Michael J. Gough

Dr. Michael J. Gough is an experienced researcher of immunology and cancer immunotherapy. He currently serves as a Member of the Integrated Therapies Laboratory at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a Providence Center of Excellence for immuno-oncology and cellular therapy. Additionally, he holds adjunct faculty positions at Oregon Health & Science University as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and an Adjunct Clinical Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology.

Dr. Gough's educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in tumor immunology from The University of Leeds (1999), a Master of Science in immunology with distinction from the University of Birmingham (1995), and a Bachelor of Science in human biology and business administration with first-class honors from the University of Aston in Birmingham (1994). He completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (2004-2009) and the Mayo Clinic (1999-2004).

Dr. Gough's research focuses on understanding the role of immune cells in the success and failure of conventional cancer therapies, and the development of immunotherapies that target and destroy residual microscopic disease. His work explores how radiation therapy modifies the tumor immune microenvironment, with particular interest in T cell responses, dendritic cell function, and the interplay between radiation and immunotherapy. The Integrated Therapies Laboratory, which he co-leads with Dr. Marka R. Crittenden, combines expertise in surgical, medical and radiation oncology to translate hypotheses from preclinical models into more effective cancer treatments.

Analysis of Dr. Gough's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of radiation therapy and immunotherapy. His work spans multiple cancer types including pancreatic cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and rectal cancer. Key themes include T cell trafficking and function following radiation, the role of dendritic cells in radiation-induced immune responses, and strategies to overcome immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. His research has increasingly incorporated advanced techniques such as fluorescence tracking, radiomics, and novel small molecule inhibitors to enhance treatment efficacy.

• Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Team Science Award (2020)
• Master of Science with distinction, Department of Immunology, University of Birmingham (1995)
• First class honors, human biology and business administration, University of Aston, Birmingham (1994)

Dr. Gough has received research funding from multiple sources including the National Institutes of Health, as indicated by his collaborative research projects. While specific grant details aren't provided in the text, his extensive publication record suggests successful grant acquisition to support his laboratory's work. Although specific students aren't listed, his role as a laboratory leader and faculty member indicates mentoring of junior researchers and students.

The Integrated Therapies Laboratory, co-led by Dr. Gough and Dr. Crittenden, represents a collaborative research effort that combines expertise across surgical, medical and radiation oncology. The lab studies how cytotoxic therapy provides large-scale cancer cell death while modifying the profile of immune cells within the tumor. This transdisciplinary approach aims to translate preclinical findings into more effective cancer treatments that harness the power of the immune system.