Dr. Grace Bochenek currently heads the University of Central Florida’s modeling and simulation research and academic programs. She is leading the university’s efforts to expand basic, applied, and advanced technology research, and coalescing efforts across the university colleges, schools, institutes, and labs to inspire and apply simulation. Dr. Bochenek’s work in defining and growing strategic alliances for the University includes establishing partnerships with other universities, government, industry, congressional, economic development organizations, and civic leaders. She is a visionary and strategic thinker. She joined the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2021 as the director of the School of Modeling, Simulation and Training, and the Institute for Simulation and Training.
Prior to joining UCF, Dr. Bochenek held positions in both the Department of Energy and Department of Defense as a member of the federal government Senior Executive Service and she has over 30 years of technical and managerial experience. She served as Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and in the Department of Army as the Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Army Materiel Command and Director of the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. Dr. Bochenek held a presidential appointment as the Acting Secretary of Energy during the 2017 administration transition. She has been recognized with numerous awards including the Presidential Rank Award as Meritorious Executive; a Silver Medal from the National Defense Industrial Association; and decorations for Exceptional Civilian Service from both Departments of the Army and Energy. Dr. Bochenek is a board member of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and a member of the Academy of Science Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL).
EDUCATION
University of Central Florida, Ph.D., Industrial & Systems Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn, M.S., Industrial & Systems Engineering
Wayne State University, B.S., Electrical Engineering