Michelle started off her journey in higher education with a simple goal, to ‘figure out how the brain worked’. An undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology in the School of Biological Sciences at University of Sussex was an ideal way to begin. Following this, Michelle worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Nottingham. However, it was upon returning to the University of Sussex for her MRC funded PhD that Michelle cemented her interest in the aetiology of obesity. Specifically, investigating psychopharmacological influences on eating behaviour. Following the award of her PhD, Michelle pursued her interest in behavioural neuroscience at the prestigious Medical College of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. She then returned to the U.K. and, as Co-Investigator, undertook two highly successful BBSRC projects at the University of Sussex.
In 2003, Michelle began her time at Swansea University, accepting the position of Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology. Whilst at Swansea, Michelle has followed a number of very fruitful lines of research enquiry. For example, investigating the importance of early infant feeding and the role of impulsivity on eating behaviour.
Michelle is passionate about the growth of appetite research at Swansea. She is a founding member of the Swansea Nutrition, Appetite and Cognition (SNAC) group which comprises four faculty, a research officer, seven PhD students and attracts numerous MSc and BSc project students.
Michelle is an official mentor to a number of lucky faculty members and an unofficial mentor to a great many more. This includes our wonderful students who know they will always find a friendly ear and pragmatic advice from Michelle.
Within the wider University community, Michelle is well known for her involvement in the public engagement event ‘Soapbox Science’ which promotes ‘women scientists and the science they do!’