An Artistic Foundation
Mike’s journey began at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in metalworking and immersed himself in sculpture and metals. His creativity soon found a stage: an early exhibit at Washburn University got him started doing outdoor sculpture shows across the Midwest. After college, Mike worked for a welding manufacturer, but his artistic pursuits continued to flourish — spending over a decade creating sculptures that eventually drew attention beyond the traditional gallery scene.
The Leap into Medical Prototyping
That attention led Mike to M.C. Ginsburg, a downtown Iowa City jewelry store specializing in custom jewelry and advanced design and manufacturing. There, he discovered that the same principles he used in sculpture—understanding materials, physics, and how things fit together—translate into medical prototyping. Under the mentorship of his colleague Bounnak Thammavong, an accomplished sculptor and metals expert, Mike honed his skills in mechanical design and medical prototyping. This synergy of art and engineering became the bedrock of his future work.
Joining Protostudios
In February 2023, Mike brought his unique blend of artistic ingenuity and technical expertise to Protostudios. As a Prototype Engineer, he collaborates directly with clients to transform concepts into tangible devices. Mike's artistic background has proven invaluable in his role, enabling him to approach complex problems with a creative mindset. One of his notable projects includes designing a calibration phantom for MRI machines, an endeavor that required extensive research into materials and fabrication techniques to achieve optimal outcomes.
The Art of Problem-Solving
Mike’s approach to engineering challenges is deeply rooted in his fine arts education. Sculpting taught him to respect gravity, anticipate stress points, and experiment with materials – skills that translate seamlessly into designing complex medical devices. Collaboration is key: Mike regularly works with Protostudios’ staff and engineering student employees to ensure each project benefits from diverse perspectives.
Life Beyond the Lab
In his free time, Mike continues to explore his artistic side at home with 3d printing and creating small sculptures, he also collaborates with his kids on their interests like DND Minis — encouraging a new generation to see the possibilities that arise when art meets science.
A Lasting Impact
Standing at the intersection of art and medical innovation, Mike exemplifies how an artist’s mindset can fundamentally reshape our approach to complex challenges. By championing creativity and collaboration with Protostudios’ staff and student employees, Mike inspires colleagues and clients alike to reimagine what’s possible. This dedication to both craft and community caught the eye of the University of Iowa’s Pomerantz Career Center, which honored Mike with a 2024 Career Impact Award in recognition of his continued contributions.
Mike’s blend of artistic and technical expertise continues to make him an indispensable part of the Protostudios team. His passion for innovation and problem-solving not only drives his own success but also inspires others to explore the possibilities where art and STEM meet – turning today’s ideas into tomorrow’s reality.