Michel Research Group
Who we are...
The Michel Research Group was established at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 2009. The Principal Investigator, Dr. Lea Vacca Michel, is a Professor in the School of Chemistry and Materials Science and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the College of Science. Dr. Michel is a biophysicist by training and currently works in the fields of protein biochemistry and structural biology. Since 2009, the Michel Group has had over 100 research students (undergraduate and MS). Dr. Michel recruits and inspires a diverse group of research students, and she works hard to create an inclusive research environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Principal Investigator:
Lea Vacca Michel
Professor
Rochester Institute of Technology
Office: Gosnell 3284
Lab: Gosnell 3167
NEWS FROM THE MICHEL RESEARCH GROUP
2023 Michel Research Student Graduates
Congratulations, Anna (the COS and RIT undergraduate commencement speaker), Isabelle, Natalie, Yasmeen, Jamie, Nico, Danny, Ulysses, Alyssa, and Aoife! So proud of our Michel research group members who just graduated from RIT! From med school to PhD programs at Brown and Duke to Master's programs to scientist positions at Moderna- our graduates are off to do AMAZING THINGS!
The Michel Group at ASBMB 2023
The Michel Lab and RIT was well represented at the national ASBMB meeting in Seattle (March 2023).
Adam Rutherford
Visits RIT
In March 2023, Lea had the pleasure of hosting Adam Rutherford, Geneticist and Author of How to Argue with a Racist and other amazing books, for an Inclusive Excellence seminar at RIT.
Rochester Prep High School students do research in the Michel Lab
Aidan Miller and Dr. Michel had the pleasure of hosting 3 amazing Senior Capstone students from Rochester Prep High School over winter break. These talented young women are going places!
Isabelle wins an undergraduate research grant from the Rochester Academy of Science
Dr. Lea Michel is named the first RIT College-level Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Dr. Michel wins the 2022 ASBMB Early Career Leadership Award
Lea Michel was named the winner of the 2022 ASBMB Early-Career Leadership Award! The award was established by the ASBMB Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee to recognize individuals with a strong commitment to advancing the careers of women in biochemistry and molecular biology along with demonstrated excellence in research, discovery, and/or service. Lea will receive her award at the national ASBMB meeting in April in Philadelphia. (ASBMB Today article)
Natalie earns a Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship
Congratulations to our very own Natalie Labbe for earning a Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship for Undergraduates Award from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology!
https://www.rit.edu/news/student-receives-national-scholarship
Tyler wins a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Germany
Congratulations to Tyler Pugeda for being selected for a prestigious Fulbright fellowship to study human brains afflicted with Alzheimer's disease in Germany.
Michel Group Alumna, Katharine Umphred-Wilson ('17), is not only a talented scientist (PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Case Western University), but also a very talented artist. She made Dr. Michel's vision come true when she created this beautiful drawing for the Michel Lab 2020 Graduates.
10 Year Michel Group Reunion in 2019
Current and former members of the Michel Group met at Macgregor's near RIT to celebrate 10 years since the start of the Michel Lab!
