معرفی
Dr. Mike Dorrell is a Professor of Biology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), where he has been teaching since 2009. He also serves as a Senior Staff Consultant at the Lowy Medical Research Institute (LMRI) in La Jolla, dedicating one day per week to guide research on Macular Telangiectasia. As TriBeta Faculty Advisor and Scuba Club Advisor at PLNU, he is deeply involved in student life and mentorship.
Dr. Dorrell's educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Research from The Scripps Research Institute
- B.A. in Chemistry and Mathematics from Simpson College (IA)
His research expertise lies at the intersection of developmental biology, cell biology, and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Dr. Dorrell investigates novel methods for treating cancer with reduced side effects through anti-angiogenic therapy and Antibody Derived Enzyme Pro-drug Therapy (ADEPT). His work also focuses on degenerative eye diseases, particularly Macular Telangiectasia, where he helped establish the Lowy Medical Research Institute in 2013. His research integrates approaches from molecular biology, genetics, stem cell research, and metabolic studies to address both cancer treatment and vision restoration.
Dr. Dorrell's publications demonstrate a strong trend toward understanding metabolic pathways in retinal diseases and developing targeted cancer therapies that minimize systemic side effects. His more recent work has increasingly focused on serine metabolism in macular disease and innovative approaches to activate chemotherapy specifically within tumors.
His scientific recognition includes:
- Hadley Wood Honors in Teaching Fellowship (2023)
- Excellence in teaching awards from PLNU (2018, 2022)
- Multiple Annual Alumni grant awards and RASP grants from PLNU (2010-2020, 2022-2024)
- California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) fellowship (2006-2009)
- Achievement Recognition for Collegiate Scientists (ARCS) fellowship (2000-2003)
Dr. Dorrell actively involves undergraduate students in his research, providing them with opportunities to contribute to world-class scientific investigations. His collaboration with LMRI has created internship opportunities for PLNU students and full-time positions for graduates. His research has been supported by multiple grants from PLNU including the Annual Alumni grant and RASP grant programs. Beyond traditional research funding, his work has led to patent applications including "Methods of Modulating Vascularization" and "Compositions and Methods for Treatment of Neovascular Diseases."
As a key figure at both PLNU and LMRI, Dr. Dorrell bridges academic teaching with cutting-edge research. His laboratory work spans cancer therapeutics and retinal disease research, with particular emphasis on angiogenesis mechanisms. Through his role at LMRI, he coordinates with researchers worldwide studying Macular Telangiectasia, creating a global research network focused on this rare eye disease.
