Name: Michael Trogdon
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Hobbies: Biking, Camping, Reading
Lab: Integrative Biology Laboratory under the direction of Ed Stites
Lab website: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/edward-stites/
What do you do/study?
My research is focused on using mathematical models of protein signaling networks to better understand cancer. These mathematical models can help predict how patients may respond to different treatments.
Why is it important?
Cancer is the second leading causing of death in the US. Finding therapies that help patients, and are less toxic than current approaches, will be critical for cancer medicine going forward. Mathematical approaches give us a unique perspective on this difficult problem.
What piqued your interest in science?
As a kid I liked two things: exploring the outdoors and math. In high school, I learned through my AP Physics and AP Calculus classes that I could use math to study the natural world. From there, I was hooked.
What do you like about being a scientist?
I love that science helps me feel more connected to the natural world. There is a genuine beauty in paying close attention to the world around you and trying to understand even a little bit of how it works. As a scientist, I enjoy translating my curiosity about the world into discoveries that can benefit people’s quality of life.
What are 5 general vocabulary terms someone should know going into your field of science?
DNA, protein, cancer, personalized medicine, mathematical model
What are 5 specific vocabulary terms someone should know about your research or profession?
Signaling network, gene mutation, systems biology, targeted therapy, postdoc