Michaela is the Head of Public and Community Engagement with Research at Oxford’s MPLS Division, where she leads efforts to embed engagement as a core part of research culture. With over a decade of experience, she’s committed to making research more inclusive and impactful by connecting researchers and communities in meaningful ways.
Her career began during her PhD in Molecular Biology at the University of Sheffield, co-founding a science engagement charity, and she has since worked on national projects with science centres, designed public workshops, and now oversees initiatives like Oxford Sparks and Science Together.
As a Public Engagement with Research Fellow at Reuben College, Michaela works with students and fellows to turn engagement ideas into reality, creating spaces where research meets real-world issues. She provides training and support to researchers at all levels, helping them develop impactful engagement plans and secure funding, ensuring they are equipped to embed engagement into their own work.
Working alongside other PER/GLAM Fellows, Cat Vicente, Janet Stott, JC Niala, and Hattie Warburton, Michaela is passionate about fostering a collaborative culture of engagement that spans divisions and connects research with wider audiences.
Michaela is particularly committed to nurturing an inclusive research environment and is a trained Mental Health First Aider, advocating for an inclusive, supportive environment for all.
