On Tuesday, March 24, University leaders, faculty members, and community partners gathered in downtown South Bend to celebrate research and innovation at the 1st Source Faculty Commercialization Award dinner. This event honors faculty researchers at the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, whose discoveries advance innovation into real-world products and services. This year’s event featured remarks from Notre Dame president Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
“At Notre Dame, we are committed to bridge building. The 1st Source Awards being given tonight recognize the kind of cooperation between our scholars and researchers and local leaders that is so important both for the University and our community,” Father Dowd said. “It is through such bridge building that all of us will flourish.”
Brian Blagg
Charles Huisking Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Place
The evening’s highest honor was awarded to Brian Blagg, the Charles Huisking Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and director of the Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development at Notre Dame. Blagg received the 1st Source Faculty Commercialization Award for his work leading to Grannus Therapeutics, a venture focused on the development of a first-in-class treatment for ovarian cancer.
“It is an honor to represent my research group and the many scientists who have worked to develop a treatment that addresses the limitations of earlier therapies,” Blagg said. “We look forward to the day this drug receives FDA approval and can improve the lives of those battling cancer. I hope that drug development efforts at Notre Dame continue to flourish so that, together, we may advance more discoveries into clinical trials and fulfill our mission to be a force for good.”
Blagg’s research focuses on a specific protein called Hsp90β, which is necessary for the growth and survival of cancer cells. While researchers have targeted Hsp90 for decades, previous drugs were “pan-inhibitors,” meaning they blocked all versions of the protein. This approach often led to severe side effects, such as damage to the heart and eyes. Blagg’s innovation is a first-in-class inhibitor that selectively targets only the beta isoform, Hsp90β. By leaving other versions of the protein alone, the treatment remains effective against ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers while avoiding the toxic side effects associated with non-selective therapies.
“Brian’s work with Grannus Therapeutics represents a significant achievement in the translation of research from the laboratory to the marketplace,” said Karen Deak, executive director of Notre Dame’s IDEA Center. “His dedication to the commercialization process ensures that these discoveries move toward clinical applications where they can benefit patients. Brian’s leadership, research excellence, and commitment to the flourishing of others exemplifies innovation at Notre Dame.”
Seunghyun Moon
Assistant Research Professor, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Second Place
Second place was awarded to Seunghyun Moon, assistant research professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and a specialist in nanotechnology and materials science. His work focuses on developing lightweight, durable materials through advanced fabrication methods, including graphene and polyethylene composite films. This research has proven foundational for Tessellated, Inc., a Notre Dame spinout and a polymer film company that utilizes a patented formula to produce exceptionally robust but lightweight materials. The versatile material offers a wide range of potential applications, including body armor, sports gear, and thermal management, and can also be incorporated into composite components in aerospace and automotives.
Thomas Pratt
Frank M. Freimann Collegiate Research Professor of Electrical Engineering
Third Place
Third place went to Thomas Pratt, the Frank M. Freimann Collegiate Research Professor of Electrical Engineering, who was recognized for his research on radio-frequency systems and the development of non-contact sensing methods. These innovations utilize radio frequency polarization mode dispersion (RF-PMD), a phenomenon that changes the polarization of RF signals as they travel through space. His team of researchers have applied this technology to create a contactless sensor platform being developed by PrimSphera that monitors heart and respiration rate, and are working to sense fluid levels to help patients manage chronic conditions at home. The technology is also being used by End Point Security in a prototype system that leverages PMD to secure wireless communications by authenticating signals based on their unique PMD response.
“Commercialization’s not easy, it’s not fast, and it’s rarely linear — it’s difficult to turn discovery into something that can serve people, solve problems, and do good in the world,” said Andrea Short, president and CEO of 1st Source Corporation and CEO of 1st Source Bank. “It takes creativity and innovation, but it also takes persistence, resilience, partnership, and the willingness to listen, adapt, and sometimes pivot when the market teaches you something new. These qualities are in full display in the room tonight.”
The 1st Source Faculty Commercialization Award was created in 2010 to recognize Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend faculty for exceptional research discoveries, and for the role they have played in supporting the translation of these discoveries into marketable products and services.
“Like Notre Dame, we believe in being a force for good, right here at home, and that belief is why this award has always emphasized not just innovation, but local impact,” Short said. “The local impact of growing businesses, creating jobs, attracting talent, and strengthening the economic and intellectual vitality of the Michiana region and beyond.”
The event also recognized patents issued to researchers since the last award dinner and featured a panel discussion of how communities can better support and enable the translation of promising research into lasting companies.
Jeffrey F. Rhoads, the John and Catherine Martin Family Vice President for Research and professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, moderated the fireside chat, which featured panelists David Johnson, non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and president of Regional Growth Strategies LLC; John Dearie, the founder and president of the Center for American Entrepreneurship; and Manas Gosavi, chairman of Natrion, a battery separation company.
“We are deeply grateful for the commitment of 1st Source Corporation to forming deep relationships between Notre Dame researchers and our local community, and for the vision and leadership of Chris Murphy that inspired this award,” Rhoads said. “I would also like to thank Andrea Short for her essential partnership and for her continued dedication to the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in South Bend and the wider region.”
To learn more about how University research is transferred from the lab bench to market, please visit the IDEA Center’s website.
Originally published at research.nd.edu by Erin Fennessy on April 1, 2026.