Michael works as part of the intellectual property team where he evaluates new invention disclosures, assists in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications, and coordinates with outside patent counsel. Michael especially enjoys working directly with faculty and staff to understand their research at a granular level and help shepherd their early ideas towards fully realized inventions. 

Prior to joining OHSU, Michael was a tissue biomechanics researcher, focusing on the role of mechanical stresses on bone formation and the biomechanical basis for the development and progression of glaucoma. Michael also spent time at a local engineering consulting firm where he worked in mechanical testing, metallography, and root cause failure analysis. Michael completed his degrees in engineering science and mechanics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville before embarking on a six-month trek along the Appalachian Trail to figure out what he wanted to do next. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he also became a devout fan of the shrimp poboy sandwich and live NOLA music.  

In his spare time, Michael collects and plays around with guitars (especially Swedish-made Hagstroms), takes care of his yard and the resident bird population, and wonders how he ended up with five cats.