PSU’s Andrea Goforth joins the National Academy of Inventors’ 2025 class of Senior Members.
A Portland State chemistry professor is being recognized as an emerging inventor by the National Academy of Inventors.
Andrea Goforth was named an NAI Senior Member, joining 161 peers nationwide as part of this year’s class of faculty, scientists and administrators who have produced impactful technologies and have seen success with patents, licensing and commercialization.
Goforth’s primary research is in the development of functional nanomaterials for biomedical and technological applications. Her lab develops novel, nanometer-sized inorganic imaging agents, which help to elucidate the chemical processes occurring at various stages of treatment or disease, leading to a better understanding of diseases and the development of more effective treatments.
“Her work on silicon and bismuth nanoparticles has not only advanced our fundamental understanding of these materials but has also led to practical applications with significant societal impact,” said Travis Woodland, director of Innovation & Intellectual Property at PSU. “Dr. Goforth's innovative approach is evident in her development of bismuth nanoparticles as X-ray contrast agents. This work, which resulted in a U.S. patent and related patents in many countries, demonstrates her ability to translate fundamental research into potentially life-saving medical technologies.”
Applications for the patented technology range from making surgical sponges more visible by X-ray so they’re not inadvertently left inside of patients after surgery to marking objects for security such as anti-counterfeiting security labels.
The tailored, semiconductor and metal nanoparticles developed in the Goforth lab also have applications in nanoscale electronics.
Woodland says Goforth has been instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation at PSU through her mentorship of students and leadership on campus.
Goforth is the lead on the federally funded Diverse Internships for Semiconductor Careers, or DISC, program. DISC is collaborating with major industry partners to prepare diverse cohorts of students for careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry with high-quality, paid internship placements. Goforth is also director of PSU’s Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication, which provides cutting-edge facilities to the broader scientific community.
Goforth says she’s honored to be inducted in the NAI.
“I’m thankful to Dr. Anna Brown for moving technology developed in my lab forward and her entrepreneurial spirit,” she said. “I’m also grateful to work with Portland State’s excellent Office of Innovation & Intellectual Property, especially Joe Janda and Travis Woodland, who provide the inspiration and education necessary to bring ideas from lab to market.”
Goforth will be celebrated during the NAI’s annual conference in June in Atlanta, Georgia.