Michael Riggs

Michael Riggs is a Professor at the University of Arizona’s School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, part of the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences. His primary research focuses on parasitic diseases, particularly Cryptosporidium infections, drug development for apicomplexan pathogens, and host-parasite interactions. He leads studies on antiprotozoal therapeutics including bumped kinase inhibitors and prodrug nanotherapies, with applications in both human and veterinary medicine. His work spans multiple species, including calves, mice, and marine organisms, emphasizing translational 'One Health' approaches.

Dr. Riggs’ research integrates genomic analysis, organoid modeling, and metabolomics to understand Cryptosporidium pathogenesis and drug efficacy. Key projects include developing diagnostic methods for shrimp pathogens (Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei) and investigating symbiotic marine bacteria for novel antiparasitic compounds. His lab also explores host immune responses and gut microbiota interactions influencing infection outcomes.

His publications consistently address drug toxicity profiling, therapeutic optimization, and cross-species infection dynamics. Though no awards are explicitly listed, his sustained focus on neglected tropical diseases indicates significant contributions to global health research. Lab facilities include advanced parasitology labs and collaborations with veterinary and biomedical sciences teams at the University of Arizona.