Scott Michael

Scott Michael is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where he has served since 2004. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University, with postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina and the University of Alabama. His research focuses on viral evolution, antiviral development, and mosquito-borne viruses like Dengue and Zika. He is also involved in educational initiatives, including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s SEA-PHAGES program as a Course Director. Dr. Michael’s work spans genomic epidemiology, vaccine design, and flavivirus inhibition, with contributions to understanding HIV protease resistance and the origins of HIV-1.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Biology and Chemistry, Cornell College (IA)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University (MD)
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), University of Alabama (Birmingham)

Research Interests:

• Mosquito-borne viruses (Dengue, Zika)
• Viral evolution and drug resistance mechanisms
• Antiviral and vaccine development
• Genomic epidemiology and pathogen surveillance
• Flavivirus entry inhibition and peptide therapeutics

Professional Roles:

• Editorial Board Member, Virology Journal
• Course Director, HHMI SEA-PHAGES Program

Advising and Grants:

• Leadership in collaborative research projects on viral diagnostics and outbreak response
• Development of educational frameworks for course-based research experiences (CRE)

Labs/Teams: Active in FGCU’s Biological Sciences research labs, focusing on virology and molecular biology. Collaborates with institutions like the University of Wisconsin and the College of William & Mary through the SEA-PHAGES network.