Bob Wilhelm, Ph.D.

Dr. Bob Wilhelm is Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has been instrumental in advancing the quality, diversity, and growth of research at UNC Charlotte by Wilhelm leads economic development efforts to start up, grow, and recruit companies for business growth. On campus, his organization supports 23 startup companies, 13 established companies with R&D presence, and numerous partnerships with companies like SAS and Siemens.

Wilhelm is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Wichita State University, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Wilhelm serves on many regional, national, and international advisory boards. He leads the reorganization of the University Research Park as chair of the University City Business Development District; is collaborating to define a state-wide agenda for research and innovation while serving on the NC Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation; and supported commissioning of 10 new works as board member for the nationally prominent Mint Museum of Craft and Design. engaging regional and national partners. This advancement includes six National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers, and three focus areas for large-scale research and academic programs in Data Science/Business Analytics, Energy, and Advanced Manufacturing, as well as biomedical and bioinformatics programs.