John Leland

VP for Research & Executive Director of UDRI at University of Dayton

John Leland is the Vice President for Research & Executive Director of UDRI at University of Dayton. Prior to their current position, John was the Founding Chair of Ohio's first and only surviving Hub of Innovation and Opportunity, the Ohio Aerospace Hub of Innovation and Opportunity, from January 2010 to December 2013. The Hub was created to make Dayton a magnet for aerospace entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners seeking opportunity in a live-work-play-learn environment that fosters creativity and growth. Some key accomplishments during their time as Founding Chair include leading the creation of Ohio's first and only surviving Hub of Innovation and Opportunity and focusing resources on sustainable objectives that combined place based and technology based economic development strategies to achieve economic development outcomes in an urban environment. As a result of these efforts, the Hub has led to the attraction of start-up companies and small businesses, primarily in the City's growing research park, Tech Town.

Prior to their work with the Ohio Aerospace Hub of Innovation and Opportunity, John was a Congressional Science Fellow with ASME/AAAS from September 1999 to September 2000. John also worked as an Engineer with Air Force Research Laboratory from January 1984 to December 2000.

John Leland began their educational career by obtaining a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Akron. John then went on to earn a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton. Finally, they obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky. In addition to their academic degrees, John Leland also holds a certification from the State of Ohio as a Professional Engineer.

John Leland reports to Eric F. Spina, President & Board Member. They are on a team with Mary Ann Recker - Vice President and General Counsel, Tom Weckesser - Executive Director, Office of the President, and Troy Washington - Vice President for Human Resources.

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  • VP for Research & Executive Director of UDRI

    Current role

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