College of Engineering Dean's Office
Mohammad Elahinia, Ph.D.
Interim Dean
Distinguished University Professor of Engineering
419.530.8224
Dr. Mohammad Elahinia, Distinguished University Professor previously served as the chair of the Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering Department. He is a global leader in advanced manufacturing and the use of shape memory alloys for aerospace and biomedical applications. An expert in smart and active materials, he joined the UToledo faculty in 2004. He also serves as founding director of UToledo’s Institute for Applied Engineering Research.
Patricia A. Relue, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Professor of Bioengineering
419.530.8076
patricia.relue@utoledo.edu
As the associate dean for research and graduate studies, Dr. Relue works with faculty
to identify research funding opportunities, serves as a liaison connecting industry
to faculty expertise, coordinates acquisition and monetization of college core research
equipment, and works with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs on research
policy and procedures. In graduate studies, she oversees recruiting, admissions, internships,
and career development for graduate students in the college. She also works with the
institution to develop and implement graduate academic policies and best practices
for graduate education. At the program level, she works with faculty on graduate curriculum
and program development, approval processes, program assessment, and accreditation.
Matthew Franchetti, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
419.530.8047
matthew.franchetti@utoledo.edu
As the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Franchetti works with his faculty
and staff colleagues to ensure that the College of Engineering maintains undergraduate
degree programs of the highest quality. He oversees recruiting and on-boarding of
new students, academic advising, retention initiatives, co-op programs and career
development, degree completion and approval, and external accreditation. He works
with colleagues across the institution to develop and enforce undergraduate academic
policies, with colleagues across the region to facilitate the transfer of course credits
between institutions of higher learning, and with colleagues across the country to
develop and implement best practices in engineering education.
Lesley Berhan, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student Success & Strategic Initiatives
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
419.530.8220
lesley.berhan@utoledo.edu
As the associate dean of diversity, inclusion and community engagement, Dr. Berhan
leads the development and execution of initiatives and programs to assess, increase,
and support all forms of diversity within the College of Engineering, and fosters
an atmosphere of inclusiveness, equity, and respect among students, faculty, and staff.
She is committed to cultivating and maintaining a culture of inclusive excellence
in the college and to ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff have the opportunities
and resources they need to be successful. Her duties also include developing and facilitating
relationships between the college and community stakeholders to increase the interest
in, and exposure to, engineering
to residents of Toledo and NW Ohio.
