Michelle Rafacz
TEDxColumbiaCollegeChicago
Dr. Michelle Rafacz is an Assistant Professor of Biology in the Science and Mathematics Department at Columbia College Chicago. She received her B.S. in Biology from Knox College, M.S. in Biology from Loyola University Chicago, and received NSF Graduate Research funding to complete her Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Chicago. For over a decade, she has worked at the Lincoln Park Zoo as a post-doc researcher and then as an Adjunct Scientist in the zoo’s Conservation & Science Department where she studies behavioral endocrinology to aid wildlife conservation. Dr. Rafacz’s current research focuses on the role of hormones and behavior in reproduction, mate choice, and stress in endangered species. She is also interested in bio-mimicry and the intersection of art and science. At Columbia College, Michelle currently teaches Honors Evolution of Sex, Animal Behavior, Introductory Biology, and Environmental Science.
As a professor at Columbia, Michelle brings science to students who may believe they are not good at mathematics or science. It’s a common assumption that students that flourish in the arts are not as strong in the scientific fields, but Michelle’s classes help to eliminate those negative assumptions and help any student find interest. Her classes stretch from common classes like Biology to unique courses, including Honors Evolution of Sex, giving students the opportunity to reset their thinking on how two seemingly different subjects, art and science, can converge.
- Jordan Raso