Dr. Michael Sutherland received his PhD from the University of Ottawa, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology in 2003. Since then, Michael has been working with Dr Ed Pryzdial as a Research Associate with Canadian Blood Services at the UBC Center for Blood Research. The focus of Michael’s research is the modulation of haemostasis by two enveloped viruses; herpes simplex type 1 (HSV1) and dengue virus (DENV). The use of HSV1 has lead to identification of novel pathways to initiate coagulation directly on the virus surface. This activation is facilitated by both normal blood proteins and proteins encoded by the virus genome. Ultimately, these pathways may enhance the susceptibility of host cells to infection and contribute to the risk of vascular pathology. Studies with DENV have revealed that DENV can bind and infect platelets with the eventual production of infectious DENV progeny. This provides a possible additional mechanism for the thrombocytopenia that is often seen clinically with DENV infection. Identification of DENV replication within blood cells also have broader implications of other clinically important RNA viruses.

In addition to many scientific endeavours, Dr. Sutherland is involved in medical education and currently holds an Adjunct Professor appointment with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Within the UBC Faculty of Medicine, he’s involved in delivery of both the Bachelor of Medical and Laboratory Sciences (BMLSc) and medical undergraduate (MDUP) programs. Working within a variety of pedological styles has granted him a unique insight into several methods to convey scientific information. He has also recently been appointed as the Associate Director of the BMLSc program and is involved in education and curriculum development.