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Honors Faculty Michael Cross

Entrepreneurship | Biotechnology | Innovation

Dr. Michael C. Cross is a transformative educator and leader at the University of South Florida Judy Genshaft Honors College. His work inspires students to not only understand the world, but to change it. As a faculty member, he designs innovative courses that explore the philosophy, practice, and process of research, creativity, and innovation. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of equipping students with the tools for gainful employment, productive professional pursuits, and a pay-it-forward mentality, fostering a generation of impactful thinkers and doers.

Bridging Academia and Industry

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Cross’s commitment to academic excellence shines through his past role as head of the Office of Undergraduate Research at С»ÆѼÊÓƵ. There, he revolutionized how students engage with research, embedding it as a cornerstone of their educational journey from the very start. His efforts enriched the academic experience and provided students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for real-world challenges.

At С»ÆѼÊÓƵ, Dr. Cross also collaborates with world-class researchers to advance biotechnology, bridging academia and industry. As the visionary behind Nascence, an early-stage biotechnology venture, he is pioneering cell culture platforms with the potential to transform medical diagnostics and industrial farming. This work complements his academic mission, showcasing how research and innovation can redefine health and agriculture.

Teaching & Research

Dr. Cross' teaching approach focuses on engaging students in the philosophy and practice of research. He has designed courses that make scientific discovery accessible to a broad audience and has augmented physics lectures and labs to enhance student engagement. His research centers on interdisciplinary collaborations in 3D bioprinting and biomaterials for rapid cell release, with several peer-reviewed publications to his name.

At the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Dr. Cross teaches courses such as:

• Natural Sciences: Interdisciplinary Research in Science
• Innovative Thinking
• The Engaged Citizen - Real Science in the Real World 
• Advancing Your Future - Serve as a Consultant for a Better Tomorrow 

Honors and Recognition

Dr. Cross’s journey into education and innovation is informed by a robust background in technology and strategy. After graduating with his B.S. in computer science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, he went on to С»ÆѼÊÓƵ where he earned his M.S. in entrepreneurship and applied technology, and his PhD in applied physics.

His experience at Fortune 100 companies like USAA sharpened his skills in strategic planning and technology adoption — expertise he now applies at С»ÆѼÊÓƵ and in his entrepreneurial pursuits. Over the years, he has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including:

• The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to Doctorate (2010)
• С»ÆѼÊÓƵ Provost's Award for Outstanding Teaching by a Teaching Assistant in STEM (2014)
• McKnight Dissertation Fellowship (2015)
• NSF National Innovation Corps Grant (2015)

Through his teaching, leadership, and research, Dr. Cross is not just bridging gaps — he’s building highways for the next generation of innovators at С»ÆѼÊÓƵ’s Judy Genshaft Honors College.

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Contact Dr. Michael Cross.