Rate My Professor Nancy Michael

Nancy Michael is the Rev. John A. Zahm, C.S.C. Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, a key figure in the university's Biology faculty. She has served as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Neuroscience and Behavior major in the College of Science since December 2014, with concurrent appointments in the Psychology Department, Institute for Social Concerns, and faculty fellowships at the Kaneb Center for Teaching Excellence, Institute for Educational Initiatives, and Center for Broader Impacts. Dr. Michael earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Minnesota in 2012 and her B.S. in Biomedical Science from Western Michigan University in 2001. After her doctorate, she conducted postdoctoral research at Michigan State University from 2012 to 2014. She joined Notre Dame in 2014 as Assistant Teaching Professor, was promoted to Associate Teaching Professor in 2020, and to Teaching Professor in 2024. Earlier roles include Neuropsychology Research Assistant at the University of Michigan (2007-2008), Molecular Imaging Sales Executive at Eastman Kodak Corporation (2005-2007), and research positions at Wayne State University Medical School and Van Andel Institute.

Dr. Michael's research specializations include behavioral neuroscience, experiential plasticity, and neuroendocrinology. Her doctoral studies focused on behavioral neuroendocrinology and experience-dependent plasticity, complemented by postdoctoral work on adolescent development. Presently, she collaborates with community organizations to implement NEAR science approaches—encompassing neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences, and resilience—for developing trauma-informed strategies, population-specific interventions, and professional development for educators, youth workers, mental health professionals, and community health workers. She has received prestigious awards such as the Society for Neuroscience Next Generation Award (2020), Kaneb Center for Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow (2020-2021), Dockweiler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising (2020), Michiana Forty Under 40 (2018), Frank O'Malley Undergraduate Teaching Award (2018), and Arthur Quigley Award (2017). Key publications include Stevens A, Radvansky GA, Michael NA, "Long-Term Learning Gains in Students Using Community Based Learning" (in press); Mohr MA, Staffend-Michael N, et al., "Sex differences in proliferation and attrition of pubertally born cells in the rat posterior dorsal medial amygdala" (Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, epub 2022); Hollender M, Michael NA, "Short-Term Brain-Based Growth Mindset Pilot Intervention Indicates Potential of Diversion Programs for Early Offenders in the Juvenile Justice System" (International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 2023); and Michael NA, Chan-Deveare V, "Learning to Serve: A Neuroscience-informed Scaffold to Developing Students as Community Leaders" (chapter, in press). Her scholarship bridges neuroscience education, community engagement, and public wellness.