Advocate Aurora Research Institute has selected Michael Fendrich, PhD, to fill the newly created position of director of scientific research.
In this role, Dr. Fendrich will assume responsibility for scientific leadership within Academic Research and Strategic Partnerships. He will serve as a lead scientist for Advocate Aurora Health, overseeing the team of independent research scientists, engaging in strategic discussions with internal and external partners, and providing guidance on the Research Institute’s academic research programs and centers.
“Dr. Fendrich’s 30-plus years of academic research expertise made him the perfect candidate to lead our newly restructured scientific research division,” said Denise Angst, PhD, RN, vice president of academic research and strategic partnerships. “In addition to being well-suited to guide and mentor Advocate Aurora’s independent research scientists, he brings his own robust program of research, which aligns well with Advocate Aurora Health priorities.”
Dr. Fendrich earned a doctorate in community psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, a bachelor’s in sociology and anthropology from Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and a post-doctoral master’s degree in biostatistics from Columbia University in New York City.
Most recently serving as a professor of social work and associate dean for research at the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, Dr. Fendrich also spent nearly 25 years leading research studies and teaching in Illinois and Wisconsin. He held professorships at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. While in Milwaukee, he served as director of UW-Milwaukee’s Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research. Additionally, he has a wealth of experience conducting externally funded research, particularly in the areas of substance use, population health and behavioral health services.
“I know from personal experience that the Upper Midwest has many talented research scientists, including at Advocate Aurora Health,” Dr. Fendrich said. “I look forward to learning about the innovative research being conducted by our own brilliant scientists as well as forging partnerships with other researchers in the area.”
Dr. Fendrich will begin his new role with the Research Institute on Monday, June 6.
To learn more about Advocate Aurora’s research, visit aah.org/research.