Michael Borda, Ph.D. is the Associate Vice Provost for Research and Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as the senior strategic adviser to the Vice Provost for Research and provides oversight and guidance on strategic priorities and policies within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR). Michael works with faculty and staff to support research and scholarship across the institution. He facilitates relationships across campus, as well as with government and industry, to identify emerging opportunities, foster innovative collaborations, and develop new funding models. Michael leads strategic planning, development, and implementation of new research initiatives and programs. He works with University leadership to advance a portfolio of research priorities, supports OVPR budget planning and administration, and manages OVPR operations.Dr. Borda has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia contributions in the environmental chemistry and microbiology fields; and he holds United States and international patents for an innovative remediation technology. Michael has presented research and projects at conferences and workshops around the globe. In 2013 he was selected by the Engineering News-Record as one of the Top 20 Engineers under the age of 40.