Michelle supports the Arboretum’s mission by promoting healthy, long-lived urban trees. She is devoted to disseminating peer-reviewed scientific research aimed at improving tree and soil health in urban environments.
Michelle’s initial years at the Arboretum were spent in Bryant Scharenbroch’s lab, studying urban street trees growing in less than optimal conditions. Street trees have to overcome many obstacles, and studying them helped Michelle develop models aimed at guiding the tree care industry to improve tree selection and site conditions to advance urban tree health.
Michelle’s current research, as part of Meghan Midgley’s lab, focuses on biogeochemical cycling in urban natural areas. She is interested in studying the impacts of anthropogenic changes on urban forests and providing data to guide the tree care industry to promote healthy, long-lived street trees.
Michelle delivers scientific research aimed at inspiring the green industry to effectively integrate these science-based solutions into their work routines. She also manages data collection and contributes to future installations for the Arboretum’s Gateway to Tree Science.
