Professor Michael Black got his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford University School of Medicine. Following graduation, he worked as a Burroughs Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellow at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England, studying cell biology.

His current research focuses on using molecules to detect and track microbial transmission in the environment. Michael teaches introductory and advanced cell biology and microbiology lectures at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Dr. Black is the director of the Student Biotechnology Lab, where he works with undergraduate technicians to incorporate research projects and inquiry-based activities into undergraduate classes, in addition to his teaching and research interests.