Todd Allen named associate dean for research
A leader in sustainable energy transitions, Allen aims to bridge academic excellence with public engagement to maximize the impact of engineering research.
The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved the appointment of Todd Allen as associate dean for research at University of Michigan Engineering, effective January 1, 2026.
Allen previously served as the Glenn F. and Gladys H. Knoll Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) and is currently the Chihiro Kikuchi Collegiate Professor. He replaces Eric Michielssen, who served as associate dean for research for five years before departing for Yale University.
As associate dean for research, Allen will be responsible for overseeing the College’s research strategy, fostering partnerships, and supporting faculty in navigating the evolving landscape of research funding and policy.
Since becoming chair of the NERS department in 2019, Allen has established himself as a leader who connects academic research with real-world application. He serves as director of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project and the Fastest Path to Zero Initiative, and is a co-director of MI-Hydrogen. His work has focused on sustainable energy transitions, advanced reactor technologies, and the important integration of community perspectives into nuclear innovation.
One of Allen’s key strengths is his ability to bridge the gap between engineering and public policy.
“Michigan Engineering researchers are tackling some of the most complex problems facing us today in areas like medical imaging, cancer research, mobility and clean energy,” said Allen. “I am honored to step into this role to help our faculty both create foundational knowledge and develop practical technologies, ensuring our breakthroughs go beyond the lab to contribute to better outcomes for society.”
Before joining the NERS faculty, Allen served as deputy laboratory director for science and technology at Idaho National Laboratory, where he helped transform the Advanced Test Reactor into a national user facility. He began his career as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy operating nuclear propulsion systems. He has authored more than 200 technical publications and is a board member of the American Nuclear Society. He earned his PhD in nuclear engineering from Michigan Engineering.
“Todd’s demonstrated success in bringing together research excellence, policy, and community perspectives makes him an exceptional choice for this role,” said Karen A. Thole, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering. “Under his leadership, we will continue to cultivate an environment where talented researchers can thrive—advancing their fields while mentoring the next generation of engineers.”
Xiaodong Sun, professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences, will assume the role of interim chair in NERS while the College conducts a search for the next department chair.
The initial draft of this story was generated with the help of AI and then revised and validated by human editors.