معرفی
Michelle Gaines, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Spelman College since 2017. Her academic foundation includes a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering from Michigan State University (2003) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University (2008), where her dissertation explored nanoparticle-block copolymer interfacial chemistry. She maintains an active research program centered on soft materials and interfacial science while teaching core chemistry courses.
Her educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University (2008)
- B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering, Michigan State University (2003)
Dr. Gaines' research focuses on interfacial properties of soft materials, with dual applications in advanced materials engineering and biological systems. Her work integrates Polymer Synthesis, Materials Science, Cell Biology, and Spectroscopy to investigate energy dissipation in thermo-responsive microgels for lithium-ion battery separators and self-actuating biosensors. A significant emerging direction examines material properties of hair through her planned “Hair Academy” initiative, aiming to develop quantitative frameworks for curly hair phenotypes while advancing Spelman College’s legacy in culturally inclusive science.
Analysis of her publication record reveals a strategic evolution from foundational work on nanoparticle-block copolymer interactions (2006-2010) toward cell-material interface studies (2016-2018), with recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrating a pronounced shift into cosmetic science and quantitative hair phenotyping. This trajectory reflects her commitment to bridging fundamental materials chemistry with socially relevant applications, particularly in underrepresented communities.
No scientific awards or honors were documented in the provided information.
Dr. Gaines teaches General Chemistry (CHE 111/112), Physical Chemistry Lab (CHE 346L), and Inorganic Chemistry (CHE 421/421L), mentoring students through her research lab. Her “Hair Academy” initiative represents a significant educational venture to explore how phenotypic hair differences produce distinct material properties, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between students and faculty.
The Gaines Lab operates within Spelman’s Albro-Falconer-Manley Science Center, employing Atomic Force Microscopy and polymer synthesis techniques to study microgel particles, block copolymers, and cell-hydrogel interactions. Current projects focus on developing synthetic 3D culture microenvironments to control cell behavior through precise manipulation of extracellular matrix properties.
