Michelle Woolridge

Michelle Woolridge is a 2026-2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Kansas, Department of Molecular Biosciences. She earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences, B.A. in Romance Languages with an Emphasis in Spanish, and a Minor in Latin American Studies from the University of Missouri in 2025. While at Mizzou, Michelle’s research focused on investigating how mutations on the gene IGHMBP2 alter disease development in mouse models of Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress Type I (SMARD1). Her scientific interests include virology, infectious diseases, and immunology. Her future aspirations include becoming a Research Scientist in a government or industry laboratory to work in vaccine development for emerging infectious diseases, while also mentoring the next generation of scientists. Eventually, she plans to transition into science policy, drawing from her experience at the bench to work as a scientific liaison to legislators.

Mentor: David Davido, Ph.D., Molecular Biosciences Director of Graduate Studies