The NAI Fellows program, established in 2012, represents the pinnacle of professional distinction for inventors. Each year, the Academy honors researchers whose innovations have had significant societal and economic impact. The 2024 cohort includes 170 exceptional inventors from 135 institutions worldwide, collectively holding more than 5,000 U.S. patents. These Fellows will be celebrated at the 14th Annual NAI Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June 2025.
Tommaso Melodia: A Visionary in Wireless and Internet of Things

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University
Tommaso Melodia, William Lincoln Smith Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is an internationally recognized expert in wireless network systems. As the founding director of Northeastern’s Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (IoT), Melodia’s work spans a wide range of applications, including networked implantable medical devices, tactical cognitive radio networks, and underwater communication systems.
Melodia’s career has been marked by numerous accolades. He received his Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology and joined Northeastern in 2014. Among his many honors are the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award and IEEE Fellow designation. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Computer Networks. He is a prominent leader in the Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) Project Office, a $100 million public-private partnership to advance the U.S. wireless ecosystem.
“Innovation and real-world impact are at the core of what we do at Northeastern,” said Melodia. “Being recognized by the NAI as a Fellow affirms the impact of the work of our researchers and spin-offs on wireless networks and IoT technologies.”
Nian Sun: Transforming Materials Science and Sensing Technologies

Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University
Nian Sun, a COE Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has dedicated his career to advancing magnetic, ferroelectric, and multiferroic materials. His pioneering research integrates these materials into microsystems for various applications, including sensing, memory, and RF electronics. Sun’s work has led to the development of novel electrochemical sensors that diagnose diseases such as Alzheimer’s, lung cancer, and diabetes.
After earning his Ph.D. from Stanford University, Sun held research positions at IBM and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies before joining Northeastern. His extensive list of honors includes the Humboldt Research Award, the Søren Buus Outstanding Research Award, the NSF CAREER Award, and more. Sun has published over 280 papers, holds more than 30 patents, and is a Fellow of IEEE, the American Physical Society, and other prestigious organizations.
“This recognition underscores the importance of translational research,” said Sun. “At Northeastern, we aim to bridge fundamental science with real-world applications that improve lives.”
The Impact of the National Academy of Inventors
The NAI Fellows program celebrates researchers who exemplify the Academy’s mission of fostering innovation to benefit society. Since its inception, the program has grown to include over 2,000 Fellows whose collective contributions have generated $3.2 trillion in economic impact and over one million jobs. The NAI continues to champion diversity and inclusivity, with 43% of this year’s Fellows identifying as underrepresented inventors.
Northeastern’s NAI Chapter: A Hub for Innovation
Northeastern University’s NAI chapter plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation among its researchers. The chapter helps inventors move their technologies from lab to market by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources. The chapter’s efforts have amplified the university’s reputation as a global leader in research and entrepreneurship.
“The induction of Dr. Tommaso Melodia and Dr. Nian Sun as NAI Fellows is a proud moment for Northeastern University,” says Jennifer Boyle-Lynch, Executive Director of the Center for Research Innovation. “Their groundbreaking contributions advance their fields and inspire the next generation of researchers to push boundaries and pursue impactful discoveries.”
To learn more about the NAI Fellows program and the 2024 Class of Fellows, visit NAI’s official website.
Written by Elizabeth Creason