INNOVATION INSIDER

December 2025

SUBBA REDDY PALLI ANNOUNCED 2025 NAI FELLOW

Photo by Matt Baton

Subba Reddy Palli, professor and researcher at Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has been named a 2025 National Academy of Inventors Fellow, one of the highest distinctions for academic inventors. The 2025 class represents leading inventors from institutions across the United States and includes researchers whose patented innovations have broad societal impact.

Read more about his achievement and what it means for UK Research. 

‘I AM A UK INNOVATOR’: COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES' JOHN ANTHONY

Photo by Ben Corwin, Research Communications

UK Innovate recently partnered with Research Communications to

highlight faculty innovators through the “I Am a UK Innovator” video

series. In this month’s newsletter we’re highlighting the feature of John Anthony, Ph.D., the C.W. Hammond Professor of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences and associate director of the UK Center for Applied Energy Research.

Anthony discusses his work designing new molecules for semiconductor

applications and how this research helps train future interdisciplinary scientists. His contributions have placed him among UK’s most highly cited researchers and he has secured nearly $6 million in funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

MOVEMENT MENTORS:

ENGAGING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AS ACTIVE ROLE MODELS FOR YOUTH (2878)

Developed at the University of Kentucky, Movement Mentors is an evidence-informed program that trains undergraduate students to promote physical activity among youth. The program uses a proprietary curriculum to prepare university students as role models and instructors for youth-focused physical activity. Mentors are then connected with volunteer opportunities in the community. To date, more than 140 mentors have been trained, contributing more than 540 hours to teaching youth new ways to stay physically active. 

LANDON BORDERS NOMINATED FOR

OUTSTANDING STAFF AWARD

Landon Borders, senior executive director of technology development, product management and R&D partnerships for UK Innovate, was named a Top 10 finalist for the University of Kentucky’s 2025 Outstanding Staff Award in the staff-nominated category. Selected by the UK Staff Senate, this recognition highlights the meaningful contributions Landon makes through his leadership in innovation, industry partnerships and research-driven program development. Landon and other nominees were honored at the Outstanding Staff Awards luncheon Dec. 9 at Spindletop Hall.

UK INNOVATE STAFF AWARDS

2025 RELATIONSHIPS AWARD

FENI KADAKIA, PH.D.

COMMERCIALIZATION MANAGER AND PROGRAM MANAGER, MIDSOUTH REACH 3.0
TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION

The staff person who, in 2025, best exhibited the UK Innovate Operating Model principle to put relationships on a pedestal and built and maintained relationships with others outside the office that created value to UK Innovate.


The winner is selected by the UK Innovate Staff.



2025 SERVICE AWARD



CHELSEA EX-LUBESKIE, M.S.

R&D PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE & UK HEALTHCARE


The staff person who, in 2025, best exhibited the UK Innovate Operating Model principle to provide exemplary customer service to others outside the office in their work responsibility.






The winner is selected by the UK Innovate Staff.

2025 SUPPORT AWARD



DAVID LEE KENNEDY

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION



The staff person who, in 2025, best practiced the UK Innovate Operating Model principle to support others within the office to complete work activities, projects or goals.



The winner is selected by the UK Innovate Staff.



PATENTS

NOVEMBER 2025

12,458,483 Endoluminal graft system and method of implanting the same
Innovator: David Jon Minion

LICENSES AND OPTIONS

NOVEMBER 2025

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Innovator: Nora E. Warshawsky

Applications for the UAccel + I-Corps program are closing. The program provides researchers with a structured pathway to explore how their discoveries can move beyond the lab and create real-world value.

This month’s spotlight features past participant Hala Nassereddine, Ph.D., an associate professor of construction engineering and project management at the UK Pigman College of Engineering Career and Co-op Center. Nassereddine participated in the UAccel + I-Corps program in summer 2024 and later advanced to the National Science Foundation I-Corps program, helping move her team’s digital twin solution for the construction industry closer to market.

UAccel + I-Corps offers the guidance and support researchers need to translate innovation into practical impact. Applications close Dec. 19, 2025.

UK Innovate is seeking an associate director of commercialization to join its Technology Commercialization team. The role supports the translation of university research into real-world impact through licensing, industry partnerships and startup formation.

This position is ideal for professionals with experience in technology commercialization, business development or licensing who are interested in working closely with researchers and external partners to move innovations to market.

Applications close January 11, 2026.

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