TKA Grad Using Genetic Science To Find Cancer Cures

Dr. Mitch Machiela, a 2001 graduate of the King’s Academy, is using genetic science to seek out cures for cancer.

Machiela works as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute in the Laboratory of Genetic Susceptibility studying how genome variation affects cancer risk. He analyzes people who do not have cancer versus a group that has a specific form of cancer. This research has doctors realizing the potential outcomes of genetic variation associated with either cancer-risk patients or developed cancer patients.

Since finishing his undergraduate studies at Calvin College, Machiela has released 26 publications and anticipates releasing more before wrapping up his fellowship. He holds a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Michigan and a doctor of science degree from the Harvard University School of Public Health.

“I’m hopeful that a lot of this research will lead to some type of targeted prevention for people who are at high risk,” Machiela said in a Calvin College article. “We are certainly making progress on personalized medicine and personalized oncology for cancers.”

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students. For more info., visit www.tka.net.

ABOVE: Dr. Mitch Machiela