PHOTO: Dr. Oleksandr Makeyev, Associate Professor at the School of STEM, Diné College
Diné College STEM Program Secures Second Patent
20th November 2024
Tsaile, Ariz. – The School of STEM at Dine College has proudly announced the official issuance of its second patent, number 12,144,630, marking a pivotal moment in the college’s pioneering journey into intellectual property. This latest achievement not only doubles the college’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio but also establishes a historic precedent as Diné College now holds both the first and second patents ever granted to a Tribal College or University (TCU).
Dr. Oleksandr Makeyev, Associate Professor at the School of STEM, Diné College and a driving force behind this initiative, expressed the significance of this accomplishment. “Having both the first and second patents issued to a TCU aligns perfectly with our legacy as the first tribal college, setting a precedent and leading the way in innovation,” said Dr. Makeyev. “We also have two more patents pending, which we hope will soon double our portfolio again.”
This groundbreaking achievement is attributed to the steadfast support of the college’s leadership and the expertise of their legal partners, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. “Our collaboration with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton has been crucial from the onset, providing the legal framework and guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of patent acquisition,” Dr. Makeyev noted. President Roessel also emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “Securing these patents is a testament to our commitment to innovation and the development of a technology transfer center that will transform our patents into a sustainable revenue stream.”
The focus now shifts towards the commercialization of these patented technologies, which are designed for medical applications, enhancing the ability to detect and diagnose a range of health conditions.
“Commercialization of this technology is our main focus moving forward,” Dr. Makeyev emphasized. “Companies like CREmedicaland Spes Medica should consider licensing our electrode designs to improve upon their current products, reflecting the competitive edge these patents provide.”
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited student involvement in the patent process, the college remains focused on integrating students in future endeavors. “We hope to see more student participation as we move forward, fostering an environment where students can become inventors and protect their intellectual property,” Dr. Makeyev expressed.
The college’s strategic focus on patent acquisition and commercialization enhances its academic reputation and positions it as a leader in intellectual property among tribal colleges. As the college continues to expand its IP portfolio, it remains committed to pioneering a path of innovation and economic empowerment for its community.
Dr. Makeyev recently delivered an invited talk titled “Concentric Ring Electrode Research, Patents, and Patenting Experience at the MEA Lab” to the National Science Foundation’s BPInnovate working group on October 16. This presentation highlighted the scope and impact of the college’s patents, underscoring their potential to transform medical technology through innovative electrode designs.
Looking ahead, the college plans to commercialize these patents through licensing agreements or by launching a small business to develop prototypes. “Our designs have the potential to improve medical signal detection significantly, offering better diagnostic capabilities for disorders ranging from epilepsy to cardiac biomarkers in diabetes,” Dr. Makeyev added.
Through these efforts, Dine College sets a benchmark for other tribal colleges, demonstrating the significant impact and potential of securing and commercializing intellectual property in the academic sector. The college’s ongoing commitment to innovation and economic development promises to create a lasting legacy within the tribal college community.
