Subbian, Ahanonu receive medallions at 2025 patent celebration

Each year, the College of Engineering celebrates the staff and faculty who have conducted exceptional research resulting in patents. During this year's ceremony, SIE associate professor Vignesh Subbian and graduate student Eze Ahanonu each received a medallion for their patents defining virtual reality simulations for airway management. 

The invention is a virtual-reality training system for medical students learning tracheal tube intubation. The system combines a mannequin and a VR system that can tell students when too much force is being used during the procedure.

“I've been at multiple universities, and the tech transfer operation at the University of Arizona is the best I've experienced in my career,” said Mark Van Dyke, associate dean of research for the college.

In 2024, the University of Arizona ranked 31st globally on the National Academy of Inventors' list of the top 100 universities granted utility patents.