Dr. Carmen Cioc is an accomplished Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), passionate about teaching and innovation in pedagogical strategies. She has an extensive career in academia and research, demonstrating strong expertise in applied fluid mechanics, mechanical design, and thermodynamics. In her courses, she employs a range of active learning pedagogical strategies, including entrepreneurial mindset approaches, to cultivate an inclusive learning environment that enhances students' learning and skill development. Since 2013, Dr. Cioc has made significant contributions to the enhancement of her department's curriculum and laboratories and has effectively mentored young faculty and students.

Her love for math and physics began in her childhood and later evolved into a fascination with applied sciences and engineering. She holds a first M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, a field she pursued against conventional advice, firmly believing in breaking gender and social barriers in STEM fields. This experience shaped her ongoing commitment to inspire and empower women in engineering. Her journey, from being one of the youngest researchers at the Romanian Research Institute in Transportation to studying for her Ph.D. in the United States, reflects her resilience and determination. Her doctoral dissertation centered on physics-based elastohydrodynamic lubrication models for high-speed helicopter transmissions is a testament to her technical expertise in mechanical engineering. Continuing education as an adult learner and a mother made her a passionate advocate for adult education, encouraging students from all walks of life to continue learning and evolving professionally.

Dr. Cioc is a lifelong learner, pursuing a second M.S. degree in Physics, specializing in photovoltaics, even after completing her doctoral degree. This passion for renewable energy led to a prestigious Sunshot Fellowship and a role at the Department of Energy's Solar Program. There, she monitored Solar - SBIR/STTR portfolios, supported Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Managers, provided technical advice and served as a technical content reviewer.

In her time at The University of Toledo, she has undertaken various leadership roles. Between 2014 and 2019, she directed the MET program. She has notably set new directions for the program, achieved the development and evaluation of MET curriculum, managed all educational activities related to the program and provided academic counseling to over 400 students.  Between 2021 and 2024, she also took on the leadership role as Graduate Program Director for two online M.S. in Engineering programs: General Engineering and Energy Engineering, directing all educational activities related to both programs, and providing academic counseling to all students, leading the efforts to provide accessible content for all learners. She closely worked with both full-time and part-time teaching faculty to improve the quality of all graduate courses in the programs, including through QM certification.

As a member of the advisory boards for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Eberly Center for Women, she has actively contributed to advancing engineering education and championing the role of women in engineering.

Her commitment to engineering education and her exemplary leadership qualities were key factors in her selection for the prestigious ELATES-Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering, and Science program. ELATES at Drexel is a leadership development program designed for women in academia, specifically targeting those in STEM fields.

Dr. Cioc holds additional leadership position at national level, such elected Vice-Chair of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Leadership Committee, Vice-Chair of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) North Central Section Board, Engineering Unleashed (EU) Ambassador, EU Fellow, and EU Community Catalyst.

Over the years, she received numerous awards and recognitions, including multiple best paper awards and ASEE Campus rep. awards.