Robert G. Wilhelm became Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development at UNC Charlotte in 2011 after serving there in a number of academic and leadership roles. Wilhelm joined UNC Charlotte in 1993 and contributed to the formation of programs in biotechnology, information technology, mechanical engineering, nanoscale science, and physics and optical science. Since 2005 he has served as the Executive Director of the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI).Wilhelm is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science in the William States Lee College of Engineering. Wilhelm previously worked at the Palo Alto Laboratory of Rockwell Science Center and at Cincinnati Milacron. He also co-founded a high-technology manufacturing company, OpSource, Inc., in 2001. Dr. Wilhelm serves on a number of regional, national, and international advisory boards for higher education, arts & culture, scientific research, engineering, community and economic development, and philanthropy.