Michael Oliphant Email & Phone Number

My overall goal is to be trained in hypothesis driven, basic scientific research. I am confident that my academic, research and professional experience are preparing me for the rigors of leading my own research group, driving cutting edge research and training the next generation of independent researchers. My PhD research was in the lab of Dr. Heide Ford, where I am examined the molecular mechanisms that drive the ability of tumor cells to grow in distant organs. My work identified how the developmental protein, SIX2, when re-expressed in cancers, leads to late stage metastasis, the major cause of breast-cancer related deaths. Additionally, my PhD training has allowed me to gain skills in new and emerging fields such as bioinformatics and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Currently, I am jointly mentored by Dr. Joan Brugge and Dr. Senthil Muthuswamy, and am using a combination of 3D organoid models and multi-omics approaches (metabolomics, RNAseq and phosphoproteomics) to study pre-cancerous evolution and drug resistance in the context of ER+ breast cancer. My passion for education and outreach will serve me well for a career as an independent researcher and leader in the field of cancer biology, as improving these skills will allow me to more effectively convey my research findings to the community and better mentor future trainees. During my time at the University of Illinois, I gained vital teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant for the molecular biology department and an instructor of biology and mentor for underrepresented, incoming college students in the Upward Bound College Prep Academy. I have also mentored multiple undergraduate/PhD students on research projects, providing invaluable experience for when I lead my own lab and mentor trainees. Lastly, I remain active in my research community as both a member, and Co- Vice Chair, for the recently established Harvard Medical School Black Postdoctoral Association and as a member of the Quad Diversity Committee at Harvard Medical School. These past and present experiences will allow for me to have a significant impact on future policies, practices and programs applicable to advancing diversity, inclusion and belonging at my institution and beyond.

Listed skills include Research, Public Speaking, Powerpoint, Data Analysis, and 9 others.