The Presidential Fellowship is the most prestigious award given by the Graduate School to recognize the outstanding scholarly accomplishments and potential of graduate students entering the final phase of their dissertation research or terminal degree project.

Michelle's PhD dissertation is titled "Supporting native bee health through investments in urban greening and community-engaged research". Her research focuses on how urban conservation efforts can strike the balance between supporting the needs of insects and people. Michelle has worked with ecologists, social scientists, and landscape architects to investigate how front yard pollinator gardens can benefit bee and human well-being. She has also conducted research on urban rain gardens planted in vacant land, examining how these green spaces intended for stormwater management can also benefit bee reproduction, foraging, and diversity. In 2024, Michelle participated in a 6-month internship at the UK Center for Ecology and Hydrology, collaborating with renowned ecologists and community scientists to conduct a literature review of community science programs monitoring urban biodiversity. During this time, she also developed outreach programs for her research based in Cleveland. Michelle has presented her work to the Entomological Society of America, Society for Conservation Biology, and the British Ecological Society. Looking ahead, she plans to apply for postdoctoral fellowships to continue exploring codesigned research projects that benefit people and wildlife.

Watch Michelle's research video >>