As Chief Technology Officer at Cutera, Michael directs research and development activities ranging from early phase R&D all the way through product development. Previous to this role, Michael served as Vice President of Research and Development of Cutera from 2012 to 2015. Under his leadership, Cutera released multiple innovative platforms, as well as product line extensions including Enlighten (the world’s first dual wavelength, dual pulse duration picosecond aesthetic laser) and Excel HR.

In addition to starting his own company, Femtoblanc Inc., Michael has led various teams of engineers and scientists at a number of successful early to mid-stage companies, including LenSx (acquired by Alcon), Newport Corporation and Intralase Corporation (acquired by Advanced Medical Optics).

Michael graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from Indiana University, and completed his M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical and Material Physics at the University of California, Irvine. He is the named inventor in 10 U.S. patents and is the author of 17 publications in peer-reviewed journals.