Radenka Maric

Radenka Maric is a Bosnian American materials scientist, chemical engineer, and academic administrator recognized for her pioneering research in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies. She currently serves as the President of the University of Connecticut, a role she assumed in 2022, following a distinguished career in research and academic leadership at institutions like the University of Kentucky and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. Her scientific work, which bridges fundamental electrochemistry and applied engineering, has been honored with awards including the Connecticut Medal of Technology and fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and The Electrochemical Society.

Early life and education

Born in Zenica, then part of the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the SFR Yugoslavia, Maric demonstrated an early aptitude for the sciences. She pursued her higher education at the prestigious University of Belgrade, where she earned a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering, laying a foundational understanding of materials. For her doctoral studies, she moved to Japan to attend Kyoto University, a global leader in technological research, where she completed her Ph.D. in materials science and engineering. Her postgraduate work included a significant research fellowship at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, focusing on advanced materials for energy applications.

Academic career

Maric's academic career began with impactful research roles before she transitioned to faculty positions in the United States. She joined the University of Kentucky as a professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, where she also served as the Director of the Center for Manufacturing and played a key role in energy-related initiatives. In 2017, she was recruited to the University of Connecticut as the Vice President for Research, a position in which she oversaw the university's expansive research enterprise, including partnerships with Raytheon Technologies, Pfizer, and the United States Department of Energy. Her leadership was instrumental in securing major research grants and fostering innovation across disciplines from pharmaceuticals to renewable energy.

Presidency of the University of Connecticut

Appointed as the 17th President of the University of Connecticut in 2022, Maric succeeded Thomas C. Katsouleas. Her presidency has focused on advancing the university's status as a top-tier public research institution, emphasizing student success, research commercialization, and strategic growth. Key initiatives under her leadership have included strengthening ties with industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and Eversource, expanding the UConn Tech Park, and advocating for increased state funding from the Connecticut General Assembly. She has also prioritized global engagement, reinforcing partnerships with institutions in Asia and Europe, and enhancing the profile of campuses at UConn Health and UConn Stamford.

Research and publications

Maric's research is centered on the development of next-generation materials for sustainable energy conversion and storage. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to the understanding and engineering of catalysts, membranes, and electrodes for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells. This work is critical for advancing hydrogen production and clean energy technologies. She has authored or co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as *Science*, Nature Energy, and the Journal of the Electrochemical Society, and holds several patents related to fuel cell components and manufacturing processes. Her research has been consistently supported by agencies including the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Defense.

Awards and honors

Throughout her career, Maric has received numerous accolades for her scientific and leadership contributions. She was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society in recognition of her advancements in electrochemical energy systems. In 2021, she was awarded the prestigious Connecticut Medal of Technology, the state's highest honor for technological innovation. Other notable honors include the Research & Development Council of New Jersey's Medal of Science and being named a "Woman of Innovation" by the Connecticut Technology Council. Her work has also been recognized by professional societies like the Materials Research Society and the International Society of Electrochemistry.

Category:1965 births Category:Living people Category:Bosnian American scientists Category:American chemical engineers Category:American materials scientists Category:University of Connecticut faculty Category:University of Kentucky faculty Category:Presidents of the University of Connecticut