Todd Michael, PhD
Research Professor
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
PANELIST - CULTIVATION WORKSHOP
CULTIVATION

BIO

Todd P. Michael, Ph.D. is a leading researcher specializing in genome sequencing and analysis, currently serving as a Research Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, San Diego. With a distinguished career spanning several prestigious roles, including Professor and Director of Informatics at the J. Craig Venter Institute and Head of the Genome Center at Monsanto, Dr. Michael has established himself as a pioneer in the fields of plant genomics and bioinformatics. Dr. Michael earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Dartmouth College under the mentorship of Dr. C. Robertson McClung, following a B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia, where he was advised by Michael Timko. His postdoctoral work with renowned plant biologist Joanne Chory at the Salk Institute laid the groundwork for his prolific research career, during which he has authored over 100 publications, amassing more than 21,000 citations. Dr. Michael’s research has made significant contributions to understanding plant genome architecture, particularly through the study of unique and specialized plants that offer insights into adaptive strategies. His innovative work on pangenome tools and long-read sequencing technologies has advanced the understanding of how plant genomes are organized and how they adapt to specific environmental conditions. Dr. Michael's work continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of plant biology, with implications for agriculture, conservation, and climate resilience.