Richard Dixon, Distinguished Research Professor of biological sciences, was named a National Academy of Inventors fellow, the second UNT faculty member to earn the honor. The professional distinction is given to academic inventors who "have demonstrated a highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society."

Dixon's research includes numerous projects in the area of bioproducts, including inventing a new, stronger plant-based carbon fiber, researching the impact of grape seed extract on Alzheimer's disease, and developing more digestible and cattle-friendly alfalfa and improved bioenergy crops.

In 2014, Narendra Dahotre, Distinguished Research Professor of materials science and engineering, was named a National Academy of Inventors fellow.