Program Managers
IARPA Program Managers are experts in their fields of research who bring imagination and dedication to challenges facing the Intelligence Community (IC). The work of IARPA PMs directly and substantially impacts the IC's future capabilities and, more broadly, the field of science. This includes a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technology that ranges from machine learning and quantum computing to human cognition and linguistics.
Dr. Brian Borak
Program Name(s):
RESILIENCE, SOLSTICE
Dr. Brian Borak joined IARPA in August 2023. In his current assignment as a Program Manager, Dr. Borak focuses on areas of scientific/engineering research related to energy conversion, including solar energy, optics, and materials engineering.
Prior to joining IARPA, Dr. Borak worked as a science and engineering consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton from 2010 to 2023, where he supported the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E). In that capacity, Dr. Borak helped identify technology opportunities, drafted new funding solicitations, and supported the management of programs and projects related to solar energy conversion, building energy efficiency, chemical engineering, and materials science. Dr. Borak also helped start up and led a science/engineering technical consulting team for the State of New York’s NYSERDA Innovation and Research office.
Dr. Borak earned his doctorate in physical organic chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2009 where he also served as a team leader on the 2007 Solar Decathlon team. He earned a bachelor’s in chemistry with an applied mathematics concentration from Davidson College in 2004.
Program Name(s):
RESILIENCE, SOLSTICE
Dr. Brian Borak joined IARPA in August 2023. In his current assignment as a Program Manager, Dr. Borak focuses on areas of scientific/engineering research related to energy conversion, including solar energy, optics, and materials engineering. Prior to joining IARPA, Dr. Borak worked as a science and engineering consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton...
Dr. Sherrie Pilkington
Program Name(s):
PICARD
Dr. Sherrie Pilkington joined IARPA as a Program Manager in July of 2021. Dr. Pilkington focuses on areas of scientific research that includes chemical and environmental sensing, aerosol science, spectroscopy, and optical diagnostics. She is presently leading IARPA's efforts on the PICARD program that aims to develop a fieldable aerosol sensor for complex environments. She is also leading the Fun GCAT program on threat assessment of DNA sequences, and the MAEGLIN program on ultra-low power gas-phase chemical sensors.
Prior to joining IARPA, Dr. Pilkington worked at the Army Research Laboratory from 2013 to 2017 where she served as a National Research Council fellow studying nonlinear optics for trace chemical detection.
Dr. Pilkington graduated from the Ohio State University in 2013 with a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Concord University in 2006.
Dr. Pilkington resides in Maryland and enjoys science fiction, strong coffee, and being outdoors as much as possible.
Program Name(s):
PICARD
Dr. Sherrie Pilkington joined IARPA as a Program Manager in July of 2021. Dr. Pilkington focuses on areas of scientific research that includes chemical and environmental sensing, aerosol science, spectroscopy, and optical diagnostics. She is presently leading IARPA's efforts on the PICARD program that aims to develop a fieldable aerosol sensor fo...