Michael is originally from Carmel, Indiana, and grew up with a variety of pets including fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, and dogs. From an early age, she knew she wanted to become a medical doctor—she just wasn’t sure what kind. Her godfather, a veterinarian, played a major role in shaping her path. Through many conversations and time spent observing his work, she realized that veterinary medicine was the perfect fit.
As a child, she also had the opportunity to work with her godfather during his time as an executive at Elanco, where she was introduced to the pharmaceutical side of animal health.
Michael’s hands-on experience with animals began during her undergraduate years at Purdue University. She worked as an animal care technician before transitioning into research with the USDA, focusing on pigs, chickens, and other livestock. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, she returned home and worked at a local animal clinic.
She graduated from Purdue in 2022 and continued there for veterinary school. Her diverse experiences include an internship at the Smithsonian National Zoo and a summer working with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she gained experience with aquatic animals such as sea turtles and dolphins.
During this externship, Michael is excited to deepen her understanding of the clinical side of veterinary medicine.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cycling, ballet, reading, and practicing yoga.
