Wang-Xia Wang, PhD, assistant professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and neuroscience, was honored as a UK Innovator Honoree at Patent Palooza 2025, the University of Kentucky’s annual celebration of research and innovation achievements.
Dr. Wang was recognized for her patent, “Clinical assessment of cerebral vasospasm risk following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage,” approved on Dec. 3, 2024. The patent describes a microRNA biomarker panel and method designed to assess a patient’s risk of developing cerebral vasospasm — a serious complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. By enabling earlier identification of high-risk individuals, this innovation has the potential to guide clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
“I feel fortunate to be able to do what I’m passionate about — research. For me, it isn’t just about uncovering new knowledge, but about how this new knowledge can be translated into real-world impact,” said Dr. Wang. “No matter the project, my first question is always, ‘Will this advance the field in a way that ultimately benefits people’s lives?’ That guiding principle shapes everything I do.”
Hosted by UK Innovate, Patent Palooza highlights the researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners who are advancing intellectual property creation, commercialization, and entrepreneurial success at the University of Kentucky. From patents and licensing deals to startup milestones, the event showcases the groundbreaking work shaping Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem.
In fiscal year 2025, the University saw the most patents issued, the most licenses executed, and the second-most inventions disclosed in its history. More than 100 UK innovators were issued 61 patents, had 40 licenses and options executed for their innovations, and received four Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) awards.