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School of Science and Engineering Appoints Jenna Gorlewicz, Ph.D., Chair of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Saint Louis University

05/16/2025

Saint Louis University (SLU) proudly announces the appointment of Jenna Gorlewicz, Ph.D., as the new Chair of the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering within the School of Science and Engineering. Dr. Gorlewicz brings a wealth of experience in research, innovation and leadership to this role. 

Jenna Gorelewicz, Ph.D., in the CHROME lab

Jenna Gorlewicz, Ph.D., in the Collaborative Haptics, Robotics and Mechatronics (CHROME) Lab

Jenna Gorlewicz earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, where she was recognized as a National Science Foundation Fellow.  

Since her arrival at SLU in 2015, Gorlewicz has held several key positions, including Associate Dean of Research and Innovation. She is also the director of the Collaborative Haptics, Robotics and Mechatronics (CHROME) Lab, where her research centers on human-machine interfaces, haptic systems and assistive technologies; and rethinking how technology enhances human communication.

Gorlewicz leads significant research initiatives, including a $5 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator Program to develop Inclusio, a technology that makes information more accessible and inclusive, especially for those with blindness or low vision.  

In her new role as department chair, Gorlewicz is committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and student engagement. Her leadership is expected to propel the department forward in research excellence and educational impact.

"Under Jenna's leadership, the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering will expand its impact in education, research and innovation. I look forward to many successes to come," said Gregory Triplett, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Science and Engineering. 

 

About the School of Science and Engineering

Saint Louis University formed the School of Science and Engineering in 2022 to better meet the future needs of its students and faculty. The school brings together select departments from the College of Arts and Sciences — chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric sciences, and physics — with the former Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology. To learn more about the School of Science and Engineering, visit slu.edu/science-and-engineering.

About Saint Louis University

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic research institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 15,300 students a rigorous, transformative education that challenges and prepares them to make the world a better place. As a nationally recognized leader in research and innovation, SLU is an R1 research university, advancing groundbreaking, life-changing discoveries that promote the greater good.