MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY | DIVISION OF RESEARCH & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INNOVATIONWORKS SPRING/SUMMER 2025 | ISSUE 6
OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER NEWSLETTER
SKROWNOITAVONNI
INNOVATION FOR THE GREATER GOOD
To stay at the forefront of one’s respective field, innovation is often required as technological advances are made, and the needs of society evolve. Innovation is defined by Merriam-Webster as the introduction of something new, a new idea, method, or device. Birol Ozturk, PhD, Physics professor in the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SCMNS), defines innovation as, “the creation of something new that will have an impact on society and the broader community.” To him, innovation isn’t limited to technology, but anything that can impact humanity in general – the earth, human creatures, animals and more. Driven by consumer need, and a personal connection to help the universe, Dr. Ozturk’s motivation is clear. Although Dr. Ozturk’s area of expertise lies in Physics, and STEM-related fields, you will quickly learn that he “doesn’t do science, just for science.” He has a natural curiosity to understand how nature works and wants to ensure that he and his work are useful to humanity. “How can I turn this product (or idea) into something that can help the greater good?” Prior to joining Morgan in 2014, while teaching in Boston, he did just that. A student in one his courses was visually impaired, and he quickly learned that he would need to provide alternative methods to illustrate various examples that his greater student body could visually see. Prior to the rise of 3D printer usage throughout academia and more broadly, Dr. Ozturk implemented 3D printed graphics and charts with braille. “It’s not solely about the money. It’s about helping the people around you.” Dr. Ozturk’s expertise in bridging the gap between academic research and practical application is prevalent through development of an internship program that allowed him to mentor graduate level students, providing them with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities under his guidance.
WHAT'S INSIDE?
IPD Disclosures U.S. Issued Patents I-Bits 2024 IOY Award Winners
WHAT DRIVES INNOVATION? Innovation Drivers are the factors that drive both “big I” (new and potentially disruptive innovation), and “little i” (incremental) innovation. Common drivers of organizational innovation include: consumer need, improved quality, creation of new markets, reduced labor and material costs, improved efficiency, reduced damage to the environment, and energy consumption, and conformance to regulations. Innovators themselves may be driven by a personal or emotional connection. Each issue of Innovation Works will provide the reader a window on what drives Morgan’s innovators.