Dr. James Smith, a professor in the Department of Biology, has been appointed a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), which recognizes and celebrates emerging academic inventors who the academy describes as “rising stars who foster a spirit of innovation within their communities and institutions while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors.”
Smith’s research focuses on understanding how natural substances from microbes can be used to treat diseases. In addition to his faculty position at Texas A&M, he is the President and cofounder of Sano Chemicals, a clinical-stage company that seeks to advance the creation of new antimicrobial and anticancer products to provide new solutions for unmet medical needs, which would have a global impact on the treatment of diseases. He holds more than 25 patents associated with antimicrobial and cancer therapeutics.
"Developing new antibacterials and antifungals with the potential to improve countless lives has been an incredibly rewarding journey,” Smith said. “I am deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by my peers as a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors."
“This is an outstanding and well-deserved accomplishment,” said Dr. Alex Keene, professor and head of the biology department. “Over the last 15 years at Texas A&M, Dr. Smith has led an exceptional research program that focuses on both basic biology and applied questions in microbiology and antibiotic resistance. It is wonderful to see him recognized for his achievements.”
The 2025 class of Senior Members will be celebrated at the NAI’s 14th Annual Conference June 23-26 in Atlanta.