Ilya Avdeev

Dr. Ilya Avdeev serves as Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's College of Engineering & Applied Sciences. He concurrently holds leadership positions as Director of Innovation and Kellner Entrepreneurship Fellow at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, UIF faculty champion, and co-director of the NSF I-Corps Site for Southeastern Wisconsin.

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, St. Petersburg State Technical University
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, St. Petersburg State Technical University
• Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Avdeev's research and teaching focus centers on practical innovation frameworks, with emphasis on engineering design methodologies and human-centered solutions. His work bridges academic theory with entrepreneurial execution through NSF-funded initiatives and industry partnerships, particularly in medical and technical product development contexts.

Award recognition:

• Kellner Entrepreneurship Fellow

He directs campus-wide innovation programming while co-managing the NSF I-Corps Site, which trains researchers in commercialization techniques. His grant portfolio includes significant National Science Foundation support for regional entrepreneurship infrastructure development.

Avdeev leads the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center's innovation initiatives and the NSF I-Corps Site operations, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration between engineers, medical researchers, and business students.