Schroeder Selected to NAI 2026 Senior Members Class

Lindsey Schroeder, associate professor of athletic training in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences within the College of Health and Human Services, was selected to the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Class of 2026 Senior Members. Recognized for success in patents, licensing and commercialization, along with a dedication to developing technologies, Schroeder joins a distinguished 2026 class of 230 Senior Members.

Schroeder co-leads a multidisciplinary team developing a cutting-edge Neck Strength Assessment Tool (NSAT), which is designed to mitigate head and neck injuries by identifying at-risk individuals. By measuring neck strength, the NSAT offers a data-driven assessment of neuromuscular performance. The technology supports emerging injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies for military personnel, athletes and other high-risk populations.

"I am profoundly honored to be inducted into the National Academy of Inventors as a Senior Member. To be only the fifth individual, and first female, at UNCW to receive this distinction is an extraordinary privilege," Schroeder said. "This recognition underscores the significance of our scholarly contributions and innovative work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to advance our university's growing legacy of discovery. I extend my deepest appreciation to all who have supported this journey, especially my co-inventor, Dr. Alex McDaniel, whose collaboration has been indispensable to this achievement."

The NSAT team was recently issued a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and has received NCInnovation and NC Biotechnology Translational Research Grant funding, helping bridge the innovation to market launch.

Schroeder is the fifth UNCW faculty member selected as an NAI Senior Member in the last four years. The Senior Member recognition program was created in 2018 to recognize active faculty, scientists and administrators at NAI Member Institutions who have successfully produced, patented and commercialized technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society and economic progress.

The 2026 class will be honored at the 15th NAI Annual Conference, taking place June 1-4 in Los Angeles, California.