David Parekh

Dr. David Parekh serves as Vice President, Research, and Director, United Technologies Research Center, responsible for advancing the corporation's commitment to growth through technology and innovation. UTRC is the corporate research center for the businesses of United Technologies -- industry leaders in aerospace propulsion, vertical flight, building infrastructure and services, heating and air conditioning, fire and security systems and power generation. Founded in 1929, UTRC is located in East Hartford, Connecticut (U.S.) and also operates an office in Berkeley, California as well as research and development centers in Cork, Ireland and Shanghai, China. The research center employs about 500 scientists, engineers, and staff and its global workforce is comprised of employees representing more than 30 countries.

Prior to joining UTRC in 2007, Dr. Parekh was Deputy Director of Georgia Tech Research Institute and Associate Vice Provost for Research. In 2006, he founded Georgia Tech Ireland, serving as President of the university's nonprofit corporation which was created to conduct basic and applied research programs with multinational corporations and universities in Europe. Early in his career, he led various advanced research programs at Boeing Phantom Works.

Dr. Parekh holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and master's degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering from Stanford University, as well as a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a member of the board of the Connecticut Technology Council.