July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Three SMC Professors Receive First-Ever Michelson Intellectual Property Educator of Excellence Award

The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property (Michelson  IP) is proud to award three Santa Monica College faculty members with the inaugural Michelson  IP Educator of Excellence Award for their leadership in championing intellectual property (IP)  and entrepreneurship education.

The award is presented in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and recognizes individuals who have  demonstrated an outstanding commitment to IP education for budding entrepreneurs, inventors,  makers and creators. Hailing from the Santa Monica College Business Department, the award  recipients are:  

Sal Veas, department chair 

Nathan Khalil, faculty, Business & Administration of Justice 

Dana Nasser, faculty, Business & Administration of Justice 

The three award recipients demonstrated leadership, developed innovative and successful ap proaches for integrating IP subject matter into curriculum, and used their creativity to inspire  students and fellow educators. The award was presented at the NACCE Annual Conference fol lowing a keynote by Dr. Gary K. Michelson, founder and co-chair of the Michelson 20MM  Foundation and sole named inventor of nearly 1,000 patents worldwide.  

“Students are capable of spurring disruptive innovation,” Michelson said. “By nurturing students and lifelong learners with the proper IP education and resources, we can support inventors and  entrepreneurs on their way to solving the world’s greatest challenges.” 

In 2017, Santa Monica College was selected as the lead institution in a multi-campus pilot pro gram launched by NACCE and Michelson IP. They developed model curriculum to integrate  Michelson IP’s free resources into community college courses. Today, over 80 NACCE member colleges have utilized Michelson IP materials.  

“Santa Monica College has been a leading advocate for IP education and a visionary champion when it comes to infusing IP curriculum into undergraduate programming across our nation,”  said Phillip Kim, CEO of the Michelson 20MM Foundation. “Sal, Dana, and Nathan have worked with us from the beginning on numerous mission-aligned projects. We can’t imagine this work without their valuable contributions and expertise. It is a great honor to present them with  this award.” 

“Meeting the Michelson 20MM team at the 2016 NACCE National Conference was serendipity at its finest,” said Veas. “Little did we know that it was the start of a relationship that would have tremendous depth and reach in assisting community colleges to infuse IP into their curriculum.  We feel so honored to be the first college to receive this award and recognition.”

In addition to public recognition at the annual NACCE conference, the Michelson IP Educator of  Excellence award includes a cash grant of $5,000 to the Santa Monica College Department of  Business. 

<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...