Michael A. Belshan

Michael A. Belshan, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at Creighton University School of Medicine. With over 25 years of experience in virology research, Dr. Belshan leads a laboratory focused on understanding virus-host cell interactions, particularly related to HIV and other retroviruses. His work bridges basic science and translational research with the goal of identifying new targets for antiviral therapies.

Dr. Belshan's research primarily focuses on the molecular virology of HIV and the lentivirus subfamily of retroviruses. His laboratory employs systems biology approaches to discover novel virus-host interactions that could serve as targets for new antiviral drugs. Key areas of investigation include:

• OMICs studies to identify novel virus-host interactions
• Characterization of host cell factors contributing to HIV replication and pathogenesis
• Molecular biology of HIV replication, latency, and pathogenesis
• In vitro drug testing for novel antiretroviral compounds

Analysis of Dr. Belshan's recent publications (2018-2025) reveals a continued focus on HIV molecular virology while expanding into related areas including SARS-CoV-2 research during the pandemic. His work demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach combining virology, proteomics, and nanotechnology for drug delivery systems. Recent publications show increasing collaboration with researchers in genetics and cancer biology, indicating expanding research interests beyond traditional virology.

Dr. Belshan's scientific achievements have been recognized with several awards:

• Young Investigator Award
• Creighton University School of Medicine Research Excellence Award
• Iowa State University Graduate College Consulting Infectious Disease Scientific Director
• Advisory role in Nebraska Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE Program) 2021-2025

Dr. Belshan serves as a scientific advisor and collaborator on multiple research projects. His laboratory is affiliated with the Nebraska Center for Virology, a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence formed under the National Institutes of Health Institutional Development Award program. This center links virology programs across Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Dr. Belshan's research laboratory is part of the Nebraska Center for Virology, which conducts innovative research addressing fundamental questions about viral pathogenesis and replication. His team employs advanced techniques including proteomics, molecular virology, and nanotechnology to develop new approaches for HIV prevention and treatment.