Dr. Vukica Jovanovic is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University's Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology. She is an expert in digital manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and engineering education with a focus on broadening participation in STEM. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Purdue University (2010) M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, University of Novi Sad (2006) Other degree in Industrial Engineering - Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation, University of Novi Sad (2001) Dr. Jovanovic leads the Mechatronics and Digital Manufacturing Lab at ODU and is a lead in the Mechatronics Systems Design specialization. Her research focuses on digital transformation applications of digital thread and digital twin in manufacturing, integration of data in mechatronic systems, and workforce development through career pathways. She has secured over $2.5 million in grants from federal and state agencies, including projects like the ONR Mechatronics Pathways and the U.S. Department of Education's Career and Technical Education pathways initiative. Her recent publications emphasize digital twin applications across transportation, healthcare, and Industry 4.0. Dr. Jovanovic also directs the ODU BLAST program, a summer STEM initiative for high school students, and contributes to curriculum development for maritime mechatronics technicians through partnerships with the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and Navy research projects. Best Diversity Paper, Ocean and Marine Engineering Division, ASEE (2021) Creating Excellence Award, Virginia Department of Education (2021) A. Rufus Tonelson Faculty Award, ODU Alumni Association (2021) Batten Fellow, Batten College of Engineering (2019) Manufacturing Division Junior Faculty Award, ASEE (2019) Outstanding Faculty Award, Batten College of Engineering (2018) Dr. Jovanovic's industrial experience includes work at Gamesa Aeronautica (Spain) in aircraft wing manufacturing and leadership of family-owned sheet metal manufacturing. She has developed foundational mechatronics courses and mentored student projects in digital manufacturing and robotics education.







