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Michael Fino
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Faculty in Biological Sciences
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Biotechnology Program Coordinator
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Lead Instructor, Bioprocess Technology Program
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Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering, cum laude, University of California, San Diego
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Master of Engineering, Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego
I studied bioengineering at UCSD, a major that sits at the overlap between medicine, biology, and engineering. While an undergrad, I worked in an academic research lab and interned at a local biotech company. Upon graduation, I took a position as a bioprocess engineer in process development. I worked full-time while completing a Master's in bioengineering. My experience ranges from basic research through full-scale GMP production. To get a feel for this broad base of experience, I've included a list of projects where I served as either the lead engineer or project engineer and for which there was significant peer/management review:
- Intrinsic differences in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) fibroblast heat shock protein expression in response to mechanical stress (UCSD; K-L.P Sung Lab)
- Development of a biomechanical testing system for native and tissue-engineered vascular grafts (ATS; Cardiovascular Research)
- Policy and guidelines for product and process biocompatibility, especially as they relate to the use of plastic disposables (ATS; Corporate)
- Development of a novel tissue mechanics bioreactor, RAMBO (Regulated Arterial Mechanics Bioreactor with Organogenesis), for the dynamic culture of tissue-engineered vascular grafts (ATS; Cardiovascular Research)
- Development of semi-automated histomorphometric image analysis tool for tissue-engineered cartilage (ATS: Neocyte®)
- Development of a novel tissue-engineered cartilage thickness measuring device for dimensionally-labile constructs (ATS: Neocyte®)
- Development of a novel volumetric density measuring device for tissue-engineered cartilage (ATS: Neocyte®)
- Design and fabrication of complex bioreactors to study the effects of mechanical forces on cartilage tissue growth (ATS: Neocyte®)
- Validation of a GMP pilot plant for clinical production of tissue-engineered cartilage (ATS: Neocyte®)
- Development of a distributed alarm and monitoring system for roller bottle apparatus (ATS: Dermagraft®)
- Process equipment specification for GMP pilot plant production of human collagen (ATS; Collagen)
- Development and implementation of a semi-automated aseptic media exchange system, MiniMate, for the production of human collagen (ATS; Collagen)
- Development of a novel mechanics-based assay for the assessment of stability and shelf-life of a polymeric biomaterial, polyglactin 910 (SNWMLJ: Dermagraft®)
- A longitudinal, multivariate statistical analysis of Dermagraft® growth process parameters as predictors for final product quality and assay performance (SNWMLJ: Dermagraft®)
- Policy and procedures for the analysis of process and product risk (SNWMLJ; Corporate)
- Design and development of a physical framework for the large scale cryopreservation of Dermagraft® (SNWMLJ: Dermagraft®)
In August 2004, I left the company to start a new biotechnology program here at MiraCosta College. The courses I've taught include:
- BTEC101 - Basic solution and media preparation, 1 unit
- BTEC104 - Introduction to gel electrophoresis, 1 unit
- BTEC120 - Business and regulatory practices in biotechnology, 3 units
- BTEC180 - Biostatistics, 4 units
- BTEC220 - Bioprocessing, 4 units
I like to run, swim, and mountain bike. I spend most of my time away from work with my family.
Curriculum Vitae [top]
My CV is current as of spring 2006.
Gallery [top]
- 2006 Bio-Link Eighth Annual National Fellows Forum, Berkeley, CA. I delivered a workshop on Lessons in Biomanufacturing Quality and Regulation. The meeting brings together biotechnology faculty from around the country. Action shots:
- Mt. Whitney 2002, My first backpacking experience
