Bob Jones University is pleased to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has officially issued a patent developed through undergraduate research in the BJU Global Challenges course. U.S. Patent No. 12,553,453, granted on February 17, 2026, covers an improved bell siphon designed to enhance water efficiency in aquaponics farming systems.
The invention originated in the Fall 2023 Global Challenges class, where students designed a low‑water aquaponics system to support farmers in the drought‑prone “dry corridor” of Central America. During the project, the class engineered a refined bell siphon mechanism that offers more reliable cycling and improved water efficiency in regions facing chronic scarcity. Recognizing its value, the University filed for patent protection.
The patent lists Dr. Bill Lovegrove as an inventor, along with then‑students Shane Lott and Dylan Winnberg. BJU is the official assignee and owner of the patent. This accomplishment represents the first known patent awarded to BJU students for undergraduate research, marking a significant milestone for the engineering department.
The newly patented siphon technology strengthens BJU’s ongoing work in sustainable agriculture and humanitarian engineering, supporting communities facing severe water shortages. It also highlights the University’s commitment to hands‑on, mission‑oriented undergraduate research that equips students to make a difference.
For more information about BJU’s engineering programs or the Global Challenges initiative, visit bju.edu.
Aquaponics Demonstration
About Dr. Bill Lovegrove
Dr. Bill Lovegrove holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University, as well as a B.S. in Physics from Bob Jones University. A member of the BJU faculty for over 30 years, he regularly teaches Electrical Engineering, Essential Science, and the interdisciplinary Global Challenges class. His research interests include robotics, embedded systems, and engineering education.
Dr. Lovegrove is a long‑time instructor in BJU’s Summer Institute in Teaching Science, where he focuses on advancing effective teaching strategies that enhance student learning. He also serves as EXP Director, overseeing experiential learning initiatives that support the University’s commitment to high‑quality education.
He is a member of both IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education). In addition to numerous technical publications, he now holds two patents. Dr. Lovegrove has spent many summers involved in cross‑cultural ministry and has led multiple student teams to South Korea.
He is an active member and adult Sunday School teacher at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C. Dr. Lovegrove and his wife, Jocelyn, have three children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing trumpet and piano and pursues a wide range of hobbies—from woodworking to college football.
