Houston Daily

Eva Harth, a professor in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston (UH), has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This distinction is considered the highest professional honor for academic inventors.

Harth becomes the 22nd faculty member from UH to receive this recognition, and only the third woman from the university to be named an NAI Fellow. She is also just the fifth honoree from UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. With this latest addition, UH now ranks third among Texas colleges and universities for most NAI Fellows.

“It is a great honor to be named a Fellow of the NAI. It is deeply gratifying to know that the work my students and I do — the daily push, often in small steps — is seen and recognized,” said Eva Harth.

Recognition by NAI is reserved for innovators whose discoveries have demonstrated significant real-world impact. Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy at UH, commented on Harth’s achievement: “Eva’s well-deserved recognition as an NAI Fellow exemplifies the spirit of innovation that makes UH a true powerhouse in materials research. As we strive for an increasingly sustainable and affordable world, her groundbreaking work in polymer chemistry underscores how our faculty are not only advancing science but pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

Harth’s research focuses on developing advanced materials with implications for industries such as energy. Her laboratory works on more efficient methods to produce polymers and combines polyolefins with other polymers using low-cost additives. These innovations could lead to improved materials for energy storage, stronger plastics, and products with new mechanical or optical properties. To date, her work has resulted in 23 U.S. patents.

“At UH, I’m surrounded by exceptionally talented, ambitious students and backed by a technology transfer office that truly empowers innovation,” Harth said. “That combination has been invaluable, and I am grateful to be part of a collaborative environment where everyone is aligned, energized and always pushing to get better.”

The 2025 class of NAI Fellows includes 169 inventors from 127 institutions worldwide. The group features recipients of major honors such as Nobel Prizes and national medals in science and technology. Since its founding in 2012, over 2,200 researchers have joined as Fellows; collectively they hold more than 86,000 U.S. patents.

“NAI Fellows are a driving force within the innovation ecosystem, and their contributions across scientific disciplines are shaping the future of our world,” said Paul R. Sanberg, president of NAI. “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of Fellows to the Academy. They are truly an impressive cohort, and we look forward to honoring them at our 15th Annual Conference in Los Angeles next year.”

The newly selected Fellows will be honored at NAI's annual conference scheduled for June 4, 2026 in Los Angeles.