College of Engineering Dean's Office
Mohammad Elahinia, Ph.D.
Dean & Distinguished University Professor of Engineering
419.530.8224
As Dean of the College of Engineering and a University Distinguished Professor, Dr. Mohammad Elahinia provides strategic and entrepreneurial leadership focused on fostering growth by empowering faculty and creating new opportunities. Under his leadership, the college is navigating a changing federal research landscape by diversifying its research portfolio and strengthening industry partnerships through the new Institute for Applied Engineering Research. Furthermore, the college is leading university-wide initiatives to establish an AI Institute for Translational Healthcare and to integrate AI into education, positioning the University as a national leader. The college is enhancing student success from recruitment through graduation, developing relevant and innovative academic programs, and expanding the College’s nationally recognized co-op program. Central to his strategy is increasing financial and operational effectiveness through robust engagement with alumni, donors, and industry partners, ensuring the College's future success and its role in developing graduates equipped to solve real-world problems.
Patricia A. Relue, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Professor of Bioengineering
419.530.8098
Scholars Page
As the senior associate dean for academic affairs, Dr. Relue oversees recruiting,
admissions, student retention, and student success initiatives for graduate and undergraduate
students in the college of engineering. She is working with regional high schools
and STEM teachers to expand existing education and training partnerships that engage
pre-college students in engineering. At the undergraduate level, her efforts are focused
on curriculum modernization, pedagogical best practices, and implementation of AI
as a learning tool. She has worked at the institution to develop and implement graduate
academic policies and best practices for graduate education; within the college she
has developed and implemented graduate career development training and an internship
program. She works closely with faculty on undergraduate and graduate curriculum and
program development, approval processes, program assessment, and graduate-level accreditation.
Matthew Franchetti, Ph.D.
Sr. Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
419.530.8047
matthew.franchetti@utoledo.edu
Dr. Matthew Franchetti serves as the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs & Strategic Partnerships in the College of Engineering at The University of Toledo. In this role, he acts as the Dean’s principal representative on academic matters and provides leadership in the Dean’s absence. Dr. Franchetti oversees strategic initiatives that enhance student success, workforce development, and industry engagement, including management of the Shah Center for Career Development and expansion of industrial partnerships. He leads efforts in faculty and staff recruitment, evaluation, and retention, and coordinates academic operations such as course scheduling, workload documentation, and facilities planning. His portfolio also includes curriculum development, accreditation, and program evaluation, as well as fostering intra-college communication and mentoring programs. Dr. Franchetti actively supports alumni and industry relations, grant acquisition, and entrepreneurial initiatives, while advancing statewide educational mandates and institutional partnerships.
Arunan Nadarajah, Ph.D.
Sr. Associate Dean for Research
Professor of BioEngineering
419.530.8031
As the Senior Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Nadarajah is tasked with enhancing the research activities in the college. This includes working with individual faculty to explore available opportunities and improving the research environment, processes and infrastructure in the college. He is also responsible for fostering collaborative research between faculty within the college and those outside, including multi-university collaborations working with his counterparts at other institutions. He also serves as the Director of the Institute of Applied Engineering Research, which serves as a nexus bringing together faculty to work on research projects of importance for regional companies.