Dr. Fran Ligler has dedicated her life to bettering the lives of millions, and last month the National Inventors Hall of Fame announced that they would be honoring this dedication by inducting her into the 2017 Class of Inventors. She will be joining the ranks of such inventors as Thomas Edison (the first ever inductee), Eli Whitney, the Wright Brothers, and Robert Goddard – just to name a few. Dr. Ligler has worked tirelessly in military and academic settings to make the world a safer place, developing portable optical biosensors that can detect chemical and biological signatures in a variety of environments. These sensors are used everywhere from food production plants to clinics in developing countries, to pollutant cleanup sites, to areas of concern for military and homeland security. The 2017 Inductees will be celebrated in May at The Greatest Celebration of American Innovation, an annual black-tie event partially hosted by the US Patent and Trademark Office , an event that “brings the world’s brightest minds together to experience surprises, stories, and unforgettable moments.” You can watch the 2017 Inductee Video here.
Congratulations to Fran for this outstanding achievement. We are proud that you call our Department home!