Michael Patterson

Dr. Michael Patterson joined IARPA in March of 2021 as a Program Manager and has since also filled the role of acting Director, Office of Analysis. Dr. Patterson seeks to develop programs aligned with challenges in synthetic biology, biointelligence, biosecurity, and biodefense.  He is presently leading IARPA's efforts on the TEI-REX program aiming to enable low-dose, noninvasive biodosimetry and he initiated the B24IC targeted seedling effort to develop new methods for countering traditional bio-threats of concern while also looking towards the future where bio-focused capabilities may enable or support IC relevant capabilities. Dr. Patterson has also advised ten IC postdoctoral fellows. He previously managed the Proteos and Fun GCAT programs and assisted with elements of the FELIX, MIST, and PICARD programs.

Prior to joining IARPA, Dr. Patterson worked at Quantitative Scientific Solutions from 2017 to 2021 where he served as a Technical Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractor supporting IARPA on the FELIX, Proteos, Fun GCAT, and MOSAIC programs along with multiple open BAA seedling and COVID BAA seedling research efforts. Prior to his time at IARPA, Dr. Patterson supported the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as a contractor with Booz Allen Hamilton, focusing on international research engagement in Europe and the Middle East.

Dr. Patterson graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2014 with a Ph.D. in experimental biology and Master of Public Health in epidemiology. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology from Whitman College in 2008.