Indiana Biosciences Research Institute Names Next Research Fellow, Director of New Single Cell Bioanalytics Core Laboratory

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 31, 2016 -- The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) today announced Michael Pugia, Ph.D., as a Research Fellow and Director of the new Bioanalytics Core Laboratory.  Pugia comes to the IBRI following a successful 30-year career in the biomedical in-vitro diagnostic industry. There he contributed to more than 20 new product launches for Bayer and Siemens and spent 15 years as a director of research and development working on next generation analytical and diagnostic technologies in collaboration with leading institutions and companies.  His primary research interest is the development of single-cell bioanalytical technology for proteomic biomarkers discovery in the fields of endocrinology and oncology.

“Creating new capabilities that enable IBRI researchers and others to do unique research is a key focus for us,” said David Broecker, President and CEO of the IBRI.  “Establishing the new single-cell, bioanalytics core laboratory will provide researchers with tools to isolate individual cells for evaluation under a variety of different biological conditions to identify new targets for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics.”

“The technology goal for the new core laboratory is to combine pioneering microfluidics methods and systems for single cell isolation alongside next generation mass spectrometry and immune and molecular assays,” said Pugia.  “Joining the IBRI will enable me to create something that is extremely novel, building off my experiences and research interests. In my early discussions with other IBRI researchers and corporate stakeholders, I have found tremendous support for my plans and ideas in establishing these capabilities.” 

In 2009 Pugia was awarded the Siemens Inventor of the Year for his work on a miniaturized “lab-on-a-chip” diagnostic tool. He also was recognized with 9 Bayer Science and Technology Awards including the Outstanding Bayer Technology Award, the Bayer Corp Quality Excellence Award, and the Near Patient Testing Segment, General Manager Award for Exceptional Leadership. The American Association of Chemistry honored him as the Samuel Natelson Senior Investigator in recognition of outstanding service for the advancement of clinical chemistry, and as the winner of the 1^st Annual AI Free Memorial Lectureship.

Pugia holds 367 U.S. and foreign patents and has 72 pending patents, and has 55 manuscripts, 13 book chapters and hundreds of conference papers and lectures in a wide variety of chemistry disciplines to his name. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Texas Tech University and his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Clarkson University. While working in industry, he has held adjunct positions as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Notre Dame and as a Clinical Research Professor at the University of Louisville Medical School.

Zane Baird will join Pugia’s lab as Staff Scientist. He graduated from Purdue University in 2016 with a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Southern Utah University.

About Indiana Biosciences Research Institute

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is an independent, nonprofit discovery science and applied research institute focused on innovation targeting cardio-metabolic diseases, diabetes and poor nutrition. Inspired by the state and Indiana’s leading life sciences companies, research universities and philanthropic community, the IBRI is building a world-class organization of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs that will catalyze scientific discovery and its application, resulting in improved health outcomes for patients. For more information about IBRI and donation or collaboration opportunities, please visit www.indianabiosciences.org.

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