Dr. Michelle Nemec

Education:

BS, Texas A&M University, Biology
PhD, Baylor University, Biology (emphasis Molecular & Environmental Microbiology)

Biography:

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University in College Station, where my interest in laboratory research first took shape. As an undergraduate, I spent a year studying neuroregeneration in the albino pond snail Helisoma trivolvis, an experience that solidified my passion for hands-on scientific discovery.

I went on to complete my Ph.D. at Baylor University as a microbiologist, focusing on protozoal and bacterial pathogens in environmental waters. Much of my research centered on studying these organisms on a molecular level, particularly characterizing their DNA. Through this work, I gained experience with a wide range of techniques, including PCR/QPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, human cell culture, and bioinformatics.

In my current role as Director of the Molecular Biosciences Center (MBC), I have the opportunity to continue to expand my knowledge of molecular techniques and learn more about new technologies every day in this ever expanding and advancing scientific world. I am particularly drawn to the one-on-one collaborations that core facilities like the MBC make possible. My primary goal as Director is to support your research—whether through instrumentation access, consultation, training, or problem-solving. 

Additionally, because my own passion for research began as an undergraduate, I am especially committed to fostering that same curiosity and confidence in students early in their academic careers. In addition to supporting faculty and principal investigators across Baylor University, the MBC also serves as an important research entry point for undergraduate students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience with such a wide variety of state-of-the-art instrumentation. I am excited to help facilitate impactful research across campus and to support our next generation of scientists.