Dr. David Cho, associate director for preparedness and response in the U.S. FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), began his career at the University of Michigan as a PhD student co-mentored by Dr. John Maassab and Pathology’s Dr. Nick Lukacs. “My research was to develop potential Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine candidates using cold-adaptation techniques that Dr. Maassab had discovered when developing the influenza vaccine that would eventually become the nasal spray FluMist vaccine.” Cho would develop a potential vaccine candidate and conduct initial animal studies. “Then I would bring the vaccine to Dr. Lukacs’ lab to look at potential pathology of the vaccine given to the animals.”
After graduation, Cho spent two years as a postdoctoral fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he discovered the intersection of the CDC and the FDA in vaccine development and safety. He applied for an open position at the FDA at his boss’s urging, and soon transitioned to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
Cho's connection with Lukacs proved fortuitous for recent MCP student Mohamed Mire. Mire was a graduate student in the Lukacs lab when Lukacs invited Cho back to the University of Michigan to provide a seminar at the Michigan Center for Infectious Disease Threats and Pandemic Preparedness. “After my seminar, Dr. Lukacs and I sat to debrief and he introduced me to Dr. Mire, knowing that Dr. Mire had similar interests in areas I worked in,” explained Cho. “I told Dr. Mire about the wonderful research opportunities working for the US government (FDA, CDC, NIH, etc.) and how this could open him up to numerous career opportunities.”
The potential for high-level work with Governmental Organizations (GOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) within the public health sphere was a motivating factor in Mire’s choice of graduate-level training, one he expressed in his application to the graduate program. He said he hoped to one day work at the World Health Organization (WHO) in infectious disease and vaccine research. However, until he heard Cho’s seminar, he had not considered opportunities with the FDA. “Through Nick, I was able to meet with David and all three of us had a really nice conversation about all the different avenues that become possible following graduate school. Luckily enough, there were several fellowship opportunities within the agency that really fit well with my research interests regarding infectious disease and vaccine research. Nick and David's advice and encouragement really played a big role in cementing my decision to pursue those fellowships.”
Cho and Mire remained in contact throughout the interview process as Mire sought his advice, and Cho was a welcoming and familiar face when Mire arrived on the FDA campus. “In my current role as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the CBER division, I continue to work with RSV along with SARS-CoV-2, and Influenza. I am really appreciative for Nick and David's advice to help make this opportunity possible,” concluded Mire.
A former graduate student returning as an expert successfully launched the career of another graduate student who is now well on his way toward becoming an expert in his own right. This is the power of our Michigan Alumni Network at work.
Join our current MCP students to network and learn at the 23rd Annual Pathology Research Symposium on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Kahn Auditorim in the BSRB!
ON THE COVER
Breast team reviewing a patient's slide. (From left to right) Ghassan Allo, Fellow; Laura Walters, Clinical Lecturer; Celina Kleer, Professor. See Article 2014Department Chair |
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INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Autopsy Technician draws blood while working in the Wayne County morgue. See Article 2016Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Dr. Sriram Venneti, MD, PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow, Chan Chung, PhD investigate pediatric brain cancer. See Article 2017Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Director of the Neuropathology Fellowship, Dr. Sandra Camelo-Piragua serves on the Patient and Family Advisory Council. 2018Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Residents Ashley Bradt (left) and William Perry work at a multi-headed scope in our new facility. 2019Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Dr. Kristine Konopka (right) instructing residents while using a multi-headed microscope. 2020Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Patient specimens poised for COVID-19 PCR testing. 2021Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Dr. Pantanowitz demonstrates using machine learning in analyzing slides. 2022Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
(Left to Right) Drs. Angela Wu, Laura Lamps, and Maria Westerhoff. 2023Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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ON THE COVER
Illustration representing the various machines and processing used within our labs. 2024Department Chair |
newsletter
INSIDE PATHOLOGYAbout Our NewsletterInside Pathology is an newsletter published by the Chairman's Office to bring news and updates from inside the department's research and to become familiar with those leading it. It is our hope that those who read it will enjoy hearing about those new and familiar, and perhaps help in furthering our research. CONTENTS
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MLabs, established in 1985, functions as a portal to provide pathologists, hospitals. and other reference laboratories access to the faculty, staff and laboratories of the University of Michigan Health System’s Department of Pathology. MLabs is a recognized leader for advanced molecular diagnostic testing, helpful consultants and exceptional customer service.