Rick Vanden Heuvel

Rick Vanden Heuvel currently serves as the Director of Research Development and Director of Compliance at the University of Michigan College of Engineering, with responsibilities including project planning, resource allocation, and fostering external partnerships for research initiatives. Prior to these roles, Rick held the position of Associate Director at the Naval Engineering Education Consortium, where engagement in project-based education and research collaboration among multiple partner universities was key. A veteran of the US Navy, Rick's extensive military service included various leadership roles, such as Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science, contributing to the development of naval strategies in Europe and Africa. Rick's academic credentials encompass degrees from Harvard University and the U.S. Naval War College, along with a Master’s in Aviation Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Public Affairs from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Central Michigan University, respectively.