Lea Vacca Michel, Ph.D.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Lea Vacca Michel, Ph.D., is a professor in the School of Chemistry and Materials Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). In 2022, she was named the first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for RIT’s College of Science. Michel is a biophysicist by training and currently works in the fields of protein biochemistry and structural biology. Since 2009, the has had over 100 research students (undergraduate and M.S.). Michel recruits and inspires a diverse group of research students, and she works hard to create an inclusive research environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.