Michele Lemons

Michele Lemons is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. Her research focuses on neural circuit development, synaptic connectivity, and regenerative mechanisms in neurons.

Education:

• BS in Biology, College of William and Mary
• PhD in Neuroscience, University of Florida

Research Interests: Dr. Lemons investigates integrin signaling in neural development, synaptic specificity in C. elegans, and mechanisms governing axon regeneration after spinal cord injury. She also develops innovative neuroscience education strategies using experimental models like C. elegans and chick embryos to engage students in hands-on research.

Publications Overview: Her work spans over two decades, with recent focus on neuropeptide systems' role in adaptive behavior (2021) and phantom limb pain mechanisms (2021). Earlier work includes seminal studies on axon growth inhibition (2003) and integrin's role in regeneration (2008). Her publications frequently appear in journals like eLife, Journal of Neuroscience, and Experimental Neurology.

Teaching & Mentoring: Lemons emphasizes inquiry-based learning through student-driven experiments, including projects analyzing motor neuron connectivity and mystery cell line characterization. She has developed project-based curricula to enhance neuroanatomy comprehension and synapse study techniques.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates closely with labs studying C. elegans genetics (e.g., Francis/Alkema groups) and neural circuitry. Colocated with neurobiology researchers like Gabriella Boulting and Kensuke Futai at UMass Chan Medical School.