Michelle’s research focuses on the social and behavioral factors that shape health across the life course. Her work has examined stigma and discrimination, relationships and social connection, resilience and protective environments, sexuality and gender, and access to services, with applications across adolescent health, mental health, HIV and sexual health, violence prevention, and healthy aging. A unifying theme of her work is understanding how social contexts generate risk and protection for individuals and communities and translating that evidence into action to improve health and well-being.

Michelle applies expertise in mixed-methods research, including survey and observational research, qualitative inquiry, program evaluation, implementation science, and research translation, to help organizations address complex health and social challenges. At NORC, she has designed and directed mixed-methods research on barriers to hate crime reporting for the National Institute of Justice, leads an implementation science evaluation of HIV interventions in partnership with the University of Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, and directs evaluation and technical assistance for the AstraZeneca Foundation’s CHANGE program. Across these initiatives, she collaborates with funders, academic partners, and community members to design research and generate evidence that informs programs, policy, and practice.

Prior to joining NORC, Michelle served as a scientist in CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health, where she led the development and dissemination of evidence-based resources and technical assistance that supported school districts in fostering safe and supportive environments for youth nationwide. She also evaluated federally funded school health programs and advised national research initiatives, including NIH’s Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, on the measurement of sexuality and gender. Earlier in her career, she conducted research at the CDC Foundation, the University of Michigan, and Howard Brown Health.

Michelle has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and regularly translates research into tools, resources, and strategies that support action. She values collaborative partnerships and community-engaged approaches that ensure research reflects lived experience and strengthens its real-world relevance.