A mechanical engineering professor at The University of Toledo for 20 years has been named interim dean of the College of Engineering.
Dr. Mohammad Elahinia, Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, will serve as the college’s interim leader through June 2025.
Elahinia is a global leader in advanced manufacturing and in 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.
Elahinia
“Dr. Elahinia is a well-respected faculty leader in the College of Engineering who is exceptional in his teaching, in his mentorship of students, and in his research excellence,” Molitor said. “I look forward to working with him during the coming year to continue the college’s positive momentum as we conduct a national search for the college’s next leader.”
“The College of Engineering has been a major contributor to the mission of the University, leading efforts in education, community engagement and research. I look forward to building on this rich history and track record of success,” Elahinia said. “The college’s success hinges on faculty and staff support, effective administration and a collaborative atmosphere. My role is to enable the great work of faculty and staff, advocate for the college, and be a transparent, consensus-driven leader. My primary objective will be to enhance student success, strengthen research and elevate our engagement with our community.”
Elahinia was recognized with the Distinguished University Professor honorary title in 2020, which is the University’s highest permanent honor for a faculty member in recognition of their exemplary career achievements in teaching, research, scholarship and professional service. He also received the University’s Faculty Research and Scholarship Award in 2017 and the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2019.
During his tenure at the University, Elahinia has received more than $20 million in sponsored research funding. Sponsors of his work include Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Ohio Federal Research Network and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The results of his research have been published in more than 400 journal and conference articles. These publications have been cited more than 11,000 times.
Elahinia holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Villanova University. He replaces T. Michael Toole who resigned March 18 following a Title IX investigation involving a colleague. He had been dean since August 2017.
