Rhys Lawson Named WWU Distinguished Alumni
COJK patent attorney Dr. L. Rhys Lawson was honored at Western Washington University’s (WWU) Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony, which was hosted and live streamed from the WWU campus on May 13, 2022. The 2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards recognized 13 WWU alumni for their distinction as members of the WWU community and as leaders in the respective fields. Rhys received the Distinguished Alumnus - College of Science and Engineering award. As a scientist and patent attorney, Rhys combines his interests in science, business, and the law by collaborating with companies and universities to patent innovations in the life sciences fields, with significant experience in green technologies. Recent work with the university involved patent protection and licensing of the technology behind the Smart Solar Window project, which was researched and developed by WWU students in collaboration with the University of Washington to create a solar window that collects energy from the sun and converts it into electricity.
WWU’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards were first presented in 1980, and are the highest honors bestowed by Western's Alumni Association. Selected through a rigorous process, each recipient has made a lasting impact through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. To learn more about this year’s honorees, please visit here.
