Vanderbilt honors 2025 Master Innovators who drive breakthrough research and commercial impact

We are thrilled to congratulate our colleagues at WCNDD, Dr. Kayla Temple and Dr. Darren Engers, on being named 2025 Master Innovators by Vanderbilt University!

Kayla, as Senior Drug Discovery Scientist and Assistant Director of Medicinal Chemistry, has built an impressive portfolio with 35 invention disclosures, 11 issued patents, and 11 licensing transactions generating over $10 million in revenue. Vanderbilt University.

Darren, as Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at WCNDD, leads multiple drug-discovery programmes (M1 PAM, M4 PAM, ion channels), and has delivered 91 invention disclosures, 42 issued patents, 23 licensing transactions, and tens of millions in revenue. Vanderbilt University

Their recognition is a testament to the vital role WCNDD plays in translating neuroscience innovation into real-world impact. Thank you both for driving research, mentoring the next generation, and exemplifying what it means to turn science into solutions.

Read more here.