معرفی
Dr. Michael Pape serves as Professor of Practice in the Department of Management at the University of Central Florida's College of Business Administration, where he has taught entrepreneurship since 2015. As Dr. Phillips Entrepreneur in Residence, he directs the Upstarts Venture Incubation Program at UCF's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, guiding students through his proprietary Startup Staircase® framework for venture development.
His educational credentials include:
- B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Michigan
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Purdue University
- MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Dr. Pape's research spans biotechnology entrepreneurship and venture incubation methodologies, with expertise in problem-solving at the science-technology-business interface. He developed the Startup Staircase® framework for competency-based entrepreneurial education, used by startups and corporations for innovation. His industry background in lipid metabolism research (1980s-2000s) evolved into contemporary focus on entrepreneurial methodology, reflecting his dual career in biotech ventures and academia.
His scholarly output demonstrates a clear trajectory from biochemical research on lipid disorders and cardiovascular drug development to entrepreneurship education, with recent publications emphasizing venture incubation in emerging economies and student-led consulting models.
Recognition includes:
- Distinguished Alumni Award from University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- Distinguished Alumni Award from Purdue University College of Agriculture
As an advisor, Dr. Pape mentors UCF entrepreneurial students through Upstarts while serving on Base4 Biotechnology's board. His industry impact includes co-founding Esperion Therapeutics (acquired by Pfizer for $1.3B), Akebia Therapeutics (IPO 2014), and Orchard Venture Partners. He previously led the Michigan Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs (2017-2024), supporting entrepreneurs in emerging economies through consulting and training programs.
Dr. Pape directs UCF's Upstarts Venture Incubation Program and maintains active industry engagement through Base4 Biotechnology's scientific advisory team, facilitating university-industry partnerships for translational research and startup formation.
