About
Dr. Michael A. Schmidt is considered among the leaders in advancing the field of precision medicine for human spaceflight and translating those methods to high performance operations on Earth. He has also been instrumental in development of the field of omics in human spaceflight (genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, exposome, microbiome) and the application of those methods to extreme operating environments on Earth.
His work is focused on facilitating human performance in extreme operating environments using complex molecular analytics, multivariate modeling, artificial intelligence, countermeasure development, and the tools of team cohesion.
Dr. Schmidt is the founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of Sovaris Aerospace, based in Boulder, Colorado. His work covers a spectrum from NASA, the NFL, the NBA, US Olympic teams, Nike, SpaceX, Axiom Space, Corvette Racing, NASCAR, military Special Operations Forces, SWAT, the Naval Strike Fighter Training Program (TOPGUN), the Mayo Clinic, and others.
Speaking
Dr. Michael A. Schmidt is an engaging and eloquent public speaker who has given over 200 presentations to audiences in the US and across the globe. This ranges from corporate summits, to business conventions, to universities, to scientific meetings, to leadership gatherings, to remote 10-day retreats.
Research
Dr. Schmidt uses remote and challenging environments as analog research settings to explore novel forms of biomedical assessment and develop countermeasure strategies for those who work in high performance operations. These also serve as living performance environments where the goal is to enhance performance in live missions, operations, and sports.
The Science
Using the tools of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, and exposomics, we characterize the structure and function of molecular networks. We interpret these changes and describe the biological meaning related to the specific outcome objective. The objective may be human performance or development of a novel solution, using biotechnology. We identify gaps within molecular networks and find the optimal steps in the networks where intervention is deemed most appropriate. We are further working to automate this process by using artificial intelligence in development of digital twins, such as the cognitive digital twin and the Astronaut Digital Twin (ADT).
Author
Dr. Schmidt has authored many scientific papers in the field of medicine and human performance. A short list is provided below. In addition, he has two forthcoming books slated to be released in 2025.
Consulting
Dr. Schmidt is a highly respected consultant specializing in four key areas: individual and team consulting in human performance, where he enhances efficiency and effectiveness; molecular analytics and data-driven precision solutions, offering tailored strategies in both individual and team settings; biotechnology, where he applies his expertise to advance scientific and practical applications; and leadership, guiding the development of strong, visionary leaders. His multifaceted expertise makes him a valuable asset across these diverse yet interconnected domains, contributing significantly to each field’s growth and innovation.
Team Cohesion
Over a ten-year period, Dr. Schmidt trained in empathy-centered conflict resolution, mediation, and the principles of team cohesion under the late Dr. Marshall Rosenberg (through the Center for Non-Violent Communication). Dr. Rosenberg, PhD was the creator of Nonviolent Communication (also known as Compassionate Communication or NVC) training, which operates in over 60 countries. He was considered among the world’s innovators in developing collaborative systems and in preventing/resolving conflict in extreme and war-torn conflict zones, forged in regions such as Rwanda, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Congo, Iraq, and South Africa, as well as with organizations in need of dispute resolution.