The University of Dayton has appointed John Leland as associate vice president of research at the university, effective Jan. 1. Leland also will retain his role and title as director of the University of Dayton Research Institute, according to school officials.

Leland has helped position UDRI as an area leader in technology-based economic development, which has benefited the region, said Mickey McCabe, UD’s vice president of research and executive director of the research institute.

“In his new role, John will work to further enhance and expand collaborative research efforts at UD,” McCabe said, in a statement. “He has demonstrated a commitment and dedication to our research business and the people who make us successful.”

Leland played a key role in bringing GE Aviation’s Electrical Power Integrated Systems research and development center (EPISCenter) to UD’s campus. He also helped drive the effort to establish the region’s Ohio Aerospace Hub, officials said.

Leland regularly works with local, state and federal government and economic development organizations to support regional technology-based economic development initiatives. He also speaks to government committees in support of science and engineering education and research funding.

Leland joined UDRI in 2000 as director of technology partnerships. In 2005, he was promoted to director of the research institute.

Before joining UDRI, Leland completed a year-long Congressional Science Fellowship sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Previously, he spent 16 years in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he led a research team in power and thermal management.