Dear Colleagues,

After a national search and thorough evaluation of exceptional candidates, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Ali Abedi has been selected as UWM’s next Vice Provost for Research (VPR). This important leadership role will focus on advancing UWM’s research mission by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing external funding success, and driving impactful research, scholarship, creative activity, and innovation aligned with UWM’s 2030 Action Plan (see position description). Dr. Abedi will begin his position on June 2, and I am eager to welcome him to the UWM leadership team.

Dr. Abedi joins us from the University of Maine, where he currently serves as Associate Vice President for Research and Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. With over 28 years of experience in academia and industry, he has played an important role in driving significant growth in research expenditures, securing large-scale funded projects totaling $43.3 million as PI or Co-PI, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $20 million from agencies such as NASA, NIH, and NSF. Dr. Abedi’s work with researchers and clinicians in health and behavioral sciences, as well as partnerships with humanities and social science faculty, exemplifies his commitment to addressing complex challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. A prolific scholar, Dr. Abedi has published over 130 journal articles, conference papers, books, and patents, contributing substantially to advancements in his field and beyond. In addition to his leadership in research administration, Dr. Abedi has contributed to statewide initiatives, including the establishment of the Maine Space Corporation, where he serves as a board member. He also spearheaded experiential learning programs that attracted significant philanthropic gifts to support research, athletics, and engineering initiatives. His extensive experience in advancing research infrastructure and promoting innovation will be invaluable as he steps into this new role at UWM.

I wish to thank the Search Committee, chaired by distinguished professors Karyn Frick and Sandra McLellan, for their service to the university and for producing a strong pool of candidates. I also extend my gratitude to Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Canan Bilen-Green and the many individuals she collaborated with—including colleagues from Human Resources, the Office of the Secretary of the University, the Office of the Provost, the Office of Research, and the search consultants, Greenwood Asher & Associates—for managing various elements of the search process.

Lastly, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Kris O’Connor, interim Vice Provost for Research and Graduate School Dean, for his leadership during this transitional period. His dedication to UWM and thoughtful contributions have been invaluable in ensuring continuity and preparing a foundation for this important transition.

The new Vice Provost for Research role is part of a restructuring that allows for a dedicated focus on advancing UWM’s research mission. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Abedi on this well-deserved appointment. I look forward to his contributions as we continue to advance UWM’s research excellence and community impact.

With appreciation,

Andrew P. Daire, PhD
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2310 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211