Prien Named to National Academy of Inventors

dr. prein

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Professor Samuel Prien, Ph.D., to the inaugural class of 66 NAI Senior Members. The election of the inaugural class coincides with National Inventors’ Day, which this year marks what would have been Thomas Edison’s 172nd birthday and celebrates innovators and their contributions to society.

This inaugural class represents 37 NAI Member Institutions, including research universities and governmental and non-profit research institutes. They are named inventors on over 1,100 issued U.S. patents.

Senior members are active faculty, scientists and administrators at NAI Member Institutions with success in patents, licensing and commercialization. They have produced technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society.

Prien has joint appointments at the TTUHSC School of Medicine and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University (TTU). His first U.S.

prein National academy of inventors

patent was awarded March 8, 2015, for a method of collecting and preserving semen that was the university’s first patent focused on reproductive science. Additionally, he currently holds four U.S. patents, 20 international patents and three copyrights, with others pending. Many of these patents have been licensed and are progressing toward commercialization.

One in ten couples worldwide have infertility problems, and approximately two million couples actively seek treatment.“Dr. Prien’s dedication and accomplishments in the field of reproductive science make him an exceptional choice for the NAI Senior Member,” said Quentin Smith, Ph.D., senior vice president for research at TTUHSC. “His work with reproductive technology not only will impact the field but also bring hope to countless families.”

Related Stories

Molecular Pathology Preceptorship: Unmatched Value and Experience

Ericka Hendrix, PhD, MB(ASCP)CM, Program Director and Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program in the School of Health Professions spoke about the program’s preceptorship.

Moseley Named Permian Basin Regional Dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

Kelly Moseley, DHSc, R.N., has been named the TTUHSC School of Nursing regional dean in the Permian Basin.

TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location

Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.

Recent Stories

Education

Santos Named Department of Surgery Chair for TTUHSC School of Medicine in Lubbock

As the new Department of Surgery chair for the School of Medicine in Lubbock, Ariel Santos, M.D., M.P.H., seeks to elevate TTUHSC’s role as the Hub of Surgery for West Texas.

Health

Covenant Health Brings Kidney Transplant Surgery Back to West Texas

The Kidney Transplant Program at Covenant Medical Center will provide life-changing opportunities for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney conditions.

Education

U.S. News & World Report Ranks TTUHSC Schools Among Best for 2025 Graduate School Rankings

Several graduate programs at TTUHSC have been recognized in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School Rankings, reaffirming the university’s continued excellence in health sciences education and training.