CEE&I Names Curry Inaugural Tech Transfer & Commercialization Fellow

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Jan. 9, 2025) – The Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEE&I) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University announces the appointment of Michael Curry, Ph.D., as its inaugural Tech Transfer & Commercialization Fellow. This prestigious role underscores CEE&I’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization within the university and beyond.

Curry, a distinguished professor in the Department of Nanoengineering at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, brings more than 15 years of exemplary experience as a scholar, researcher, inventor and mentor to this role. His groundbreaking research focuses on developing sustainable, biodegradable nanocellulose materials as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers. This work has resulted in more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, two U.S. patents and three pending patent applications, establishing him as a leader in his field.

As CEE&I Tech Transfer & Commercialization Fellow, Curry will collaborate with university innovators, providing support to faculty, staff and students on their research-to-commercialization journey. His responsibilities include organizing skills development opportunities and fostering connections among internal and external stakeholders to advance the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Curry’s appointment aligns with the CEE&I’s strategic mission to create global market pathways for startups, and support the commercialization of research-based innovations. With his proven track record in securing multimillion-dollar research funding and promoting STEM diversity, he will play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals.

“Dr. Curry’s extensive expertise in research, innovation, and commercialization perfectly positions him to drive our vision and mission forward,” said Sean GL Johnson, CEE&I director. “His support will help empower our community of innovators to translate groundbreaking ideas into impactful solutions that benefit society.”

Along with his professional achievements, Curry’s accolades include the 2025 American Chemical Society Stanley C. Israel Award for advancing diversity in the chemical sciences and recognition as a 2022 Top 100 Innovator by Top 100 Magazine. His dedication to fostering inclusivity in STEM and advancing historically Black college and university research has made a lasting impact on the scientific community.