Innovative Thinking 101

West Virginia University professor Dr. James E. Smith issues a call for innovation as one of the central themes of his term as SAE's 2009 President.

With 26 U.S. patents to his credit-and another 15 pending-it is clear that innovation is a concept very important to West Virginia University (WVU) professor Dr. James E. Smith. With patents covering a wide range of devices, from non-invasive medical diagnostic equipment to high-lift helicopters to energy-production technologies-and even protective cases for stuffed collectibles-inventing is also Smith's self-described favorite hobby.

That penchant for thinking outside the box is something that Smith is looking forward to bringing to his term as SAE International's 2009 President.