Ognjen Miljanić, Moores Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, has been appointed Associate Dean for Research, effective April 1.
Miljanić will help lead and advance the college’s research enterprise, building on its strong foundation while positioning NSM for continued growth and innovation.
“This is a tremendously exciting time to be doing scientific research in the US and Texas in particular. I am honored to be taking on the role of the NSM Associate Dean for Research and look forward to contributing to elevating NSM’s research prestige on the national and international stage,” said Miljanić. A widely respected scholar, Miljanić’s research spans supramolecular chemistry, molecular materials, and chemical systems with applications in energy, sensing, and molecular electronics. Since joining the University of Houston in 2008, he has developed a dynamic and innovative research program while contributing actively to the intellectual life of the college.
“Ognjen brings a strong combination of scientific excellence, a thoughtful leadership approach, and a broad perspective on the research enterprise. He understands the strengths we have built and the opportunities ahead, and I am confident he will help position NSM for its next phase of research growth.”
– NSM Dean Gregory B. Dudley
Miljanić has worked closely with college leadership, including Associate Dean for Research Randy Lee, and has been a strong advocate for NSM’s research mission. His appointment reflects both his scientific accomplishments and his commitment to advancing research across disciplines.
The associate dean for research plays a key role in supporting faculty and strengthening the college’s research portfolio. Responsibilities include enhancing proposal competitiveness, advancing strategic initiatives and partnerships, advising research infrastructure and shared facilities, and reinforcing disciplinary excellence across NSM’s six departments. The role also helps position the college for emerging opportunities in areas such as health, energy, quantum science, materials, and data science.
Miljanić earned his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2005 and a diploma from the University of Belgrade in 2000. He completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles, before joining UH.
His honors include the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the Cottrell Scholar Award, the Alexander von Humboldt fellowship, and the University of Houston Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The appointment follows the service of Randy Lee, who is transitioning out of the associate dean role after years of dedicated leadership. Lee’s contributions have helped strengthen NSM’s research enterprise and support faculty success across the college.
Miljanić will work alongside Lee during a transition period to ensure continuity in leadership.
The search for the position was guided by an advisory committee chaired by Julia Wellner, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, and composed of faculty from across the college, reflecting the collaborative and engaged community within NSM.
As associate dean, Miljanić will work closely with faculty, staff, department chairs, and university partners to expand research opportunities and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, further elevating the college’s impact on science and innovation.