About Us
Honors Faculty Michael Cross
Entrepreneurship | Technology | Innovation
Dr. Michael Cross is passionate about bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world impact. As an educator, technologist, and intrapreneur, he works to translate advances in the lab into practical solutions — whether through products, services, or policies that benefit communities.
He earned his PhD in applied physics from the University of South Florida in 2016 and a B.S. in computer science from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2005. His interdisciplinary background allows him to explore research, innovation, and education from multiple perspectives.
Teaching & Research
Dr. Cross' teaching approach focuses on engaging students in the philosophy and practice of research. He has designed courses that make scientific discovery accessible to a broad audience and has augmented physics lectures and labs to enhance student engagement. His research centers on interdisciplinary collaborations in 3D bioprinting and biomaterials for rapid cell release, with several peer-reviewed publications to his name.
At the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Dr. Cross teaches courses such as:
- Natural Sciences: Interdisciplinary Research in Science
- Innovative Thinking
Industry & Mentorship
Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Cross spent over a decade in e-commerce, working with Fortune 500 companies in financial and retail services. He led cross-functional teams, managed corporate projects, and developed business strategies for technology integration.
His dedication to mentoring and innovation has earned him numerous honors, including:
- Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to Doctorate (2010)
- USF Provost's Award for Outstanding Teaching by a Teaching Assistant in STEM (2014)
- McKnight Dissertation Fellowship (2015)
- NSF National Innovation Corps Grant (2015)
Dr. Cross is committed to empowering students to think critically, work together to solve complex problems, and explore innovative solutions in science and technology.
Contact Dr. Michael Cross.