Narendra Dahotre, University Distinguished Research Professor in Engineering and interim associate vice president for research and innovation was recognized Friday at UNT’s 2017 Innovator Awards, along with Ph.D. student, Roberto Aguilar Ayala, and undergraduate, Ryan Girardot, from the College of Science and the College of Business, respectively.

“Our university is working to expand its multi-disciplinary research and offer faculty and students opportunities for them to bring innovation to light,” UNT President Neal Smatresk said. “Our faculty discoveries help move science and society forward and allow the university to play an even more significant role in economic development for our region and state.”

Dahotre, a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, demonstrated his leadership in innovation with his technology “Laser-Assisted Machining of Hard Tissues and Bone,” which will enable surgeons to use a laser to abate bones and tissues during joint and other bone replacements and limb salvation surgeries.

The potential use of a laser instead of conventional orthopedic surgery tools such as hammers and chisels offers a drastic reduction in trauma to the patient to allow for less complications, less pain, faster healing times, higher accuracies, and reduced need for additional surgeries or post-operative interventions.

Dahotre’s research has generated funding support in excess of $7.5 million from government and industrial organizations. He is the author of four books, has been issued 16 U.S. patents, has published nearly 300 articles in professional journals, and is a fellow of nine professional societies, including the National Academy of Inventors.

This is the second year the Office of Research and Innovation has recognized faculty and students for finding creative solutions to today’s most pressing issues.