Michelle C. Lee

Michelle C. Lee is the Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Professor in the Department of French, Francophone, and Italian Studies at Wellesley College. Her academic journey began with a B.A. and M.A. from the University of California-Santa Cruz, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of California-Los Angeles.

• Research focuses on intersections of 19th-century French literature with postcolonial theory and modern continental philosophy
• Explores travel writing, photography, and Francophone Indian Ocean island literature
• Current book project examines cross-cultural encounters in French representational practices

Her teaching portfolio includes:

• FREN202: Developing language skills through analysis of cultural diversity and globalization
• Specialized seminars on 19th-century novels and global literary voyages

Scientific awards:

• Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Professorship

Lee previously taught at multiple Northeastern U.S. institutions before joining Wellesley College, where she actively engages students in critical discussions about cultural identity and global contexts through her research expertise.