Dr. Nik Podraza, NEG endowed chair professor and chair of physics and astronomy, has been named interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at The University of Toledo.
Podraza’s appointment takes effect Wednesday, July 1. He succeeds Dr. Marc Seigar, who has served as the college dean since 2021 and accepted an appointment as dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Dr. Nik Podraza has been named interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at The University of Toledo.
“I’m grateful for Marc’s leadership of NSM,” said Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “I appreciate his commitment to our faculty, staff and students, especially his efforts to grow the academic programs and pathways that will prepare our students for the high-tech jobs of the future.”
A nationally recognized researcher and longtime faculty member, Podraza currently serves as the NEG endowed chair professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He joined The University of Toledo in 2011 as an assistant professor and has since established a distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research and academic leadership.
Podraza earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from the Pennsylvania State University before completing his Ph.D. in physics at The University of Toledo. As both a graduate and faculty member of the University, he brings a unique perspective and deep appreciation for the institution’s mission of student success and research excellence.
“Dr. Podraza is a respected scholar and collaborative leader who understands the critical role the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics plays in advancing student success and research innovation,” said McKinney. “His deep commitment to The University of Toledo, combined with his accomplishments as a researcher, educator and mentor, make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the college during this transition.”
Throughout his tenure at UToledo, Podraza has earned recognition for his research in advanced materials, renewable energy technologies and semiconductor characterization, securing significant external funding and publishing extensively in his field. He has mentored undergraduate and graduate students, led interdisciplinary research collaborations and contributed to numerous initiatives that have strengthened the University’s research enterprise. Most recently, Podraza was principal investigator on a $39 million federally-funded nuclear workforce initiative to grow nuclear safety training programs and curricula.
“I am honored to serve as interim dean and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our outstanding faculty, staff and students,” Podraza said. “As both a graduate and faculty member of The University of Toledo, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact this institution has on the lives of our students and the communities we serve. The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is home to exceptional teaching, groundbreaking research and meaningful engagement, and I look forward to building on that strong foundation.”
The University will conduct a national search for the next dean of the college.
