Michael Younger

Michael Younger is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Pikeville (UPIKE). He holds a Ph.D. in Cell & Developmental Biology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, with a dissertation on proteasomal degradation of misfolded CFTR proteins. His research focuses on protein quality control mechanisms, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) biogenesis, and ubiquitin-proteasome system dynamics.

Dr. Younger completed postdoctoral fellowships at Michigan State University (BioEnergy Research Center) and the University of Michigan (Pathology and Pulmonary Immunopathology). He teaches advanced courses in medical biochemistry, optometry-related neuroscience, and ocular physiology at UPIKE. His work bridges cellular biochemistry with clinical applications in genetic disorders.

• Education: Ph.D. Cell & Developmental Biology (UNC-Chapel Hill), B.A. Biology (Lindsey Wilson College)
• Nuclear propulsion training: Naval Nuclear Propulsion Machinist with MM5/MM4 certifications
• Research Highlights: CFTR degradation pathways, Hsc70-CHIP complex mechanisms, ER protein quality control

His scientific contributions have advanced understanding of protein folding defects in cystic fibrosis through mechanistic studies of cellular quality control checkpoints. Current research explores translational applications of these findings in biomedical contexts.