09/18/09: UB Professor to Receive White House Medal

Doctor Esther Takeuchi says she love empowering her students at the University of Buffalo.
Takeuchi holds the record of the woman with the most U.S. patents. One of her inventions is powering the hearts of thousands around the world.
“People may know about the pacemaker or they may have even heard of an implantable cardiac defibrillator, they may not recognize the importance of the battery,” said Dr. Esther S. Takeuchi.
She’s a scientist with more than 140 patents, but it’s this tiny invention that caught the attention of the White House. They’re called “coin cell” batteries, and for a cardiac patient they can mean the difference between life and death. Takeuchi developed the coin cell battery while working for Greatbatch Incorporated in Clarence. It’s no bigger than a quarter, but the battery packs a punch.
“The battery is what keeps it going for five, six, seven years. And without that, it’s really not viable,” added Takeuchi.
Takeuchi’s work has caught the eye of the White House. President Barak Obama will award her the National Medal of Technology and Innovation October 7th in Washington D.C. She’s the second Buffalo-area person to receive the honor. She is also the only woman this year.
“The reason I came to UB was to continue working with Ester. She’s got a real vision for what technology needs there are for the future,” said Amy Marschilok, PhD.
Takeuchi is a UB chemical, biological and electrical engineering professor also instructs chemistry. But colleagues say it’s her chemistry in the classroom that inspires student innovation.
“Esther’s a tremendous role model. It’s been so great to work with a woman of her caliber she’s really a special person,” added Marschilok.
As for her record-setting patents, Doctor Takeuchi says she’s got a ton of ideas.
“I’ve already started filing some patent disclosures at the universities. So I guess my goal is to keep the streak alive,” smiled Takeuchi.