Oklahoma City Innovation District Launches Innovators Awards Breakfast to Celebrate Research, Innovation, and Community Impact
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Innovation District hosted its inaugural Innovators Awards Breakfast on February 27 at Convergence Tower, bringing together leaders from bioscience, aerospace, entrepreneurship, research institutions, and corporate partners to celebrate innovation happening across the district.
Previously known as the District’s Annual Breakfast, the event was reimagined this year as an awards program designed to highlight the groundbreaking research, entrepreneurial work, and cross-sector partnerships shaping Oklahoma City’s innovation ecosystem.
“The Innovators Awards Breakfast is about celebrating the incredible research, partnerships, and work happening across the Innovation District,” said Peyton Walter, Programs Manager of the Oklahoma City Innovation District. “It’s a chance to bring together leaders from aerospace, bioscience, energy, entrepreneurship, and industry who are all helping move innovation forward in Oklahoma City.”
The program recognized leaders whose work reflects the Innovation District’s mission to strengthen collaboration between research institutions, industry partners, and community organizations while advancing STEAM careers, entrepreneurship, and technology development in Oklahoma City.
Four leaders were honored during the program for their contributions to research, innovation, and community impact.
Dr. Chen accepting the Outstanding Research & Development Award in Biology
Outstanding Research & Development Award in Biology:
Dr. Yong Chen, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at OU Health’s Stephenson Cancer Center, was recognized for advancing Radiacoustic Imaging, a technology designed to provide real-time radiation dose verification during cancer treatment. By detecting acoustic waves generated during radiation energy deposition, the system enables clinicians to verify radiation delivery inside the patient during treatment, improving precision and safety in cancer care.
PHASM project testing at Dolphin Quest Hawaii
Outstanding Research & Development Award in Aerospace:
Daniel Gassen of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education at Oklahoma State University was honored for developing PHASM (Passive Health Assessment of Sea Mammals), a near-silent drone system designed to collect breath samples from dolphins without disturbing their natural behavior. The aircraft flies within a few meters of surfacing dolphins and uses a specialized collection system to capture exhaled breath for scientific analysis.
The technology allows researchers to analyze hormones, pathogens, and other biological markers in marine mammals without invasive sampling methods. As Gassen often jokes, the system is essentially designed to collect what he calls “dolphin snot.”
PHASM also demonstrates the kind of cross-sector innovation the Oklahoma City Innovation District aims to foster. The project blends aerospace engineering, drone technology, and biological research, showing how collaboration between disciplines can unlock new solutions to complex scientific challenges while advancing Oklahoma’s leadership in both aerospace and life science industries.
Innovator of the Year
Dr. Craig Shimasaki, founder of Moleculera Biosciences, received the Innovator of the Year award for pioneering molecular testing that helps diagnose immune-mediated neurological and inflammatory disorders. The Oklahoma-based biotechnology company has served more than 16,000 patients worldwide and is developing new diagnostic tools targeting cardiovascular and Alzheimer ’s-related diseases.
Community Impact Award
Dr. Darron Lamkin, founder of Class Matters and a product data management engineer at Boeing Oklahoma City, was recognized for his leadership in expanding mentorship and educational opportunities for students across Oklahoma. Through Class Matters, Lamkin has partnered with schools, universities, and industry leaders to create pathways that help students from diverse backgrounds pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In addition to recognizing individual leaders, the program also celebrated milestone anniversaries from organizations that have helped shape Oklahoma’s research, healthcare, and nonprofit landscape. Honorees included Cytovance Biologics (20 years), Presbyterian Health Foundation (40 years), WovenLife (100 years), and Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic (100 years).
The event was made possible with support from community partners and sponsors, including Innovative Sponsors: Busey Bank and Cytovance Biologics.
Located just northeast of downtown Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Innovation District connects startups, research institutions, industry leaders, and community organizations to accelerate discovery, entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven economic growth.
For more information about the Oklahoma City Innovation District and upcoming events, visit
www.okcinnovation.com
About the Oklahoma City Innovation District
The Oklahoma City Innovation District is a 1.3 square mile hub for research, innovation, and collaboration located just northeast of downtown Oklahoma City. Anchored by leading research institutions, startups, and industry partners, the district connects people, ideas, and resources to advance discovery, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
The district is both an ecosystem and a physical place where innovation happens every day. Innovation Hall, a MAPS 4 facility operated by the Innovation District, serves as a gathering space for community events, conferences, workshops, and thought leadership conversations that bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and industry leaders. Together, these partnerships help position Oklahoma City as a rising center for innovation in bioscience, aerospace, energy, and entrepreneurship.
