Michael Simon, Ph.D., MBA is an extreme lateral thinker with over 23 years of aerospace, engineering, & business development expertise. Currently, he holds the position of VP of Advanced Technology at Parallax Advanced Research, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit research institute, supporting its affiliate, the Ohio Aerospace Institute, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit research institute, where he actively leads disruptive innovation. 

Michael has successfully led P&Ls of greater than $30M annually and strategic technology R&D exceeding $150M annually. He excels at forming and leading multidisciplinary teams to creatively solve USG DoD & IC classified customers’ most challenging problems. Dr. Simon has demonstrated passion for championing creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation and instilling this passion into organizations of which he is part. 

Michael’s educational background encompasses a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Temple University, a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Denver, a Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master of Business Administration from Temple University. Leveraging his broad academic foundation, Michael adeptly synthesizes disparate concepts to conceive of unique solutions. 

As a visionary leader, Michael remains committed to solving our nation’s most challenging problems through disruptive innovation and teamwork.