Michel continues to lead efforts to make both the science classroom and research lab more inclusive for students of all backgrounds

Rochester, New York – In a world where science often seems reserved for a select few, Professor Lea Michel is working to make classrooms and labs more welcoming to everyone. A professor in the School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Michel has recently been honored with the 2025 Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching — a recognition that celebrates her commitment not just to education, but to inclusion and representation in STEM.

“Teaching has always been important to me, so to be recognized for teaching is really exciting,” Michel said after learning she had won the award.

Michel’s journey into science began in an all-girls high school in Rochester, where she was inspired by teachers who encouraged her and her peers to see themselves as future scientists and engineers. Guest speakers from STEM fields visited her school, showing students what a future in science could look like. That early exposure was transformative and planted the seeds of ambition.

She took those lessons to heart and went on to major in physics and mathematics at Colgate University. While studying abroad in Wales, a professor there — a neuroscientist — suggested she consider biophysics. That advice shifted the direction of her career. Michel applied to several Ph.D. programs, ultimately choosing the University of Rochester, where she focused on biophysics.

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It wasn’t long before her path took another turn. While working in a chemistry lab she loved, Michel had a chance to lead a large lecture when her adviser left town for a conference. The experience was nerve-wracking but exhilarating. Her performance caught the attention of a fellow professor, who told her afterward that she had a gift for teaching.

“Being in front of people, talking about science, it always felt very natural,” said Michel. “It was my favorite part of science. I wanted to be with students and become a professor.”

Now at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Michel is doing exactly that — and more. In addition to teaching and running her lab, she was appointed as the College of Science’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2022. It’s a role that suits her values and her vision for a better academic environment.

Michel’s advocacy for inclusivity is personal. As a physics major, she was one of the few women in a male-dominated department. She credits her success to the guidance of strong women mentors who helped her stay confident and focused. That experience fuels her efforts today.

“When I pick people to join my lab, I pick all different types of students because I know that research isn’t just about being smart,” said Michel. “It’s about perseverance and determination. You’ve got to really want to do the work, and that is reflected in the person themselves.”

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Her lab isn’t just a place for science — it’s a place where students from all backgrounds feel welcome and capable. Michel is intentional in creating an environment where everyone has a chance to thrive, regardless of what they look like or where they come from.

She’s also honest about the challenges of teaching. Like many professors, Michel didn’t receive formal training on how to teach. She had to figure it out along the way.

“None of us were taught to be professors,” said Michel. “Professors were taught to be scientists. It takes a lot of effort and practice. Just like we work at our science, we have to work at our teaching.”

That same dedication has made her a standout educator. She sees teaching as an evolving process, one that improves through experience, reflection, and a willingness to adapt. Whether she’s mentoring a student in the lab or leading a lecture hall, Michel brings passion, empathy, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in science.

Her impact is clear — not just in the accolades she receives, but in the lives she touches. For many students, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in STEM, Michel’s presence offers proof that they too belong in science.

By blending academic excellence with a strong sense of purpose, Michel is reshaping what it means to be a scientist and an educator. Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, she continues to open doors for the next generation — and she’s doing it one student at a time.