UNI Innovators

The University of Northern Iowa celebrates innovation across campus and in collaboration with partners across the United States.

We are incredibly proud of the technology created and the strides made by our faculty and staff—efforts that drive growth and development in many industries and communities.

UNI receives about 12 invention disclosures each year.

Meet a few UNI Inventors

Curtiss Hanson

Curtiss Hanson is a professor of analytical chemistry and a prolific faculty researcher. His areas of research include analytical applications of mass spectrometry for biomolecule analysis using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and gas phase ion-, molecule chemistry using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR). These instruments provide research opportunities in classical physical analytical areas for both graduate and undergraduate students.

He holds several patents in the areas of mass spectrometry. These include 9,564.304 Ion trap mass analyzer apparatus, methods, and systems utilizing one or more multiple potential ion guide (MPIG) electrodes; 9,190,254 Ion trap mass analyzer apparatus, methods, and systems utilizing one or more multiple potential ion guide (MPIG) electrodes; 8,933,397 Ion trap mass analyzer apparatus, methods, and systems utilizing one or more multiple potential ion guide (MPIG) electrodes; 6,657,190 Variable potential ion guide for mass spectrometry; 6,149,881 Pyrolysis methods for increasing limonene production and novel oven to facilitate such method; 6,013,913 Multi-pass reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer; 5,977,421 Pyrolysis method for increasing limonene production and novel oven to facilitate such methods.

Photo of Curtiss Hanson

Jerry Thiel

Jerry Thiel is the director of the UNI Metal Casting Center. He has a diverse industry background and has held management positions in metal casting and related industries for more than 40 years. His background includes metal casting experience in steel, iron, and non-ferrous alloys. Jerry holds degrees in materials science, manufacturing, and manufacturing process development and has published numerous research papers pertaining to molding and core materials for the foundry industry. He is a co-inventor on several patents and is the sole inventor of Patent 8,815,976 B2 Humic substances-based polymer systems. Jerry has received numerous awards from the American Foundry Society.

Jeremiah Treloar

Jeremiah Treloar was working with UNI’s Iowa Waste Reduction Center’s (IWRC) Star-4D program when he and others first conceived of a 2D virtual paint program. It evolved over the years into Virtual Paints, LLC. where Jeremiah and his partners are making it a commercial venture.

We always had people that helped us understand. It was a lot to take on right away figuring out what are the best ways to create the claims that are unique about your product versus everyone else’s. The University was very helpful in making that easy on us. Allowing us to focus on research but also being able to make sure that the patent had the language that protects the intellectual property we were creating. —Jeremiah Treloar

Interested in learning more about research and development at the University of Northern Iowa?

Reach out to our leaders directly:

Paul Kinghorn, Intellectual Property Officer and Director of Advance Iowa
paul.kinghorn@uni.edu 319-273-4327

Bill Harwood, Science and Technology Officer and Head Chemistry & Biochemistry
bill.harwood@uni.edu 319-273-2052

Randy Pilkington, Research Foundation Chair and BCS Executive Director
randy.pilkington@uni.edu 319- 273-6945

Want to learn more about IP
at UNI, continue reading our
website or give us a call!

info@advanceiowa.com
319-273-IOWA (4692)