The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC) at Vanderbilt proudly announces the 2024 Master Innovator class. This esteemed recognition celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of faculty whose research has translated into transformative innovations, propelling their fields forward and creating significant societal impact. The 2024 Master Innovators are chosen based on their achievements across multiple categories involving innovation and entrepreneurship, including inventions made, patents issued, technologies licensed, companies launched, products on the market, and several other factors. This year’s class of Master Innovators are:
Dr. Carrie K. Jones, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University
Dr. Jones is celebrated for her pioneering research in neuropharmacology at Vanderbilt’s Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (WCNDD) where her work addresses therapeutic interventions for central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Her contributions have illuminated the intricacies of receptor function in the brain, focusing on how these mechanisms can be targeted for treatment. Dr. Jones’s excellence in both research and mentorship has earned her multiple accolades, including being named a Chancellor’s Faculty Fellow in 2020 and receiving recognition at Vanderbilt’s 2024 Spring Faculty Assembly for her distinguished contributions to teaching and mentoring. Not only has Carrie been involved in more than fifty patents and applications at Vanderbilt, her passion for their effective development into impactful products stands out.
Dr. Colleen Niswender, Ph.D.
Research Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University
Dr. Niswender is renowned for her work in drug discover and serves as the Director of Molecular Pharmacology for the WCNDD, with a specific focus on neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome. Her research has led to key advancements in understanding the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in CNS function, offering potential new therapeutic strategies that have progressed to clinical trials and form the basis of licensing agreements with multiple industry partners. Dr. Niswender has received significant federal and foundation funding for her research and was nationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on Rett syndrome in 2022 with the ASPET Scientific Achievement Award. Only a handful of researchers in the history of Vanderbilt have been named on as many invention disclosures as Colleen (many of which have been commercialized, generating substantial revenues for the institution).
Dr. Alex Waterson, Ph.D.
Research Professor of Pharmacology and Chemistry; Associate Director of Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology
Dr. Waterson's work in medicinal chemistry has been instrumental in the discovery of new cancer therapeutics, particularly through his leadership in targeting “undruggable” protein-protein interactions, in partnership with Dr. Stephen Fesik. As one of Vanderbilt’s more recent Innovation Ambassadors, he helps his colleagues translate academic discoveries into real-world applications. His contributions extend to key roles in national cancer drug discovery initiatives, including as the lead for Vanderbilt’s Chemical Biology Consortium (CBC) site, underscoring his impact in this critical area of research. Alex is an inventor of 21 issued US patents, with another fifty in prosecution.
Dr. Colleen Brophy, M.D.
Professor of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Dr. Brophy is a prominent vascular surgeon and entrepreneur whose contributions in vascular biology have revolutionized her field. Her research has led to novel approaches to preventing vascular complications, significantly improving patient surgical outcomes. Colleen has contributed to more than fifty US patents and applications. And her entrepreneurial activities included founding AzERx, a biotechnology startup that was later acquired by Capstone Therapeutics. With an extensive background in both basic science and clinical applications, her work exemplifies the type of translational research the Master Innovator Award seeks to recognize.
Dr. Robert Webster, Ph.D.
Richard A. Schroeder Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Dr. Webster is a leading figure in surgical robotics, where his work continues to be transformative in pioneering minimally invasive surgical procedures with increased accuracy, leading to the filing of more than seventy five patents and applications. He has launched two startup companies, Virtuoso and EndoTheia, the latter of which received a breakthrough device designation from the US FDA in 2023. Dr. Webster’s work ensures Vanderbilt remains at the forefront of medical technology innovation, and his contributions continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in surgical robotics. Dr. Webster is one of the inaugural Vanderbilt Innovation Ambassadors.
The 2024 Master Innovators are celebrated for their dedication to advancing both science and societal well-being. Each of the honorees represents the very best of Vanderbilt’s commitment to innovation and the translation of academic research into real-world solutions.
Learn more about this annual recognition program and view previous inductees here.