Keith Childs

Keith Childs is a medical specialist and research biologist with more than two decades of experience advancing medical research in cardiology and genetic engineering. His career began at the University of Michigan, where he worked in an electrophysiology laboratory performing thoracotomies and assisting with the implantation of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs). Early in his career, he developed a strong foundation in surgical research and cardiovascular science, contributing to studies that bridged laboratory innovation with clinical practice.

He later joined Dr. Bolling’s thoracic laboratory at the University of Michigan, serving as lab manager for nine years. In this role, Keith supervised students and medical professionals while managing complex bypass pump operations using New Zealand white rabbit models to simulate cardiac bypass surgery. He developed an isolated heart model and trained researchers in specialized surgical and experimental techniques. His research focused on amino acid preloading and post-loading methods for heart preservation, contributing valuable findings that supported advancements in cardiac care and transplantation research.

Keith also played a significant role in genetic engineering through his work with the University of Michigan’s Transgenic Animal Model Core. There, he performed advanced procedures such as embryonic stem cell microinjections, pronuclear injections, and the development of knockout and knock-in mouse models. His work included producing genetically modified research animals, such as TPA mice used to study blood coagulation, helping laboratories explore complex genetic mechanisms and disease processes. After leaving the university, he continued this work in the private sector, creating transgenic mouse models for research institutions and applying his combined expertise in electrophysiology, surgical science, and molecular genetics to advance scientific discovery.

Keith earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Eastern Michigan University, where he complemented his academic studies with diverse professional experiences. His early work included internships with NOAA studying the Great Lakes, microbiology testing at Domino’s Pizza headquarters, and computer systems work at Northern Telecom, reflecting a multidisciplinary background spanning science and technology. Now retired in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Keith is exploring entrepreneurial opportunities focused on innovative, grant-funded medical research initiatives, aiming to continue contributing to scientific progress through decades of accumulated expertise.

• Eastern Michigan University - BS, Biology

I have written and published research papers during my time at the University of Michigan. While working with Dr. Kadish in the electrophysiology lab, I studied the heart, learned surgical techniques, and wrote papers on my findings. My research in Dr. Bolling's thoracic laboratory also resulted in publications, including studies on heart preservation using amino acids in isolated heart models. One example of our published work examined the benefits of amino acids on heart preservation by measuring pressure on the heart using balloon catheters in the left ventricle and comparing amino acid preloading and post-loading against control animals. My research contributed to understanding how myocytes in the heart operate and improved cardiac function in ways that were translatable to clinical studies.