Leadership
Vice President for Research and Innovation
Grace Bochenek, Ph.D.
Dr. Grace Bochenek joined UToledo in February 2026 as Vice President for Research and Innovation. A nationally recognized research executive and former senior federal leader, Bochenek has decades of experience leading large-scale, mission-driven research enterprises at the intersection of academia, government and industry.
At UToledo, Bochenek provides strategic leadership for the institution’s research enterprise, advancing discovery, innovation and partnerships that strengthen the University’s Carnegie 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.
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.
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.
Dr. Grace Bochenek
Office: 419.530.3809
Grace.Bochenek@UToledo.Edu
Dawn Miller
Executive Assistant
419.530.6171
dawn.miller4@utoledo.edu
Reporting Departments