Taubman College’s Dr. Mania Aghaei Meibodi has been named one of 20 “Innovation Champions” by the University of Michigan through a new program aimed at further amplifying and commercializing U-M research and innovation.

Dr. Aghaei Meibodi is an assistant professor of architecture and founder of the Digital Architecture Research and Technologies (DART) laboratory. DART research is at the intersection of robotics, 3D printing, and machine learning to pioneer a paradigm shift in design and construction, enabling the creation of next-generation high-performance building elements and waste-free, tech-driven construction practices for the future. 

In her role as an Innovation Champion, Dr. Aghaei Meibodi will serve as a peer-level contact for Taubman College, sharing information and resources to help other researchers work with businesses and entrepreneurs to amplify the impact of their innovations. She will disseminate innovation-related news to colleagues, suggest ways to provide better support for U-M innovators, and collaborate with other members of the cohort and U-M leadership on innovation efforts across the university.

The Innovation Champions were selected for their passion and dedication to advancing innovation within their units. Together, they have achieved over 190 inventions, formed 40 commercialization partnerships, and launched 10 startups based on U-M discoveries. The new program is overseen by U-M’s Office of the Vice President for Research and includes representatives from different colleges, schools, and departments within the university. 

“The innovators chosen for this new program are some of the most active in the university’s research commercialization ecosystem,” said Bryce Pilz, assistant vice president for research at U-M. “These Champions were selected for their passion for innovation and willingness not only to learn but to take those insights back to their colleagues and help guide them through the innovation process.”