Yingcai Zheng Named Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors
Rock Physics Researcher Recognized for Advancing Energy Production and Carbon Management Strategies
University of Houston faculty member Yingcai Zheng has been named a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, one of seven UH faculty recognized in this year’s class. The honor reflects Zheng’s contributions to innovation with meaningful societal impact, along with demonstrated success in patents, licensing and commercialization.
Zheng, the Robert and Margaret Sheriff Professor in Applied Geophysics and director of the UH Rock Physics Lab in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, advances high-resolution seismic imaging and rock physics research to better understand subsurface energy and storage systems. His work strengthens energy production, geothermal development and carbon management strategies.
NAI Senior Members are faculty, scientists and administrators who have demonstrated innovation with real-world potential, along with accomplishments in patents, licensing, commercialization and mentoring of future inventors.
Zheng holds two patents resulting from his research program. He is one of three NSM faculty among UH’s seven honorees named to the Academy.
“This recognition affirms what we see every day at the University of Houston — bold, collaborative innovation focused on improving lives,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy at UH.
UH now has 46 Senior Members in the NAI. The 2026 class of 230 Senior Members, the largest to date, will be honored at the Academy’s 15th Annual Conference in Los Angeles, June 1–4.