Dr. Stephanie Richards presented today to the ECU Patent Committee and, as a result of that presentation, received funding for her Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application (https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/) for the wind tunnel that her team developed to assess the efficacy of insecticide formulated products. PCT is an international patent system for applicants seeking patent protection internationally for their inventions in a large number of countries.

Through their NC Biotechnology Center Flash grant, Dr. Richards and her collaborator, Dr. Sinan Sousan (ECU Department of Public Health) have created two new models and conducted two field trials with industry partners. Later this year, her team plans to apply for additional funding to move the device towards commercialization. Several students have been helping with the proof-of concept wind tunnel experiments and field trials, including Emma Rush (BS Environmental Health), Will Murray (MS Environmental Health/MPH), Raven Slade (MS Environmental Health), Paul Jones (BS Public Health).

Congratulations Dr. Richards!