August 10, 2021
UC Davis Vice Chancellor for Research Prasant Mohapatra announced today (August 10) the selection of Denise Ehlen to serve as Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Administration and Central Services within the Office of Research. Ehlen will start September 1, 2021.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Denise Ehlen join us in this critical role within our growing research enterprise,” said Mohapatra. “Denise joins us with a strong record of advancing research service capabilities, leading innovative endeavors and cultivating successful teams.”
Ehlen arrives in her new role at UC Davis with over 20 years of experience in research administration, with complimentary experience in business incubation and outreach.
Most recently, Ehlen served as the associate vice president of Research Administration Services Units in the Office of Research Administration at Emory University. In that role, she oversaw nine Research Administration Service Centers with approximately 180 staff providing pre- and post-award support for faculty across the campus. From 2016 to 2018, she served as the director of Operations in the same office, leading the development of their shared services operating model. Prior to that, Ehlen held various leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as the director for Business Outreach, interim executive director of the Whitewater University Technology Park and Innovation Center and director of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Ehlen possesses a B.S. in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and will defend her master’s thesis in the fall. She also holds professional certificates in research administration (SRA), social entrepreneurship (USASBE), technology transfer (WKI) and business coaching (Growth Wheel).
“I am thrilled to join the team at UC Davis and look forward to supporting the university’s growing global impact through the research enterprise,” said Ehlen. “As a servant-focused leader, I plan to invest wholeheartedly in cultivating a flourishing environment of talent and resources where excellence and satisfaction thrive.”
About the Office of Research
The Office of Research provides a broad array of services to help researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs succeed. The office is organized into six strategically aligned groups.
- Research Administration and Central Services
- Research Integrity, Compliance and Ethics
- Interdisciplinary Research and Strategic Initiatives
- Innovation and Technology Commercialization
- Research Core Facilities Program
- Teaching and Research Animal Care Services
To learn more about the services and resources offered, visit the Resources for Researchers page and subscribe to available newsletters to receive the latest news.
