EVANSTON, IL -- The William Henry Merrill Society (WHMS), has welcomed its 2026 class of inductees, recognizing five leaders from UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement for their significant contributions to advancing safety science.

Established in 2006 and named for founder William Henry Merrill Jr., the society honors members of the technical staff across ULRI, ULSE, and UL Solutions who demonstrate excellence in engineering, research, and scientific leadership.

This year’s class of Corporate Fellows and Distinguished Members of Technical Staff reflects the depth of expertise and collaboration across the UL enterprise.

UL Research Institutes inductees

Corporate Fellow

Kelly Keena, vice president and executive director, Institute for Research Experiences & Education

Distinguished Member of Technical Staff

Migo Szeman Ng, principal research scientist, Electrochemical Safety Research Institute

Additional inductees

George Borlase, senior vice president, standards development, ULSE

Megan Van Heirseele, lead standards project manager, ULSE

Wilbert Fletcher, principal standards engineer, ULSE

Corporate Fellows represent the highest level of membership within the society, while the Distinguished Member of Technical Staff designation recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to advancing scientific and technical knowledge.

This latest class builds on the 2025 inductees, which also recognized colleagues from ULRI and ULSE for their continued impact and leadership across the organization.

Learn more about the William Henry Merrill Society at  https://www.ul.com/about/william-henry-merrill-society