Davon Michael

Davon Michael

Biography

Davon Michael is an undergraduate bioengineering student (Class of 2027) at North Carolina A&T State University on the pre-medical track, with plans to pursue an MD or MD-PhD. His academic and research interests center on translational biomedical science at the intersection of engineering, human physiology, and disease, with a focus on cancer biology and space health.

As a North Carolina Space Grant Scholar, Davon investigates the effects of simulated microgravity on the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans, with implications for astronaut health during long-duration space missions. His current work focuses on culturing previously adapted bacterial clones in simulated microgravity and conducting whole-genome sequencing to identify genetic variations associated with microgravity-induced adaptation. This project builds upon prior population-level studies and aims to provide higher-resolution insights into microbial evolution under altered gravitational conditions, bridging microbiology, genomics, and aerospace medicine.

Davon also completed a summer research program at Brown University facilitated by the Leadership Alliance. There, he conducted research in neuro-oncology and cancer immunology. His project examined the effects of the STING agonist ADU-S100 on high-grade glioma cell lines, strengthening his understanding in translational cancer research and data analysis.

Beyond research, Davon is actively engaged in leadership and mentorship within the pre-medical community at NC A&T. He is the active president of EASP, an organization involved in providing early assurance to medical school for students. He has led workshops and discussions focused on academic planning, research involvement, and preparation for medical school, supporting peers in navigating competitive pathways. His long-term goal is to integrate clinical training with research innovation to develop impactful therapies and technologies that address unmet medical needs on Earth and in extreme environments.