Flow Cytometry and Imaging Core Manager
Upon joining the newly established Center for Immunobiology in 2017, Michael’s extensive research experience in flow cytometry, immunology, and hematology/oncology has provided a broad foundation for investigators to utilize when building the Investigative Medicine research program at WMed. In the early 2000s, under the mentorship of Peter Heeger, MD and Robert Fairchild, PhD as part of a transplantation immunology collaboration between Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic, Michael built a strong relationship with a BD FACScan while researching and developing assays designed to improve outcomes for solid organ transplant recipients. Concurrently, graduate study of immunology at Case encouraged Michael’s development as more than a strictly technical scientist, sparking a curiosity about the many facets of the immune system and the emerging technology used to characterize it.
After graduating from Case, Michael spent 10 years at Cleveland Clinic in the laboratory of Jaroslaw Maciejewski, MD PhD, a world-renowned physician scientist who specializes in the study of bone marrow failure disorders. Although hired as a flow cytometrist to assist the lab with an ambitious multi-center collaboration, Michael’s background and scientific inquisitivity led to his incorporation as an integral team member in an extremely talented and relentless iteration of the Maciejewski Lab. As co-author on 38 publications with first or second author on 11, Michael also collaborated extensively with a variety of flow cytometers, mastering the BC Epics Altra, BC XL-MCL, BC FC500, Sony SH800, and BD FACSVerse.
Building a solid flow core is essential for immunology research. As part of the Center for Immunobiology, Michael brings expertise in a variety of investigative techniques and strategies while serving as the Flow Cytometry and Imaging Core Manager. This experience, in concert with certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM) and ongoing membership in the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry, allows Michael to provide a foundation as both educator and investigator to aid in development and advancement of WMed’s research program.