Research Vice President to Advance Innovate Toledo Initiative

Research Vice President to Advance Innovate Toledo Initiative

The University of Toledo has appointed Dr. Grace Bochenek, a nationally recognized research executive and former senior federal leader, as Vice President for Research.

Bochenek, who will join UToledo on Monday, Feb. 2, brings decades of experience leading large-scale, mission-driven research enterprises at the intersection of academia, government and industry.

Bochenek previously served as director of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory and was appointed acting Secretary of Energy during a presidential transition. Earlier in her career, she held senior executive roles within the U.S. Army, including chief technology officer for the Army Materiel Command. Most recently, she served as professor and director of the School of Modeling, Simulation and Training at the University of Central Florida.

Bochenek brings an extensive record of senior federal and academic leadership aligned with UToledo's Carnegie R1 Classification and with the goals of Innovate Toledo, one of three initiatives UToledo President James Holloway championed in his inauguration address to grow the institution's research impact and strengthen the region economically.

"Dr. Bochenek's commitment to innovation and next-generation technology and its applications for the workforce are a great fit for leading UToledo's environment of discovery to advance knowledge in support of our region," Holloway said. "I am excited to bring an experienced research leader to campus with an accomplished career in security and energy research to our University. I look forward to her efforts working with UToledo faculty and industry partners to support research and scholarship, innovation, economic development and entrepreneurship, and to her leadership in realizing our Innovate Toledo initiative."

"It is an honor to join The University of Toledo at such a pivotal moment as Innovate Toledo is shaping the future of the institution," said Bochenek, who also will serve as a professor with tenure in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering in the UToledo College of Engineering. "UToledo's R1 research strength, its role as a public metropolitan and academic medical center, and its strong culture of interdisciplinary scholarship combined with deep ties to regional and national partners create exceptional opportunities to accelerate discovery, translate innovation into real-world impact and prepare the next generation of researchers and leaders."

As vice president, Bochenek will provide strategic leadership for UToledo's research enterprise, advancing discovery, innovation and partnerships that strengthen the University's R1 research profile, expand external funding and accelerate the translation of research into real-world impact. Her portfolio includes oversight of sponsored programs, research development and compliance, technology transfer and commercialization, clinical and translational research and initiatives that support regional economic development and national competitiveness.

Across her career, Bochenek has been recognized for building high-performing research organizations, advancing technology commercialization and aligning research investments with national priorities. Her leadership has consistently focused on strengthening research capacity, developing the future workforce and ensuring that discovery delivers measurable societal and economic benefits.

An industrial engineer, Bochenek's area of research focuses on applying digital twins and other modeling and simulation research for applications in defense, energy, microelectronics and semiconductor fabrication, smart cities, space and transportation.

Bochenek earned her Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Central Florida, a master's degree in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Michigan - Dearborn, and bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering from Wayne State University and nutritional science from Michigan State University.