Dr. Brad L. Upham
2024 SIVB Fellow Award
Brad Upham receives the Fellow Award from IVACS Chair, Sarah Poytner
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of in vitro biology throughout his academic research career, his continuous engagement and dedication to SIVB members in all levels of their careers and the SIVB organization as a whole, Dr. Brad L. Upham was awarded with the 2024 SIVB Fellow Award.
Brad received his M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering and Toxicology from Michigan State University, after earning his PhD degree in the area of Plant Physiology/Biochemistry & Weed Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) & State University (SU). Prior to that, he earned his M.S. degree in Botany and Biochemistry and B.S. degree in Biology from the University of New Hampshire. Currently, he is Associate Professor at the Cancer and Stem Cell Research Program, Dept. of Pediatrics & Human Development, and the Center for Integrative Toxicology at Michigan State University (MSU), where he directs the Environmental Health Program, which involves basic and translational research together with community engagement projects. Additionally, as the Principle Investigator for the Research Translation Projects for the MSU Superfund Research Program Center, he has established relationships between the Center, government agencies, environmental advocacy and advisory groups, and the interested community. Prior to these roles, Brad served in multiple academic positions at MSU, Louisiana State University, USDA Conservation Research Lab and VPI & SU in Virginia.
Brad views his graduate experience as a fundamental stepping-stone that prepared him for a life-long career in oxidative stress, enzymology, determination of molecular events that underlie toxic mechanisms, development of in vitro approaches, and environmental biology. Brad’s research focuses on the use of in vitro mammalian cell model systems, including rodent and human stem cells, to reveal and target signaling pathways that regulate development, progression, and prevention in cancer and inflammation. Brad made significant contributions in the field of gap junctional intercellular communication and toxicology, and advancements in the field of oxidative stress. Thus far, he has been serving as a Faculty Advisor and research mentor for an incredible number of rising scientists; 62 undergraduate students, 27 graduate students, 7 postdoctoral researchers, and 16 international scholars. He authored 78 peer reviewed publications, 1 US Patent, 4 book chapters, and over 190 research abstracts. As an accomplished researcher, Brad secured multiple intramural and extramural grants, and received many scholarships, fellowships, and awards.
Brad has served in multiple leadership roles at MSU and outside organizations, including the SIVB. He is a member of many NIH Study sections, and an ad hoc reviewer of grant funding mechanisms across the US and internationally. He also serves as an Editorial Board member of the “Journal of Toxicology” and the “Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology,” as well as a reviewer for numerous journals, including the SIVB’s “In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Animal.” Throughout the years, Brad has held multiple and consecutive SIVB officer positions as IVACS Chair (2012-2014), IVACS Co-Chair-Program (2010-2012), IVACS Co-Chair-Fundraising (2014-2016), and IVACS Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors (2016-2020). He served as a co-convener of many plenary sessions and IVACS-specific sessions and workshops during the Society’s Annual Meetings. He presented numerous oral presentations and research posters, and since 2012 he continues to serve as a Judge in the IVACS Student Oral Presentation Competitions at the Society’s Annual Meetings.
Brad was elected as the Chair of the Education Committee (2022-2024), and he continues his successful and committed service in this role in the 2024-2026 term. His excitement and dedication for science and mentorship is highly engaging. This has drawn exemplary students to become active members of this Committee where, under his guidance, they have enthusiastically contributed using their budding expertise and fresh perspective. These students and post-docs have demonstrated an incredible commitment to the SIVB, which is in turn, a reflection of Brad’s steadfast commitment to their accomplishments and the success of our Society. Notably, Brad stands as an advocate for the students’ interests and welfare. It was through his resolute perseverance and confidence in the students’ accomplishments and development, that he was able to secure the 2024 travel awards for the IVACS and PBS Student Co-Chairs from the SIVB. Brad’s strong effort to enable students and junior scientists to pursue their scientific passions tightly aligns with the mission of the SIVB.
The SIVB awarded Dr. Brad Upham with a “President Award” and several “Distinguished Service Awards” for outstanding services to our organization. Two decades after joining our Society, and in light of his significant research, teaching, and service achievements, he was recognized with the 2024 SIVB Fellow Award.
Congratulations Brad!
