An attorney and scientist with several decades of experience, Michael W. Sganga spent 15 years as an attorney with the Placer County Public Defender's Office. In addition to specializing in civil litigation and bankruptcy law, he appeared as a forensic science consultant in state and federal courts. Currently, Michael W. Sganga serves as an enforcement analyst with the California Architects Board.

Mr. Sganga holds a bachelor of science in microbiology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a law degree from the New College of California School of Law in San Francisco. Additionally, he earned a PhD in biology from Indiana University, where his thesis focused on the molecular genetics of photosynthesis. A member of professional organizations such as the American Society for Microbiology, he has published various articles on topics such as the molecular biology of drug addiction and bacterial photosynthesis.

Michael W. Sganga also received funding from the CA Tobacco-Related Disease Research Project and the Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction for a research project focused on the pharmacogenetics of addiction in the mammalian brain.