

PRESIDENT’S STUDENT ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD

THE 2015 UM SYSTEM

PRESIDENT’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD

THE 2015 UM SYSTEM

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Chung-Ho LinDr. Chung-Ho Lin’s enthusiasm for plant and environmental sciences makes him one of the most diversified researchers at the University of Missouri. Projects have ranged from developing probiotic products to cleaning groundwater contaminants with pollution-eating enzymes. Through a Mizzou Advantage-funded interdisciplinary project, he discovered that the Eastern redcedar tree contains compounds that fight MRSA, a flesh-eating bacteria that plagues hospitals. Currently, Lin and an interdisciplinary team of MU researchers are focusing on lowering costs to derive cellulosic biofuel from fibrous plant matter. The technology is the base for their firm, Tiger Energy Solutions, LLC. Lin is a research assistant professor in the Department of Forestry, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and holds two patents.

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD

THE MIZZOU ADVANTAGE

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NATIONAL ACADEMY OF INVENTORS

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

• Recognizes and encourages inventors who have a patent issued from the United States Patent and Trademark Office

• Enhances the visibility of university and non-profit research institute technology and academic innovation

• Encourages the disclosure of intellectual property

• Educates and mentors innovative students

• Encourages the translation of the inventions of its members to benefit society

ABOUT THE NAI FELLOWS PROGRAMElection to NAI Fellow status is a high professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a highly 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.Nominees must be a named inventor on at least one patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and must be affiliated with a university, nonprofit research institute or other academic entity.

Academic inventors and innovators elected to the rank of NAI Fellow are nominated by their peers for outstanding contributions to innovation in areas such as patents and licensing, innovative discovery and technology, significant impact on society, and support and enhancement of innovation.

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JAMES BIRCHLER Curators Professor of Biological Sciences, NAI Fellow

SHEILA GRANT Associate Professor, Biological Engineering Department

HENRY C. FOLEY UM System Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Research and Economic Development, and MU Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, NAI Fellow

M. FREDERICK HAWTHORNE Director of the International Institute of Nano and Molecular Medicine

SHUBHRA GANGOPADHYAY C.W. LaPierre Endowed Chair Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering

KATTESH V. KATTI Distinguished Professor of Radiology, Physics, Biological Engineering and Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, NAI Fellow

Please join us in congratulating the founding members of the Mizzou Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors.

R. BOWEN LOFTIN Chancellor, NAI Fellow

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PETER SUTOVSKY Professor, Reproductive Physiology

RANDALL S. PRATHER Curators’ Professor, Animal Sciences

R. MICHAEL ROBERTS Curators’ Professor of Animal Science, Joint Professor of Biochemistry

Special thanks to our “Friends of MU” and their continued support of economic development and

MU Entrepreneurs!

Boone County National Bank Full Sponsorship

Boone Electric Cooperative Opening Reception Sponsor

The Bank of MissouriPartial sponsor of Program Printing

Thompson & CoburnPartial sponsor of Recognition Dinner

Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI)2014 Faculty Startups Sponsor

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THANK YOU

A special thanks goes to Provost Garnett Stokes, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research Hank Foley, the MU Office of Economic Development, the Office of Technology Management and Industry Relations (OTMIR), the Office of Intellectual Property Administration, The Mizzou Advantage Initiative and Academic Support Center for their continued support of MU entrepreneurial endeavors.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to you for your attendance.

The University of Missouri

2015 Innovation & Entrepreneurial Recognition Dinner Program

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