Michael Rist

About Michael Rist

I am recent Immunology PhD graduate with prior biotech start-up experience. Passionate about inclusive and collaborative work to improve human health. Decided to pursue a PhD in Immunology to build a scientific foundation that can be applied to therapeutic discovery. During this program, I have been able to gain expertise in immunology, retrovirology and cancer biology by leading research projects understanding the role of lentivirus (HIV) integration in T cell and B cell growth and survival. This work has allowed me to continue my interest in cell and gene therapy that developed as an early scientific team member of a Flagship Pioneering start-up that was acquired by Sana Biotechnology. In addition to research, I am a team-oriented leader working to improve inclusive culture through advocacy, DEI programming and social event planning. While at Tufts GSBS, I have hosted gender inclusion training, planned pride month events, advocated for stipend increases, created culture climate surveys, organized educational movie screenings, and more as the president of both Graduate Student Council and Tufts Biomedical Queer Alliance.

Experience

1. Postdoctoral Scholar

   Tufts University School Of Medicine

   Nov 2025 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Continuation of my doctoral reasearch

Education

• Tufts University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Immunology

  2019 — 2024

• Wheaton College Massachusetts

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Biochemistry

  2010 — 2014

Skills

• Pcr
• Rapid Hiv Testing
• Transfection
• Enzyme Assays
• Viral Vectors
• Dna Extraction
• Laboratory
• Bacterial Transformation
• Biochemistry
• Uv/Vis
• Assay Development
• Pbmc Isolation
• Bacterial Culture
• Enzyme Kinetics
• Restriction Enzymes
• Chemistry
• Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
• Cell Culture
• Neutralization Assay
• Dna Ligation
• Titration