Currently, he is a research scientist studying viral and other ophthalmologic microbial pathogens in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
GRETNA, NE, August 21, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael Patrick Dempsey, MLS(ASCP), Ph.D. has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Having accrued 35 years of expertise in his field, Dr. Dempsey is recognized as a reputable researcher, scientist and military veteran. Currently, he is a research scientist studying viral and other ophthalmologic microbial pathogens in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Most recent previous positions include Research Laboratory Manager at the Lynch Comprehensive Cancer Research Center at Creighton University School of Medicine, Laboratory and Technical Supervisor for LabCorp, and Program Manager of Medical Diagnostics for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Dr. Dempsey earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1985 and continued his studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he attained a Master of Science in Pathology and Microbiology, studying HIV and AIDS, in 1993. In 2006, he received a Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Microbiology/Biodefense, contributing to groundbreaking research on Francisella tularensis, a bioterrorism agent. He has presented his numerous academic and biotech-industry research accomplishments through professional oral presentations and publications in the scientific literature. Dr. Dempsey also holds a Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology as well as Level I and II Certification in Science and Technology Management from the Defense Acquisition University. He is also a long-term member of the American Society of Microbilogy.
In order to be able to attend college, Dr. Dempsey enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard as a combat medic. He was introduced to laboratory work while serving in the National Guard, and subsequently transferred to the local United States Army Reserve Field Hospital as its laboratory noncommissioned officer in charge and earned the rank of staff sergeant. This transition plus his fascination with immunology further stirred his interest in the pathology and biomedical sciences laboratory career field. After his wife encouraged him to pursue an active-duty opportunity, he was commissioned as a first lieutenant into the U.S. Air Force in 1993, intending to serve only four years as an Air Force biomedical scientist and supervisory medical technologist. That initial assignment was such a positive experience that he invested a total of 25 years fortifying his military laboratory profession, focusing on leadership, administration, science and technology research and development, and program management. He retired from active duty in 2018 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his 38-year military career, Dr. Dempsey received an Army Achievement Medal, six Air Force Achievement Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, a NATO Meritorious Service Medal and multiple Joint Service Achievement Medals and Joint Service Commendation Medals.
During his Air Force tenure, due to his specialization in molecular and microbial sciences, he was recruited to take part in research and development, integrating cutting edge molecular technology into a battlefield-ready ruggedized molecular diagnostics platform and assays, and optimizing the platform and assays for bioterrorism pathogens. He subsequently integrated the platform and assays, assembled the facility/shelter footprint requirements, established the logistical supply chain, and built the manpower requirements. These combined achievements culminated into a new Air Force Unit, the Biological Augmentation Team (BAT). A notable accomplishment as a captain, he further demonstrated the BAT's capabilities by deploying with the first BAT to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain where he successfully proved the concept and field-worthiness of the BAT. These successes resulted in the replication of Captain Dempsey's pilot-BAT into 52 additional BATs Air-Force wide.
He subsequently served at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) as Chief of Experimental Molecular Biology. Selected to join the Microbiology Division, he managed the logistical requirements for the 52 other Air Force BATs, ensuring the units were properly trained, proficient and fully supplied and operationally capable. While at the AFIP, during the post-9/11 anthrax terror attacks on the National Capitol region, Captain Dempsey was solicited to the White House to demonstrate the BAT for its proven speed and accuracy as an anthrax bio-detection countermeasure; he received written accolades from the President's chief physician and medical staff for his professionalism and subject matter expertise. Subsequent assignments included the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences as a flight commander; a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012 as the Deputy Director of the Joint Casualty Combat Research Team where he oversaw all clinical physical and mental/cognitive health research efforts within the Afghanistan and Kuwait Theater of Operations. Additionally, while assigned to the Air Force Medical Support Agency (AFMSA), Dr. Dempsey led the Medical Innovations Program where he co-led the development of a secure digital biobank for data that other researchers within the U.S. Department of Defense can securely access and utilize for data sharing and collaboration. Within this program, he was part of the executive steering committee overseeing the first-ever Air Force-sponsored personalized/genomic medicine initiative to improve service members' clinical care and health outcomes through state-of-the-art predictive genomic analysis and personalized health and lifestyle risk management.
In addition to his primary career track, Dr. Dempsey is a founding member, chief scientific officer and board member of BioSolutions Corporation, a company that will serve federal government and medical/biotech industry research initiatives. He is also a member of the American Legion and a supporter of his local church's ministry programs and charities and is a foundational member of its re:generation program to support Sarpy County and parts of Omaha, including provision of resources focused on meeting the growing demands for economic, spiritual, and mental and emotional health advocacy. A man of strong Christian faith, he is currently enrolled in a pilot one-year course to obtain the credentials needed to qualify as a coach and mentor for re:generation. Dr. Dempsey also enjoys spending time with his wife, Kimberly, and his two children, Kathleen and Logan and their respective families, including his four grandsons, Felix, Aiden, Kieran, and Cooper. In his spare time, he plays guitar and bass, and serves on his church worship team. While his numerous and significant accomplishments in the biological sciences represent a major career capstone, it is also a primary passion and hobby. Dr. Dempsey's other hobbies have consisted of photography and scuba diving, and he is an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers college football and the New England Patriots pro football teams, and the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals Major League Baseball teams.
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