Michael Kareta, PhD is an Associate Scientist at Sanford Research, and an Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. His laboratory is focused on the underlying mechanisms of tumor initiation, clonal evolution, and treatment resistance in cancer. They utilize genetically engineered mouse models and ex vivo models of tumors including cell lines and organoid culture combined with large-scale genomic data and single cell technologies to investigate these fascinating cancer mechanisms. It is their goal that by understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying many devasting cancers, including small cell lung cancer, that they can drive new therapeutic options and improve the outlook for patients. As an educator, Dr. Kareta is also heavily invested in the training of future scientists who will continue to drive innovative research and improve healthcare for the future.