Faculty & Staff
Michael Cross
Affiliate Professor
mcross5@usf.edu
Campus: Tampa
Room: ALN 241
Phone: 813-974-3328
At the intersection of academia and industry, Michael C. Cross is not just bridging gaps; he's building highways. As the visionary behind Nascence, an early-stage biotechnology venture, Cross is at the forefront of revolutionizing cell culture platforms. His work promises to transform sectors from medical diagnostics to industrial farming, showcasing the potential to redefine how we approach health and agriculture.
Cross's journey into innovation began in the high-stakes world of Fortune 100 companies, notably with USAA, where he honed his skills in strategic planning and technology adoption. This background in tech strategy has been pivotal in his current role at the 51在线 where he collaborates with world-class researchers to push the boundaries of what's possible in biotechnology.
Beyond the lab, Cross is committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators. As the former head of the Office of Undergraduate Research at USF, he transformed how students engage with research. His efforts have not only enriched the academic experience but also prepared students for real-world challenges through experiential learning.
Cross's leadership extends into the classroom at USF's Honors College, where he designs courses that delve into the philosophy, practice, and process of research, creativity, and innovation.
Cross earned a PhD in applied physics and a master's degree in entrepreneurship and applied technology from USF, and a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He received the LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate, USF Provost鈥檚 Award for Outstanding by a Teaching Assistant in STEM, McKnight Dissertation Fellowship, and the NSF National Innovation Corps grant.