A longtime leader at The University of Toledo will apply his experience leading research and government relations to growing the University’s innovation initiatives.
Dr. Frank Calzonetti, who has served as vice president for research since 2016, will take on a new role as vice president for innovation and economic development.
Calzonetti
Remaining in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Calzonetti will focus his efforts on supporting UToledo’s multiple applications for competitive federal and state resources to support growth in industries in which the University is a leader, such as solar and other clean energy. Chief among them is the new industry-led coalition, Great Lakes Clean Hydrogen, of which UToledo is a partner. The coalition is currently advancing through the application process to be designated a regional clean hydrogen hub through the U.S. Department of Energy’s $8 billion initiative.
“UToledo has long been a leader in renewable energy and sustainability, and we are proud to be part of this important hydrogen hub effort to ensure our region is a leader in a decarbonization transition,” Calzonetti said. “There are so many opportunities for the University to partner with industry to advance our region in ways that support transformational scientific discoveries and job creation. I look forward to dedicating more of my time and energy to support those efforts.”
Calzonetti joined UToledo in 2000 as vice provost for research. He served as vice president of government relations from 2011 to 2016 before resuming leadership of UToledo’s research enterprise.
In addition to the hydrogen hub initiative, UToledo is engaged in efforts to receive competitive funding from the federal government for a tech hub and funding from the state for an innovation hub designation.
In addition to supporting these current and future funding opportunities, Calzonetti will continue to oversee UToledo’s incubation programs, economic development partnerships, the Urban Affairs Center, Rocket Innovations and the Water Task Force. Calzonetti also will support the strong relationships established with U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories following the hosting of a National Lab Day on campus in 2019 and will continue to provide leadership in developing research programs through congressional initiatives.
Schall
Dr. Constance Schall is uniquely qualified to take a leadership role as the role of interim vice president for research, Calzonetti said.
A professor of chemical engineering, Schall has served as the associate vice president for research since 2018 and has been involved in providing leadership to all aspects of the office.
Schall has a distinguished research career with a focus on biofuels and separation processes, credited with high quality publications and U.S. patents. Schall has a strong record of National Science Foundation research and is a frequent reviewer to NSF research programs.
Schall will oversee the University’s pre-award functions, regulatory compliance management, support for funding proposals and budget development, technology transfer and other administrative components of research and scholarly activities.
Both leaders will remain in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the leadership changes are budget neutral.
