NAI celebrates NAI Fellow Dr. Martin Thuo, who is a pioneer advancing materials science and engineering, with innovations that span functional soft matter, sustainable solutions, and healthcare technology. A professor at NAI Member Institution North Carolina State University, Dr. Thuo’s research led to the development of low-temperature solders, fueling the success of a startup now part of Indium Corporation. His groundbreaking work continues to drive real-world impact, pushing the boundaries of science and technology. Read below as he discusses what inspires him to be an inventor, the value of STEM education, and more!
Q: What words would you use to describe yourself?
A: Mentor, Innovator, academic entrepreneur, Frugal scientist
Q: What inspired you, and continues to inspire you, to be an inventor?
A: I like to solve problems using the most resource efficient approaches. Growing up in rural Africa, I have first hand knowledge of what it means to have technology that is out of reach, I believe science should be useful to the public.
Q: Why are you passionate about being an innovator?
A: Research is funded by the public, it is our responsibilities as scientist to pursue useful science that has impact on the quality of life of the public. Creative translatable research is a sure way to do this.
Q: In your spare time, in addition to working in your field, what do you love to do?
A: Spending time with my family comes first, otherwise, I like to read non-science materials. From history, business, psychology to spy novels – whatever picks my interest I’ll read it.
Q: What advice do you have for innovators looking to take their innovations from bench to market?
A: Every scientist is an entrepreneur: we fund raise, manage grants, hire and manage teams, visionary – all attributes of an entrepreneur. So best thing is to get started, incorporate a startup and collaborate with season entrepreneurs and you will succeed.
Q: What do you feel the value of STEM education is, especially to young innovators?
A: We, especially in the U.S., cannot over emphasize the importance of STEM. American ingenuity is clearly evident in technical advances. Training scientists will only keep this creativity going and there is still a lot more that needs to be done, it is only limited by ones dream.
Q: What do you feel is the importance of having diverse perspectives in creating innovations that benefit society?
A: Best solutions to a problem are those that are derived from teams that are cognitively diverse. It is advisable that problem solving teams have different approaches to solve the problem so that as many approaches to a lasting solution are explored. Cognitively diverse team are also more efficient that homogenous teams, hence diversity is also a pathway towards faster inventions.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self, or young innovators, pursuing a career in research and/or innovation?
A: Believe in yourself! Have faith and keep going for chance favors those who are ready to seize it.
Elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2024, Dr. Thuo is part of a distinguished community of Fellows dedicated to advancing innovation. To read more about Dr. Thuo’s research and impact, visit: https://ow.ly/vr9950URqPJ