Michelle joined the Tawfik Lab as a postdoctoral scholar in February 2024. She received her PhD in Neuroscience from UCSF in the lab of Dr. Kira Poskanzer, where she investigated input-response dynamics in cortical astrocytes. In the Tawfik lab, Michelle is interested in exploring the relationship between altered astrocyte physiology and sleep disturbances in chronic pain.

Outside of the lab, Michelle is passionate about science education and outreach. When not at the bench, Michelle spends her time running, cross-country skiing, doing yoga, trying to care for plants, and baking/cooking.