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On September 1, 2025, took on the newly established role of associate dean (international relations) (ADIR) in the Faculty of Science, where he will lead the faculty’s international engagement strategy. Serpe brings to the position both leadership experience as associate dean (graduate) for the Department of Chemistry and research expertise in generating new materials and processes to solve problems related to human health and environmental challenges.

The Faculty of Science has seen considerable growth over the past few years, with programs in high demand and many key research strengths at the heart of the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s SHAPE strategic plan. There has been an increase in international interest and relationships in the associate dean undergraduate, graduate and research portfolios — and the ADIR role will help capitalize on these interconnected opportunities. Serpe sees these as exciting opportunities for universities to cultivate new international ties, broadening the impact of our research and teaching.

Meet Michael Serpe, associate dean (international relations).

Tell us about the associate dean (international relations) role — what is the work you will be involved in?

The ADIR is responsible for leading the faculty’s international engagement strategy, including oversight and implementation of both academic and commercial international agreements. The role also involves close collaboration with other university units on international matters, as well as the marketing and operation of cost-recovery international programs. 

I interpret this role as working with key individuals across departments in the faculty and assisting them in cultivating new and existing international relationships, whether they be academic or commercial. I will help key individuals build agreements to make these relationships happen in the best way possible. I will seek out opportunities in these specific areas and make appropriate connections to allow the faculty to capitalize on these connections that will build capacity and opportunities for our faculty community. I will work with counterparts in other faculties, and at the college, to help build inter- and intra-college opportunities that will benefit our faculty, and the university in general. I will help build new academic programs that will allow external international students to access our programs and vice versa, whether it be undergraduate or graduate students. Similar opportunities on the research side will also be cultivated. 

What makes this international focus important? What opportunities do you see for the Faculty of Science?

Our international reputation is one of the most important factors that makes us such a great university, impacting our university rankings in a huge way. Bolstering our international relationships will only propel us further up in the university rankings, which of course is of utmost importance for upper administration at our university. Most important for me is impact on people, and by building new international opportunities and programs for our faculty, and students, I believe we will have the most impact. The alternative, i.e., not cultivating international relationships, would make our university small, and our overall impact very local and limited. Therefore, the corollary is true, international relationships are key for our growth and impact. 

For me, I am most interested in building new international research opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students, both at the academic and industrial level. Relatedly, new academic programs and sandwich degree programs with international universities are also very good opportunities for our faculty. In a world where international (and domestic) relationships are strained, universities can rise above this, and cultivate new and exciting international ties.

What do you find most rewarding about your role? What are you most looking forward to about the ADIR role?

I love making new connections with people, and finding new opportunities that haven't been thought of before. I like learning about new cultures, and how other universities operate and how to navigate complex situations to build new opportunities. I enjoy finding common ground with people, and building capacity for our university, our faculty members and students. I enjoy making progress, and moving forward, and making things better than they were when I started.

Tell us a bit about your research. What have been your main areas of focus?

My research is focused on generating new materials, and/or processes, for solving problems related to human health and the environment. We are developing new sensor and biosensor technology, nanoparticles and materials for controlled and triggered drug delivery systems, water remediation technologies and conducting polymers for neuromorphic computing applications. 

What skills or experiences have been most valuable to you in your work?

I am a strong believer in experimentation; have a good plan for studying something, then go for it. Make your observations, form a hypothesis, then plan new experiments to test your hypothesis. Iteration in this way, combined with good observations, creativity and attention to detail will lead to progress. I believe that if something should work, and it doesn't work, there must be something that can be done to make it work — I guess this is persistence. I am relentless in my pursuits and very good at practical problem-solving.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

Haha, there are a few things, but perhaps the most unique thing is that I box, and have been boxing for many years now.