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BY JOHN HOLL
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Thomas Edison was born in Ohio but did nearly all of his research and development while living in New Jersey. Long recognized as one of the most influential inventors in America's history, Edison has served as an inspiration to those who followed.
Several of those inventors were honored at Stevens Institute of Technology, Oct. 22, 2009, during the annual New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame awards banquet.
In all, 18 people and two corporations were honored for their contributions.
Dr. Gertrude Clarke, president of the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame, said that often the public does not have a chance to recognize inventors, even though everyone benefits from their ideas.
"These inventors do not often get the curtain call they deserve," she said. "This is a chance to thank them."Among those honored were from prominent New Jersey schools including the Stevens Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Edward C. Taylor, Ph.D. from Princeton University was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his invention of a new compound that was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of mesothelioma, a disease caused by exposure of asbestos. Eli Lilly is marketing it under the name Alimta.
"This is possible because of the support and help I have received from students and colleagues who have worked with me since 1946," said Dr. Taylor.
Yvonne Claeys Brill who effectively expanded the frontiers of space through innovations in rocket and jet propulsion was also inducted into the hall of fame.
Her most important contributions have been in advancements in rocket propulsion systems for geosynchronous communication satellites. As a result of her innovative concepts for satellite propulsion system and her breakthrough engineering solutions, Ms. Brill has earned an international reputation as a pioneer in space exploration and utilization.
At the banquet, Brill said that when she began her career in 1945 there were very few women who were in the field. Looking out at the crowd she said she was pleased to see such a strong representation of female inventors and was proud to be among them.
The crowd responded with a standing ovation for Brill.
Christos Christodoulatos, Ph.D., George P. Korfiatis, Ph.D. and Xiaoguang Meng, Ph.D. and Mazakhir Dadachov, Ph.D. received the Inventor of the Year Award, for their invention "Methods of Preparing a Surface-Activated Titanium Oxide Product for use in Water Treatment," which led to the formation of start-up company HydroGlobe. This invention was in response to the compelling need to remove heavy metals from drinking water.
Two companies — Immunomedics and Hoffman-LaRoche — also received recognition.
Jack Donnelly, who appeared on behalf of Governor Jon S. Corzine congratulated the recipients for their "dedication to issues of importance." He also informed the crowd of a relatively new website that highlights all of the patents that came from the Garden State.
The 2009 Trustees Award went to Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) is a former physics professor who for nearly a decade served as Assistant Director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and spent much of his career on inventive and innovative activities and programs.
