Carmel Ruffolo

Carmel Ruffolo is an accomplished academic and executive with extensive experience in corporate engagement, research, and academia. Currently serving as the Associate Vice President for Corporate Engagement and for Research and Innovation at Marquette University, Carmel also holds the position of Research Associate Professor in Biology. Prior roles include Director of the Wisconsin Center for Commercialization Resources and Director of Corporate Engagement and Regional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Carmel’s academic career includes positions as an Associate Professor in Medical Microbiology and founding Director of the Center for Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. With a strong research background in bacterial pathogenesis, Carmel has also contributed to the field through postdoctoral research at Northwestern University. Educational qualifications include a Ph.D. and a Bachelor of Science with honors from Monash University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Carthage College.