Grace Bochenek

Grace Bochenek’98PhD, is the director of the School of Modeling, Simulation and Training at the University of Central Florida. The school plays an integral role in Orlando, considered the nation’s epicenter of the modeling and simulation industry.

Previously, she was the leader of The SPECTRUM Group’s Energy & Environment Center of Excellence, where she specialized in strategic planning, organizational design, technology roadmapping, and product delivery plans. Prior to joining The SPECTRUM Group, Dr. Bochenek was appointed by President Obama as the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. She led DOE operations enabling the delivery of innovative scientific and technological solutions to energy, security, environmental, nuclear nonproliferation, and economic challenges. Previously, as the Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory, she led a broad range of energy and environmental R&D programs that advanced energy options to economically power homes and industries while enhancing U.S. energy independence and protecting the environment.

Dr. Bochenek has held several leadership roles in the Department of the Army, rising to Chief Technology Officer for the Army Materiel Command (AMC), where she managed a $2.5B R&D investment and provided executive oversight to AMC domestic and international programs. She also previously served as the Director of U.S. Army TARDEC, and as the Deputy PEO for Combat Support & Combat Service Support. Concurrently, for eight years, Dr. Bochenek led the U.S. delegation and voting membership for the NATO Advanced Vehicle Technology Group, and served on other multinational working groups and several universities’ Industrial Advisory Boards.