Notable Recognition for University of Iowa Professor in the Field of Semiconductor Optoelectronics
A prestigious honor has been awarded to a University of Iowa professor, renowned for her work in semiconductor optoelectronics, as she joins the 2026 class of Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
Fatima Toor, who holds the position of professor of electrical and computer engineering and is the Lowell G. Battershell Chair in Laser Engineering, has been named among the 230 inventors in the 2026 Senior Members cohort. This group represents 82 member institutions from around the globe and collectively holds over 2,000 U.S. patents.
“Prof. Toor exemplifies the creativity, persistence, and impact that defines our engineering faculty,” stated Ann McKenna, the Dick and Judy Smith Dean of the College of Engineering. “Her innovations have advanced the field of photonics while creating real pathways for societal and economic benefit. Being named an NAI Senior Member is a testament to her contributions as both a researcher and innovator, and we are proud to see her recognized at the national level.”
Additionally, Toor has been chosen for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow Pathway Program, specifically designed for faculty members with the potential to earn prestigious awards on both national and international stages. This membership marks the initial step towards becoming an AAAS Fellow.
The NAI Senior Member program, inaugurated in 2018, acknowledges active faculty, scientists, and administrators who show promise as leaders in innovation. The 2026 cohort of Senior Members celebrates emerging academic inventors who have achieved success in areas such as patents, licensing, commercialization, and translational research with positive societal impacts.
“This year’s Senior Member class is a truly impressive cohort. These innovators come from a variety of fields and disciplines, translating their technologies into tangible impact,” remarked Paul R. Sanberg, NAI president, during the announcement of the 2026 class. “I commend them on their incredible pursuits, and I’m honored to welcome them to the Academy.”
Currently, there are 945 Senior Members who collectively hold over 11,000 U.S. patents.
Toor’s selection reflects her significant contributions in research and invention, particularly in the development of optoelectronic devices, sensor technologies, and energy-related innovations. Her work has been instrumental in obtaining multiple patents and fostering collaborations among academic institutions, industry, and federal research entities. This has further led to the creation of start-up companies like Juggernaut Life Sciences and MIRTHz Photonics, based in Coralville, Iowa.
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