Michael Martinez

Mr. Michael Martinez is from Anchorage, Alaska. He is of Yup'ik and Otomi ethnicities, Alaska Native. Michael has research experience since 2014 ranging from cancer research with Dr. Martinson at the WWAMI School of Medical Education, applied microbiology research with Dr. Briggs at the University of Alaska Anchorage and kidney ceramide therapeutic research with Dr. Summers at the University of Utah. Michael has submitted the NSF PhD Research Grant proposal for bio-mining and plans for a PhD in Biological Sciences/Biochemistry to begin fall 2022.

Michael's main focus is developing microorganisms to bio-mine Rare Earth Elements from ores at circumneutral pH 5-8. Rare Earth Elements are vital for developing new technologies and are used in renewable energy devices due to their magnetic properties. Michael has been honored in Washington D.C to President Biden by Senator Sullivan for advancing this research. He recently presented current bio-mining findings at the National Academy of Inventors ,November 2021.

November 2021