The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named Eugene John, a professor in the Computer Engineering Department at UT San Antonio, an NAI fellow.
John’s inventions include patented technology that improves the energy efficiency of implantable cardiac devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. This technology reduces the power required to process heart signals. This extends the battery life of the device, meaning that patients require less frequent surgical battery replacements.
The NAI Fellows Program aims to highlight academic inventors who have “demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation,” and whose inventions enhance “quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.” Election to NAI Fellow status is the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.
“Being named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors is a great honor, as it reflects the collective efforts of my students and collaborators in translating research into meaningful real-world impact,” John said. “I am grateful to join a community that values invention, student mentorship and innovation as drivers of societal progress.”
Innovations in cyber, energy and health
As director of the Laboratory for Energy-Efficient Computing and Machine Learning at UT San Antonio, John has spent his career tackling critical challenges in secure computing and sustainable electronics.
He holds nine issued U.S. patents, several of which have been successfully commercialized.
In addition to his impact on biomedical engineering, his portfolio also includes groundbreaking work in cybersecurity. Silicon Valley-based company acquired two of John’s patents related to secure, non-volatile memory systems.
These architectures help improve trust, resilience and reliability in computing systems that increasingly underpin critical services.
“By preventing unauthorized modification of the operating system and core applications, the architecture significantly reduces the attack surface for malware, rootkits and persistent threats,” explained John.
“UT San Antonio cultivates a vibrant research-driven culture where students are empowered to pursue discovery beyond the classroom.” — Eugene John
His inventions can be applied to a range of systems and industries.
“The ideas introduced in these patents can influence modern approaches to secure embedded systems, edge computing platforms and resilient cyber-physical infrastructure,” he added.
Legacy of mentorship and growth
Beyond his work in the laboratory, John has played a foundational role in shaping engineering education at UT San Antonio.
He was the principal architect behind the university’s computer engineering curriculum, authoring the original proposals for the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD degree programs in the discipline.
His commitment to education extends to mentorship. John has supervised more than 140 undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them as researchers and future inventors. Five of his issued patents list students as co-inventors.
“UT San Antonio cultivates a vibrant research-driven culture where students are empowered to pursue discovery beyond the classroom,” John said. “Through sustained investment in research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship, the university enables scholarship that advances knowledge and addresses real-world challenges.”
A university of inventors
Fred Martin, interim dean of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing, noted that John’s recognition reflects the caliber of faculty advancing the university’s growing research profile.
“Dr. John’s election as an NAI fellow recognizes his long-standing contributions to foundational computing technologies, including those that improve human health,” said Martin. “Dr. John’s leadership in research raises the university’s visibility and creates opportunities for future innovators. I am honored to work with him.”
John joins a distinguished cohort of NAI fellows at UT San Antonio. They include:
- Taylor Eighmy, UT San Antonio president
- David Akopian, Klesse Endowed Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Fellow
- Rena Bizios, Lutcher Brown Endowed Distinguished University Chair Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Stanton McHardy, professor, Department of Chemistry
- Anson Ong, senior director, Research Integrity
- Michael Yaszemski, professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
The 2025 class of fellows is made up of 169 distinguished academic inventors from across the United States. Collectively, they hold more than 5,300 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,” stated Paul Sanberg, president of the NAI. “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of Fellows to the Academy.”
John will be inducted at the NAI 15th Annual Meeting on June 4 in Los Angeles.
