Theresa Maldonado is vice president for research and innovation at the University of California. She has dedicated decades to serving and leading the U.S. scientific and engineering communities through academic research and administration, federal science leadership and efforts to connect scientific research with public benefit.

Since 2020, Maldonado has served as the University of California’s systemwide chief research officer, spearheading efforts that draw on expertise and resources across its 10 campuses, three national laboratories and other UC organizations to advance research and translate discoveries into real-world impact.

Her recent work has included leading the $100 million California Climate Action Initiative, which directed state funding to support climate resilience, and efforts involving the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, a $1.2 billion initiative to expand California’s hydrogen economy. She has also helped orchestrate UC and statewide responses to opportunities created by the federal CHIPS and Science Act.

Prior to joining the UC, Maldonado served at the National Science Foundation for six years, including four as director of the Division of Engineering Education and Centers within the Directorate for Engineering. There, her work included advancing engineering research centers, engineering education and efforts to translate research into innovation and societal impact.

Maldonado has also held academic leadership positions at several universities, including serving as dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso and associate vice chancellor for research in the Texas A&M University System. She was elected 2025-26 president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific societies. She is also an AAAS fellow, a distinction recognizing significant contributions to science and its advancement.

Her research spans nonlinear optical devices and materials, electromagnetics and optical fiber technologies. She earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.