Bio:

Michael grew up in suburban Chicago where his interest in plant biology was sparked by frequent trips to the Chicago Botanic Garden and neighbors who were avid gardeners. After exploring a variety of paths, Michael found his way back to horticulture and completed his BS and MS at Purdue University. Working with Dr. Cary Mitchell, his research focused on using light to influence the quality of high-value greenhouse crops (mainly tomato). He then moved along to The Ohio State University for his PhD where he worked with Dr. David Francis and Dr. Jessica Cooperstone. His dissertation research included the use of quantitative genetics, targeted and untargeted metabolomics, RNA-seq, and preclinical animal models to determine the effects of tomato consumption and how genetic variation influences their potential healthfulness. Michael then conducted his postdoctoral work at NC State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute under the direction of Dr. Mario Ferruzzi where he studied carotenoid and mineral bioaccessibility in sorghum porridge (a major calorie source in sub-Saharan Africa).

Michael is currently a research plant physiologist with the USDA-ARS with a courtesy appointment as an assistant professor of pediatric nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine. He is continuing to use multidisciplinary approaches to determine how genetic and environmental manipulation can be used to enhance the nutritional quality of plant based foods and determine how the chemical components of foods influence our health.

Hometown:

Northbrook, IL