Michael joined the Biga Research lab in January 2022, after his time as a graduate research intern in the Virology Unit of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens. Currently, his research focuses on identifying mechanisms of methionine restriction action on circadian-regulated genes, microRNA regulation, and DNA methylation during muscle metabolism, as well as the role of myostatin 2b in metabolic regulation.
Michael is also working in collaboration with Dr. Beth Cleveland (USDA, ARS, NCCCWA) to characterize hypoxia tolerance in selectively bred families of rainbow trout, contributing to a better understanding of aquaculture species in challenging environments and improved stress tolerance, growth, and metabolism.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peggy Biga