Michelle Driscoll

MICHELLE DRISCOLL is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University, affiliated with the Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. She holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (2014). Her research focuses on soft condensed matter physics, particularly the study of disordered, nonlinear soft materials like gels, pastes, and suspensions. Her lab develops novel techniques to probe material dynamics through emergent structure formation and advanced imaging.

Education: PhD in Physics, University of Chicago (2014); Robert A. Millikan Fellowship (2010–2013).

Research interests include fluid dynamics, non-equilibrium systems, colloidal suspensions, and gel mechanics. Her work bridges soft matter physics and fluid dynamics, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Notable publications explore topics like hydrodynamic trapping of microrollers, phase coexistence in colloidal drops, and gel rupture mechanics.

Awards include the 2023 Outstanding Referee Award (Physical Review Letters), 2022 Faculty Honor Roll (Northwestern Office of Undergraduate Research), and 2021 Soft Matter Emerging Investigator (Royal Society of Chemistry). She actively mentors students, including Shih-Yuan and Haley Shamah (Best Poster at CU*iP 2025).

Driscoll’s lab participates in initiatives like the Han-sur-Lesse Soft Matter Summer School and collaborates on projects like the Kirigami d’Aria architectural exhibition in Venice (2025). She advocates for science policy, supporting movements like Stand Up for Science 2025.