Longya Xu is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and an esteemed researcher in the area of power electronics engineering. (Courtesy Xu)
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Professor Longya Xu has been named to the 2024 Class of National Academy of Inventors Fellows.
Xu, who joined the college in 2023, is an expert in high-performance electric machines, power electronics and digital technology. During Xu’s career, he has developed applications for electrified transportation, renewable energy systems and the aerospace industry.
“This recognition is a well-deserved testament to Professor Xu’s contributions to innovation in power electronics,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “His work has led to advancements for a variety of applications and had a significant impact to our world. Congratulations, Professor Xu!”
A major focus of Xu’s work has been to develop and improve variable speed drive and generator systems, which handle an inconsistent electric load. Wind turbines responding to shifting wind speeds or electric cars managing varying forces from acceleration and braking can use the devices invented by Xu for greater efficiency.
“One of the things I’m especially proud of is that my inventions are not locked in a drawer, but they are really used,” he said. “Sometimes people think that a university professor only wants to write papers rather than put new technology into practice. But I like to work with industry people and to see my technology be adopted.”
Along with this recognition from NAI, Xu is a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, recipient of the prestigious IEEE Nikola Tesla Award, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He has more than 350 journal and conference publications and 10 patents.
“Professor Xu is motivated by the desire to make a tangible, positive difference in society,” said Suvranu De, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “His accomplishments are a testament to a career of diligent work and a commitment to innovation.”
“Professor Xu is motivated by the desire to make a tangible, positive difference in society. His accomplishments are a testament to a career of diligent work and a commitment to innovation.”
The NAI Fellow program has 1,898 Fellows worldwide representing more than 300 prestigious universities and governmental and non-profit research institutes. Collectively, the Fellows hold more than 63,000 issued U.S. patents, which have generated over 13,000 licensed technologies, 3,200 companies and created more than 1 million jobs. In addition, over $3 trillion in revenue has been generated based on NAI Fellow discoveries.
The 2024 Fellows hail from 135 research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutions worldwide and their work spans across various disciplines. They are not only phenomenal researchers holding prestigious honors and distinctions such as the Nobel Prize, U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation and National Medal of Science, and membership to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, but are also incredible inventors who collectively hold over 5,000 issued U.S. patents and whose innovations are making significant tangible societal and economic impacts today and will well into the future.
“This year’s class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors. Each of these individuals are tackling real-world issues and creating solutions that propel us into the future. Through their work, they are making significant contributions to science, creating lasting societal impact, and growing the economy,” said Paul Sanberg, president of the NAI. “NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation, generating crucial advancements across scientific disciplines and creating tangible impacts as they move their technologies from lab to marketplace. We are excited to welcome and honor this newest class of Fellows during our 2025 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I can think of no better group that exemplifies our conference theme, Forward Together: Innovating with Purpose.”
Xu will be inducted at the 14th NAI Annual Conference June 23-26 in Atlanta.
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