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Michael’s research focuses on RNA biology and host-pathogen interactions, with a particular interest in how the fungal pathogen Rhizopus oryzae manipulates host RNA splicing during infection. He completed his PhD in Integrative Plant Biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, where he investigated the role of an acyl-CoA binding protein in its role of regulation membrane fluidity in Magnaporthe oryzae. His background is in molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics, and he’s passionate about uncovering molecular strategies fungi use to colonize and infect their hosts. His broader interests include data-driven life science research and science communication.

Outside the lab, you can find Michael sketching on his graphic tablet, cooking his favorite dishes and editing travel videos.