Cell and Molecular Biology
Mike Michalski '18
Employer
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Sr.
Analyst - Monitoring and Evaluation
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-michalski/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
My research experience through the Student Summer Scholars
program along with the opportunity to serve as the finance chair for
Grand Valley's Alternative Breaks pushed me to pursue an
interdisciplinary career. Studying at Grand Valley I learned to value
critical thinking and creative problem-solving. I wanted to develop
these skills even further and seek out a career where I could fix
broken systems that impacted many lives. After a series of intentional
conversations with Professor Jennifer Winther PhD and other mentors, I
gained through my attendance at GVSU, I applied to graduate schools to
study health administration. While working on my applications and
awaiting acceptance, I applied skills I learned in the Cell and
Molecular Biology program at an Ada-based cosmetic manufacturer in
their quality assurance department. I earned a Master of Health
Services Administration from the University of Michigan's School of
Public Health in the spring of 2021. I currently work as a senior
analyst at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
I have integrated new project management systems for the organization
and now contribute to the development and reporting process of our
yearly operations plan.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
I was working late in Kindschi Hall on pouring an agarose gel for
electrophoresis but I had mistakenly poured the gel too thick. I
patiently waited for my sample to separate with little luck. I
remember just laughing with my classmates because I'd review the
progress hour after hour and nothing would change. Just the sheer size
of the gel was a joke in itself.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
"If you are hosting a conference or event, always have hot
coffee available throughout the day. Even if you have to pay for it
yourself, the conference will not go well without it."
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Down-to-earth, Support, and Opportunity.
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
Already during my time in public health, the life expectancy in
this country has decreased. I refuse to accept this trend continuing.
Those are loved ones lost too soon, and unfortunately, this impacts
those most harmed by the darkest parts of our nation's history (e.g.,
segregation, discrimination, redlining, profiling). I hope to improve
health systems that increase the livelihood and lifetimes of each
person in the United States, providing resources based on the needs of
each unique person and community.
June 2024
Interest Area(s)
Cell and Molecular Biology
Categories
West Michigan
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