Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Michael Hoyt

Michael Hoyt, PhD (He/Him/His), is a Professor of Population Health & Disease Prevention and the Director of the Biobehavioral Shared Resource. Pride Month brings particular attention to Dr. Hoyt's work. His research includes a study on “Disparities in Health-Related Quality of Life Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Cancer Survivors."

1. What are your career/research interests? 

Broadly, my research is focused on understanding and improving individuals' adjustment to cancer. I study the biobehavioral processes associated with quality of life in those facing chronic illness. I conduct basic and clinical research to examine coping processes and other psychological factors associated with mental health, neuroendocrine and immune function, and adjustment to cancer.

2. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices? 

Growing up in upstate New York, I have always valued education and learning new things. I was the kid with my nose in a book. Being part of a university community is just where I belong.

3. What brought you to UCI?

I came to UCI because of the strength of its science and scientists. The Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center coupled with other research centers like the Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research and the new school of Public Health make it hard to think of a better place to do my research. I am proud to be part of UCI's growing focus on cancer survivorship research. 

4. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

One of the things that I love about UCI is that I get to work with faculty, staff, and students from all over the campus. Getting involved in campus initiatives, committees, and interdisciplinary science are great ways to get to know folks outside your own unit. I find if you just 'have a coffee' you can often find who are in your community!

5. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission? 

The Orange County Community motivates so much of my scientific thinking. OC is diverse, culturally rich, and yet in need of more research focus. As a non-native Californian, I attend as many community events as I can. I always want to learn more about 'how OC ticks'. It can be great fun but it can also inform the important scientific and clinical needs of our communities.

6. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey? 

From the outside research sometimes looks like it can be a linear and nicely progressive process. However, I tell my graduate students all the time that they have to get very comfortable with rejection. That is part of science.

7. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 

I am most proud of some of the recent research I am doing because I am leading larger scale clinical trials. Much of my career has been laying the foundation for the interventions I am now testing. Currently I am conducting behavioral intervention trials with young adult cancer survivors. Thinking that my research can positively impact real people's lives is why I am in this ... it drives me.

8. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

I love to travel! I have visited ten countries in the last year alone. Going to new places and immersing in new cultures is my restoration.

9. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

During the pandemic I took on the task of learning how to bake really yummy cakes with flavors I was not used to like matcha and pandan!

Have someone in mind for a spotlight? Nominate them today!