Michael J. Pecaut

Michael J. Pecaut, PhD is a Research Professor and Associate Research Professor at the Basic Sciences Department and Radiation Medicine Department of Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He serves as Vice Chair of Basic Sciences and Program Director for the Neuroscience, Systems Biology & Bioengineering (NSBB) PhD and MS programs.

• Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder (1999)

Research Focus: Pecaut investigates the effects of spaceflight environments (e.g., microgravity, radiation) on immune system function, integrating immunology with radiobiology, neuroscience, and systems biology. His work spans transcriptomics, metabolomics, and pathway analysis, emphasizing "immuno-physiological" interactions between biological systems. Key projects include studying exosomal microRNA as biodosimeters, spaceflight-induced ocular oxidative stress, and neurovascular remodeling.

Grants & Collaborations: He has led or co-led 13+ NASA-funded studies (2002–2025), collaborating with institutions like Columbia University, Florida State University, and NASA centers (Ames, Kennedy Space Center). His research also involves Department of Defense projects on proton radiation effects.

Education & Mentorship: Pecaut has trained 3 PhD students, 3 postdocs, and numerous technicians, many of whom advanced to graduate school. As Program Director, he advises all NSBB graduate students, emphasizing Responsible Conduct of Research, Rigor & Reproducibility, and Safety protocols.

Service: He is a member of the LLU Program Directors Committee (2017–Present) and the LLU Program Choice Task Force (2016).